Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Rediscovering America. All opinions and text are honest and my own.

Rediscovering America with Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding

They say that laughter is the brightest in the place where the food is. If that isn’t as accurate as it gets, I don’t know what is.

In fact, eating can truly be a joy.

Not only because it delights the senses, but it also evokes nostalgia. There really is something special about wholesome and fresh ingredients.

That ”farm fresh” thing–it really can make all the difference.

So as often as I can, I indulge in fresh and delicious produce and use them in all my recipes.

Magdaleno Ristorante

I had the chance to take my family out for dinner to Magdaleno’s Ristorante in Wyandotte, Michigan. It’s a charming restaurant just off the main drag of Biddle Avenue and believe me, they know Italian food.

Above all, not only did we love our food, it was kid-approved.

In truth, the staff was exceptional and that tells you a lot about a place. e.

Magdaleno’s has partnered with Walmart for the Rediscovering America program. As part of the program, Walmart has challenged 9 chefs across America to offer its patrons delicious food that is made with fresh, affordable, and locally grown produce from Walmart stores in Detroit.

Not only are they dedicated to farmers, but it’s also nice to be able to enjoy fresh produce both in local restaurants and at home.

So, as a result, Magdaleno’s took that challenge and delivered!

Walmart supports local farms and farmers

Chef Ernesto Magdaleno Guzman created an exquisite dish made with organic blueberries, organic tomatoes, and organic celery.

The Blueberry Pork Chops and Italian Pasta Salad are a must-try. First of all, you may think it doesn’t work but, it works so well! The pork chops are lightly and perfectly breaded and sit atop a dulcet blueberry sauce. There are lemon slices to cut the sweetness if you wish.

Furthermore, it’s served with fresh greens with organic celery and tomato, and pasta. Needless to say, it was scrumptious. The best part is that the flavors were so comforting, nostalgic, and satisfying.

Let me tell you, that dinner was a highlight of our weekend and the flavors stuck with me.

As a result, I was inspired to capture those same flavors with my own recipe. For me, there is nothing more comforting than a delicious dessert after a good meal.

While I believe in moderation in life, I always have dessert.

Life is too short not to!

In other words, grab a slice because bread pudding finishes a nice light dinner perfectly!

Comforting and Nostalgic

My bread pudding is a family favorite and to pay homage to Chef Ernesto’s creation, I made Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding. You may think that blueberry doesn’t go with pork, right?

On the contrary, you’ll find that the sweetness of the bread pudding and subtle saltiness of the bacon gives you that same lip-smacking satisfaction that this dish arouses.

So, it is perfect for after-dinner dessert, brunch, and holiday breakfasts. Bring it to an event, surprise people. You can thank me later!

Read on for a step-by-step recipe to make your very own Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding.

Things You Will Need:

• 10 cups of French bread (this depends on bread type, I used the 3/4 of the loaf pictured above)
• 4 large eggs
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 cup of half & half cream
• 1/2 cup of organic blueberries (I got them at Walmart)
• 6 strips of bacon (I usually just prepare the whole package because yum)
• 3/4 cup of sugar or stevia
• 1/3 cup of maple syrup
• 2/3 cup of melted butter (make sure it is somewhat cooled)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• non-stick spray for pan
• stoneware baking pan (I used a 9×13)
• mixing bowls
• measuring spoons
• measuring cups
• whisk
• tinfoil

Don’t forget that you can get all of your ingredients and supplies from Walmart, and order online for curbside pickup!

Let’s Start Making Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding

The trick to making good bread pudding is to use day-old or for lack of a better word, stale bread. I love using French bread. However, you can use other types like brioche or any thick-cut white bread is great. I’ve even used cinnamon buns before and it was amazing! 

Firstly, let’s pre-heat oven to 350°F/ 175°C.

Secondly, grease your pan. You can use butter, margarine, or oil spray.

Proceed to cut the bread into cubes. I find the easiest way to do this evenly is by slicing the bread into 1-inch slices. Then stack 3 slices, cut down into them horizontally in half, then vertically across to cube the bread.

After that, place the bread cubes inside the greased pan. 

Sizzle That Bacon

Fry bacon in a pan or line a baking sheet with tinfoil and bake your bacon. I prefer the latter, it leaves the bacon perfectly crispy. Once it is cooked to your preference, chop it coarsely and place aside.

Make That Creamy Custard

Above all, what makes bread pudding a perfect consistency is a perfect custard. However, adding wholesome ingredients adds a whole lotta flavor.

Take your eggs, egg yolks, half and half cream, melted butter, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and whisk until combined. 

Pour and bake It

Once the custard is mixed completely, pour mixture over cubed bread in the pan. Let it soak in and add in the organic blueberries. Stir gently until evenly distributed. 

Let the bread soak for about 20 minutes so it absorbs all the custard. Place the pan in the oven for about 50-60 minutes. Adhere tinfoil over the pan. Place it lightly, just so it is covered but not tightly.

Bake with tinfoil for about 20 minutes and then remove the pan from the oven and discard tinfoil. 

I find this helps to cook the bread pudding but, doesn’t crisp the top too early.

After that, place the pan back into the oven and continue baking until golden brown.

Enjoy Locally-Grown Goodness

Grab that bacon you put aside and sprinkle it on top of the bread pudding.

Once you cut a slice, drizzle the bread pudding with some more maple syrup and enjoy!

Those blueberries really put this bread pudding over the top.

The tartness of the blueberries pairs with the sweet custard exquisitely.

The crispy bacon cuts the sweetness with a little saltiness and adds texture.

In other words, it really is comfort served by the slice!

You May Also Like:

• Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
• Easy and Delicious Glazed Orange Bread
• Keto Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fat Bombs
• Super Easy Red Velvet Truffles

In short, this Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding recipe was a hit in our house and it gave me that feeling of nostalgia and comfort.

Make sure you visit Walmart to pick up your own locally-grown, fresh produce and start cooking!

In the meantime, I will be digging into a delicious and warm slice of this Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding.

Don’t mind if I do!

Do you like mixing sweet and savory flavors?

Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!

 

 

 

 

 

 

PIN FOR LATER: