Savory burger bread pudding recipe

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 4 burger buns (torn into pieces)
• Olive oil
• ½ pound thickly sliced bacon (cut into medium dice)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1½ cups red onion (peeled, cut into medium dice)
• 2½ cups mature Cheddar (grated)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup pickles (to garnish)

1. Preheat the main oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 13X9” baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In an even layer, arrange the torn bread on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the bread with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Toast in the oven until golden for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and transfer the toasted bread to a bowl. Set to one side.
5. Meanwhile, over moderately high heat, in a frying pan, add the bacon and cook, while occasionally stirring for 5 minutes, until crispy.
6. Transfer the bacon to a kitchen paper towel lined plate and set to one side.
7. To the same frying pan, add the beef and while using the back of a wooden spoon to break the meat up, brown for 5 minutes.
8. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes, until the onions are beginning to soften.
9. Pour the meat mixture over the bread, tossing to combine.
10. Add half of the meat mixture to the baking dish.
11. Scatter 1½ cups of cheese over the top along with half of the bread mixture.
12. Top with remaining cup of cheese.
13. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk and season.
14. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, gently pressing down.
15. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered for between 30-35 minutes, until golden.
16. Remove from the oven and set aside for several minutes.
17. Garnish with pickles and serve.