APPLE, CHEDDAR & BACON BREAD PUDDING

Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding image

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! -Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

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

Steps:

In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add apples; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in brown sugar. Cook, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Cool completely., In 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., Preheat 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, 45-55 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving., In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave syrup and walnuts until warmed, stirring once. Serve with bread pudding. Freeze option: After assembling, cover and freeze bread pudding. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake and serve bread pudding with syrup as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 505 calories, Fat 26g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 155mg cholesterol, Sodium 729mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (35g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 19g protein.