Are you looking for delicious and easy recipes that put your leftover challah bread to good use? Look no further! Challah, with its rich, eggy texture and subtly sweet flavor, is incredibly versatile. While French toast is a classic, we're diving deeper into the world of challah, exploring creative ways to transform this beloved bread into exciting new dishes. From savory strata to sweet bread pudding, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Get ready to elevate your challah game!
Savory Challah Bread Pudding: A Hearty Weeknight Meal
This recipe transforms leftover challah into a comforting and satisfying savory bread pudding, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables too!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed challah bread (day-old is best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, broccoli, and bell pepper; cook until slightly tender, about 3-5 minutes more.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed challah bread and sauteed vegetables; stir gently to combine. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before cutting and serving. Enjoy this delicious and easy homemade meal!
Sweet Challah Bread Pudding: A Delightful Dessert
This classic sweet challah bread pudding is a comforting and delicious dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The recipe is easily adaptable to your favorite flavors and ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed challah bread
- 1/2 cup raisins (or other dried fruit)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed challah, raisins, and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Assemble: Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture, ensuring all the bread is moistened. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake: Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream makes a wonderful addition.
Tips and Variations:
- Day-old bread: Using day-old challah is recommended for both savory and sweet bread puddings as it absorbs the liquid better, preventing a soggy texture.
- Customize your flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, cheeses, and vegetables in the savory bread pudding. Add chocolate chips, different dried fruits, or spices like nutmeg to the sweet version.
- Make it ahead: Both recipes can be assembled a few hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. This is a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, Savory version):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Enjoy these delicious and versatile challah bread recipes! They are a perfect way to minimize food waste and create tasty, satisfying meals and desserts. Remember to adjust seasonings and ingredients to your preference for the best results. Happy cooking!