Crowd-Pleasing Brunch Recipes You Can Make in a Loaf Pan

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Savory Bread Pudding

Savory, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—this Breakfast Bread Bake is like the cozy cousin of bread pudding, with all the charm and none of the sugar. Cubes of crusty bread soak up a rich egg mixture, layered with wilted spinach and melty cheese. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for brunch gatherings—or lazy weekend mornings when you want something hearty without the fuss.

Ingredients (for 4-6 servings):

• 3 cups cubed day-old bread (like sourdough or French bread)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or thawed from frozen and drained)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder for added flavor
• Butter or oil for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook just until wilted. Remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings. Add bread cubes, spinach, and cheese. Stir until bread is fully coated.
4. Transfer mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press down gently with a spatula to compact. Let sit for 10 min. to soak (optional but recommended).
5. Bake for 35–40 min. until golden and set in the center. Let cool slightly before slicing.
6. Serve warm with a drizzle of hot sauce or a side of fruit.