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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.


A pan of Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding shown with a napkin, wooden spoon, and small bowl of blueberries. They are birds eye view against a wood counter.

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.

Mimi and Gabby stand in front of the Magdaleno Ristorante. They hold hands and smile.

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.

The outdoor patio at Magdaleno Ristorante.

Magdaleno Ristorante menu with 'Rediscovering America' flyer.

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!

Chef Ernesto Magdaleno Guzman

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!

A pan of Blueberry Bacon Bread pudding is on a small plate, maple syrup is drizzled on top with a fork.

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.

Ingredients needed for bread pudding. A French loaf, cream, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, eggs, and butter. With a small bowl of blueberries.

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!

9x13 baking pan with cubed bread. Ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and blueberries surround it.

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.

Half and half cream being poured into glass bowl. Napkin and eggs are pictured in the background.

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.

A pan of Blueberry Bacon Bread pudding is on a small plate, maple syrup is drizzled on top with a fork.
Yield: 9 large squares or 12 small squares

Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This dessert is absolutely comforting and nostalgic. Perfectly warm and satisfying. Made with organic blueberries, and topped with crispy bacon. You may think the combination is unique but, it works. The tartness of the blueberries, along with the sweetness of the bread and maple syrup go so well together. Then to cut the sweetness and to add texture, the crispy bacon adds some saltiness to the dish. This is a great dish for after-dinner dessert, holiday breakfasts, potlucks, and more. Surprise everyone, and let them taste comfort by the slice!

Ingredients

  • 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 9x13
  • mixing bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • whisk
  • tinfoil

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F/ 175°C.
  2. Grease your pan. You can use butter, margarine, or oil spray.
  3. 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.
  4. Place the bread cubes inside the greased pan.
  5. 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.
  6. Take your eggs, egg yolks, half and half cream, melted butter, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and whisk until combined.
  7. 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. 
  8. 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.
  9. Bake with tinfoil for about 20 minutes and then remove the pan from the oven and discard tinfoil. 
  10. Place the pan back into the oven and continue baking until golden brown.
  11. 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!

Notes

This bread pudding can be frozen after baked for about 2-3 months. You can also prepare this bread pudding the night before and leave it overnight to bake the next morning.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

9

Serving Size:

9 -12

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 338Unsaturated Fat: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Bread pudding on a small plate without syrup. Pan is in the background with empty plates.

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:

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!

The name Nancy is shown with a dandelion fluff on the end of the y.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PIN FOR LATER:

A banner reads, "Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding," A pan of Blueberry Bacon Bread pudding is on a small plate, maple syrup is drizzled on top with a fork.

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40 Comments

  1. I love blueberries but I don’t see them ths time of year. That bread pudding sounds like a great mixture of flavors. This seems perfect for the fall season.

  2. I have never thought about putting blueberry and bacon together in a bread pudding. It’s got that sweet and savory all together. I definitely need to try this.

  3. My husband is a huge bread pudding fan! I have never tried a recipe with bacon and blueberries, two of his favorite ingredients!

  4. I could totally scarf down a whole pan of this scrumptious blueberry bacon bread pudding. As soon as my Saturday’s calm down, I will be spending a lazy weekend making this (and eating it all!)

    Magdaleno’s Ristorante looks so cozy and inviting. I’ll have to check them out next time I’m that way in Michigan.

  5. This bread pudding looks absolutely amazing! If I made this, I think my husband would be incredibly happy – it has everything he loves!

  6. That looks so good and it makes me think of Christmas morning. That would be the perfect bread to eat on Christmas Day.

  7. This looks like an amazing recipe. I will have to get the ingredients so that I can make it. I really can’t wait to try this.

  8. Wow this sounds so amazingly delicious. I love bread pudding but haven’t made it in years. Gotta try this recipe.

  9. I will absolutely be trying this dish sometime in the near future! I love sweet and salty and blueberry are my favorite baked fruit. With bacon is the surprise yet very intriguing part that makes me want to try it so much! Sounds delicious!

  10. Yummy. The blueberry bacon bread pudding looks so amazing. I haven’t tried bread pudding but if it is sweet, then I know I will love it. I’m going to have to give this recipe a try. Thank you for sharing.

  11. sounds like a great recipe! love blueberries, and who doesn’t love bacon! Will be trying the recipe for the family!

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