Herb

A couple months back my family and I went to Disneyland for a few days. During our stay at the Hilton we ended up ordering room service for dinner because we were just too pooped from all the fun to actually go out. One of those nights I ordered roasted chicken, which came with a savory bread pudding. The bread pudding was phenomenal! So phenomenal, that I ordered the same dish a second time during our visit. Yes, it was that good! The bread pudding was flavor packed and went perfectly with the chicken. This last weekend I tried to replicate the recipe to go with my roasted turkey because I didn’t want to do the same old stuffing I had just had a couple of weeks prior at Thanksgiving. I think it turned out fantastic! One thing I love about this recipe is that it is super easy, can be made in advance, and goes with any type of meat! This Christmas I will be making this bread pudding along with my prime rib. Whether you are cooking a ham, turkey, or a fine cut of beef at Christmas this will be the perfect side dish that will have everyone talking. It is a perfect substitute for those plain dinner rolls or even mashed potatoes.

Note: The bread pudding can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Remove baking dish from fridge at least one hour before baking and bring to room temperature. If you have a smaller group of people this recipe is easy to halve. Just use an 8″ x 8″ baking dish.

INGREDIENTS
2 large sourdough rounds, cut into 1” cubes
1/2 c fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 c fresh sage, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
salt and pepper
6 tbsp butter
2 tbsp garlic, minced
1/3 c chives, chopped
8 eggs
2 c chicken broth
2 c heavy cream

STEPS

Preheat oven to 325º.
In a large bowl combine the bread, parsley, sage, thyme, salt and pepper.
In a small skillet melt the butter over medium-high heat and add the garlic cooking until tender. Do not burn the garlic!
Add the chives to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes.
Drizzle the melted butter over the bread and toss to coat.
In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, broth, and heavy cream.
Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and stir until evenly coated.
Transfer the bread mixture to a greased 9” x 13” baking dish.
Gently press the soaked bread into the pan.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until center is set.
Tent dish with foil until ready to serve.
Slice into squares and enjoy!