Tomato Bread Pudding

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the heartiness of bread, and that’s exactly what you get with Tomato Bread Pudding. When summer rolls around, I find myself with an abundance of ripe, juicy tomatoes from my garden. It’s a joy to create a dish that not only celebrates their freshness but also utilizes their vibrant flavors in a unique way. This isn’t your typical bread pudding; it’s a savory delight that can easily steal the show at any meal.

Imagine hosting friends for a casual dinner, and you decide to surprise them with a dish that’s both nostalgic and innovative. The aroma of butter and cheese wafting through the air as the pudding bakes is indeed divine. Everyone gathers around the kitchen, curious about this colorful creation that looks as good as it tastes. Trust me, once they take their first bite of the Tomato Bread Pudding, they’ll be asking for seconds!

This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or simply a cozy dinner at home. Its rich, savory flavors make it a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats or a refreshing salad. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself making it time and again. Let’s dive into why this Tomato Bread Pudding is a must-try for your next meal!

Recipe Ingredients for Tomato Bread Pudding

When it comes to making Tomato Bread Pudding, the ingredients are simple yet essential for creating a rich and flavorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role, combining to celebrate the freshness of summer produce. The key players—tomatoes, bread, and cheese—work together harmoniously to create a delightful meal that’s sure to impress.

• 5 medium (about 2 pounds) tomatoes (peeled, halved, cored and seeded): Fresh tomatoes are the star of this dish. Their natural sweetness and juiciness bring life to the bread pudding.
• ½ teaspoon salt: A crucial ingredient that enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and balances the sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon granulated white sugar: This tiny addition helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making them even more vibrant.
• freshly ground black pepper: Adding a pinch of this spice gives the dish depth and a gentle kick.
• ½ whole (4 cups) baguette (cut into ¾-inch cubes): The base of the pudding, bread creates a lovely texture and absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and helps bind everything together, creating a creamy consistency.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of cheese on top lends a wonderful savory note and a crispy finish.

How to Assemble Tomato Bread Pudding

Assembling Tomato Bread Pudding is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few steps, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. Here’s how to get started:

1. Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, how about taking a moment to enjoy the aroma of summer in your kitchen?
2. Spray a 9×13-inch pyrex casserole dish with nonstick spray. This will ensure your bread pudding comes out easily and doesn’t stick—nobody wants to lose any of that deliciousness!
3. Using a food processor, pulse the tomato halves, salt, sugar, and a pinch of black pepper until coarsely pureed. You want a nice texture that will beautifully coat the bread cubes.
4. Next, place the bread cubes in the prepared dish. You can use any leftover baguette you have, as it will soak in the flavors perfectly.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the bread cubes to coat them evenly. This step is essential for achieving that rich, buttery goodness in every bite.
6. Top the bread with the tomato puree and gently mix everything together to distribute the flavors. Take your time here—ensuring even coverage makes a big difference!
7. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the oven and bake until crusty and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma at this point!
8. After 30 minutes, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top of the pudding. This is where the magic happens, adding a delightful crust to the dish.
9. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—once the cheese is bubbly and golden, it’s ready!
10. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This brief wait allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut into squares.

Perfect Pairings for Tomato Bread Pudding

Serving Tomato Bread Pudding is all about enhancing the experience of this delightful dish. Here are some fantastic ideas for what to serve alongside:

• Grilled Chicken: The savory notes of grilled chicken complement the rich flavors of tomato beautifully.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pudding.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables make a colorful and nutritious side that pairs well.
• Herbed Yogurt Sauce: A dollop of herbed yogurt sauce can add a refreshing touch and contrast to the baked dish.
• Wine Pairing: A light, crisp white wine or a fruity rosé can enhance the overall dining experience.
• Picnic Delight: Tomato Bread Pudding is also great for picnics, served cold or at room temperature!
• Brunch Option: It can also be an exciting addition to a brunch table, serving up something different.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tomato Bread Pudding is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of summer produce with comforting flavors. It’s an excellent way to use ripe tomatoes and transform them into something special. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy the wonderful tastes it brings to your table. Let it become a staple in your kitchen, and share it with those you love!

Tomato Bread Pudding

The ultimate comfort food, Tomato Bread Pudding is a savory delight featuring fresh tomatoes, buttery bread, and a cheesy topping. This easy weeknight dinner will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 medium tomatoes (peeled, halved, cored and seeded)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon granulated white sugar
• freshly ground black pepper
• ½ whole baguette (cut into ¾-inch cubes)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick, melted)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Grater
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch pyrex casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Using a food processor, pulse the tomato halves, salt, sugar, and a pinch of black pepper until coarsely pureed.
3. Place the bread cubes in the prepared dish and drizzle the melted butter over to coat.
4. Top with the tomato puree and gently mix to distribute.
5. Bake until crusty and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
6. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and bake for 10 minutes more. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Tomatoes will maintain their fresh taste if stored at room temperature rather than the refrigerator.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!