Today has been gray and drizzly. Although I generally don't like to bake in the summer, it just seemed to be the perfect day to make one of my favorite egg dishes - bread pudding.
This Monte Cristo Bread Pudding is kind of unique in that it is a savory bread pudding instead of a dessert. A perfect rainy summer evening meal.
Monte Cristo Bread Pudding
4 eggsWhisk eggs, cream, milk, and mustard, salt and pepper in a 2 cup measuring cup and set aside.
Butter a 13"x 9" casserole dish and arrange the bread cubes in a single layer in the dish. Layer the meats and cheese on top of the bread, then cover with the remaining bread. Dot the top with some of the fresh thyme.
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure to moisten all the bread.
Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down to soak the filling and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven, brush top with melted butter and return to oven for another 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Serve immediately dusted with a bit of confectioners sugar, and garnished with some of the thyme. Then enjoy with a nice cold glass of crisp Chardonnay. Light a few candles and enjoy the rain!