Easy Recipe for a Bread Pudding

A simple and elegant side dish for a little something different on the table. And with the addition of a little ground beef or sausage, it becomes the star of the show!

8 cups hearty white bread (french or country), cubed or torn

4 large eggs

2 cups milk

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1½ tablespoons dried chives

1 cup shredded cheddar or swiss cheese

2 tablespoons butter

1 lb ground beef or sausage, browned (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees with the shelf on the middle rack.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper and chives in a large bowl. Mix in the bread and toss to combine. Add in the 3/4 cups of the cheese (and the meat if using) and toss to combine.

Grease a large baking dish with the butter. Add the bread pudding and spread into an even layer. Top with the remainder of the cheese. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Cool 5 minutes and serve immediately. Serves 4-6.