GRUYERE ROASTED GARLIC BREAD PUDDING

GRUYERE ROASTED GARLIC BREAD PUDDING image

Yield 6 sides 4 main

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 C dried bread cubes
3 C Whole milk, divided
3 C half n half
4 eggs
1/2 t salt
1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
1/4 t nutmeg (or 1/8 t mace)
1 1/2 C shreddded gruyere (about 8 oz)divided
1/2 C roasted garlic
1 C fresh arugula (opt.)

Steps:

Do ahead Roast Garlic 1/2 C garlic cloves 1T olive oil sprinkle w/ salt Bake @ 325 approx 20 min til nicely golden. set aside. Cut bread (4C) into 1 in cubes allow to dry out in the air at least 12 hrs. Outside edges should be dry, but the cube itself yielding. Put dry bread in a large bowl, pour 2 C milk over cubes, toss lightly and allow to set 10 min or so. Toss cubes lightly again to insure that all cubes are moistened. Allow to remain until all milk mis absorbed. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs till slightly foamy, whisk in remaining cup of milk, half n half and seasonings. Pour egg mixture over bread cubes, fold in remaining ingredients (reserve 1/2C gruyere to sprinkle on top). Pour into a well greased baking dish, sprinkle on remaining cheese, bake @ 325 45-60 min (til a knife inserted in the center comes out moist but clean)