Get ready to revolutionize your breakfast game with the most mind-blowing morning dish you'll ever taste! Imagine a breakfast that perfectly balances sweet and savory, transforms ordinary bread into a culinary masterpiece, and requires almost zero morning effort. This Crock Pot Breakfast Bread Pudding is about to become your new obsession - a dish so delicious, it'll make you want to jump out of bed and head straight to the kitchen. Whether you're a busy parent, a brunch enthusiast, or someone who craves a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is your ultimate morning game-changer.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the bread by cutting it into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let it sit out for 30 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps absorb the custard mixture better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth, creating a rich custard base.
- Grease the interior of your crock pot thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer half of the bread cubes into the bottom of the crock pot, creating an even base.
- Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese over the first bread layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Add the remaining bread cubes on top of the first layer, creating a second layer.
- Pour the egg and milk custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread layers, making sure all bread pieces are moistened.
- Sprinkle the remaining bacon and cheese on the top layer.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 3 hours, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Once cooking is complete, turn off the crock pot and let the bread pudding rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Serve warm, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Tips
- For best results, use slightly stale or day-old bread, as it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
- Make sure to grease your crock pot thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the low and slow method is key to achieving a perfectly set, creamy texture.
- Feel free to customize your bread pudding by adding different cheeses, meats, or even sweet mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits.
- If you want a crispier top, you can briefly broil the bread pudding in the oven for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave or oven, making this a great make-ahead breakfast option.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 130mg
