Tomato Basil Bread Pudding

We served this for breakfast with some bacon brushed with maple syrup and fruit, but it would also be a great side dish for dinner.

 

Ingredients

Filling:

• Butter, for greasing the baking dish
• 1/2 (8 ounces) multi-grain loaf, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large or 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 packed cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Parmesan

Custard:

• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Filling: Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 13 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Add the bread cubes and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook until slightly soft, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the basil. Pour the tomato mixture and Parmesan cheese over the bread cubes and combine well.
Custard: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together until smooth. Pour the custard over the bread mixture and gently toss to coat. Bake until slightly puffed and golden, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the pudding from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

Source: Giada De Laurentiis