Savory Bread Pudding with Organic Apples & Pears

Yield: 6-8 servings

Skill level: Easy

Breakfast casseroles are a go-to for feeding a crowd, and this version brings together rich, comforting flavors with a seasonal twist. Savory sausage, tender apples and pears, and toasted bread are layered with eggs and cheese to create a hearty, satisfying dish. With a make-ahead option that simplifies busy mornings, this casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or any time you want a warm, flavorful meal ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 14-16 ounces loaf of stale artisan bread
• 2 tablespoons butter, plus more for the baking dish
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
• 2 organic Gala apples, cored and diced
• 2 organic Anjou pears, cored and diced
• ½ cup fresh herbs, finely minced (sage, thyme, rosemary)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 12 large whole eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Cut bread into cubes. Spread bread cubes in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Toast bread cubes for 5 minutes, stir, turn over, then toast for another 5-6 minutes, or until the edges are crisp.
3. Butter a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. Set aside.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened.
5. Add bulk sausage to the pan and break it up into pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink.
6. Add diced apples and pears and sauté until slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Add fresh herbs and cook for another minute or two.
8. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
9. Place toasted bread cubes in a large bowl. Add sausage and fruit mixture. Toss to combine.
10. Place half of the mixture in the casserole dish and sprinkle with 3/4 cup shredded cheese.
11. Top with the remaining half of the bread cube mixture and the remaining 3/4 cup of cheese. Set aside.
12. In the same bowl, stir together maple syrup, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until no lumps remain.
13. Whisk in eggs, followed by milk and cream. Pour evenly over the bread cubes.
14. Gently press down so every cube is submerged in the custard mixture.
15. Cover with foil and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
16. To bake: Remove the casserole dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats to 350F.
17. Place the dish, still covered with foil, in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
18. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer runny.
19. Let it sit before serving.