3 tablespoons butter
2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
6 cups cubed day-old French bread
1 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
5 large eggs
2-1/4 cups 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
SYRUP:
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add apples; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in brown sugar. Cook, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes or until apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Cool completely.
2In a greased 8-in. square baking dish, layer half of each of the following: bread, bacon, apples and cheese. Repeat layers. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon and salt; pour over top. Refrigerate, covered, several hours or overnight.
3Preheat oven to 350°. Remove bread pudding from refrigerator; uncover and let stand while oven heats. Bake until puffed and golden, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
4In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave syrup and walnuts until warmed, stirring once. Serve with bread pudding.
Total Time
Prep: 30 Min. + Chilling Bake: 45 Min. + Standing
I had this dish at a bridal brunch many years ago. It was so delicious that I created my own version, and this is the result. Now I make it all the time. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
1 piece with 8 teaspoons syrup: 505 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 155mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.