Baked Stale Bread with Cherry Tomatoes and Cheese Recipe

This recipe for Baked Stale Bread with Cherry Tomatoes and Cheese is a delightful and creative way to transform stale bread into a gourmet dish. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this savory bake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner. The blend of crispy bread, juicy cherry tomatoes, gooey melted cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that feels both rustic and refined.

In this detailed guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to customize this dish to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sustainable Cooking: A perfect way to reduce food waste by repurposing stale bread.
2. Bursting with Flavor: Sweet cherry tomatoes, savory cheese, and herbs elevate the dish.
3. Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily accessible.
4. Versatile: Customize with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or proteins.
5. Quick and Easy: Requires minimal prep time and delivers big on taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2. Cube the Bread: Cut your stale bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is still soft, toast the cubes in the oven for 10 minutes to dry them out.
3. Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Custard Base

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan. This ensures cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

1. Layer the Ingredients: Spread half of the bread cubes in the baking dish. Scatter half of the cherry tomatoes on top, followed by the remaining bread and tomatoes.
2. Pour the Custard: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and tomatoes, ensuring all pieces of bread are moistened.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
4. Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for added richness and crispness.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
2. Cool Slightly: Allow the dish to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pair with a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy lunch or dinner.
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for extra creaminess.

Tips for Success

1. Best Bread Choices: Use sturdy bread like sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta to hold up to the custard without becoming too soggy.
2. Avoid Overloading: Don’t overfill the baking dish, as it may cause uneven baking.
3. Customizable Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, feta, or goat cheese for varied flavors.
4. Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh the next day.

Variations

1. Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese.
2. Mexican Style: Use pepper jack cheese, salsa, and chopped jalapeños.
3. Protein-Packed: Incorporate cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp.
4. Vegan Option: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, eggs with a flaxseed mixture, and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh bread?

Yes, but for the best texture, toast the bread first to mimic the sturdiness of stale bread.

What other vegetables can I add?

Zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or caramelized onions work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version.

How do I keep the dish from becoming too soggy?

Ensure the bread is stale or toasted, and avoid over-soaking the bread with custard.

Conclusion

Baked Stale Bread with Cherry Tomatoes and Cheese is more than just a recipe—it’s an exercise in creativity and sustainability. This dish proves that even the simplest ingredients can create a comforting, flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste, impress guests, or enjoy a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers.

Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy a dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious!

Yield: 4

Baked Stale Bread with Cherry Tomatoes and Cheese Recipe

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This recipe for Baked Stale Bread with Cherry Tomatoes and Cheese is a delightful and creative way to transform stale bread into a gourmet dish. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this savory bake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner. The blend of crispy bread, juicy cherry tomatoes, gooey melted cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that feels both rustic and refined.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups stale bread, cut into cubes
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of choice)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups milk (or half-and-half for a richer dish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a medium-sized baking dish or casserole with olive oil or nonstick spray.

2. Prepare Bread Base

1. Place the cubed stale bread in a large mixing bowl.

3. Mix the Liquid Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine and Assemble

1. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, tossing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid evenly.
2. Transfer the soaked bread to the prepared baking dish.

5. Add Toppings

1. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the bread mixture.
2. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly across the top.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the dish and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat (if desired).

6. Bake

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the bread is crispy on the edges.

7. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

• Customize: Add other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor.
• Cheese options: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Gruyere, or goat cheese for a unique twist.
• Make ahead: Assemble the dish a few hours in advance and bake just before serving.