**Meatballs & Garlic Bread & Butter Pudding Recipe**
Introduction
Searching for the perfect fusion of comfort foods? Look no further. This Meatballs & Garlic Bread & Butter Pudding recipe might just be the answer. A blend of hearty meatballs and fluffy garlic bread soaked in a savory custard mix, it’s your favorite childhood meals moulded into one magical “pudding.”
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe elevates the simple meatball and garlic bread concept to a creative culinary hybrid that tastes like home. It’s no ordinary meatball casserole – it’s a savory bread pudding. This dish is rich, comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Meatballs, Garlic Bread & Butter Pudding
Crafting this delightful dish is straightforward and hassle-free. The process involves creating succulent meatballs, buttery garlic toast, and a light custard mix. The magic then happens when these mouthwatering elements are layered in a baking dish, baked to perfection, and served steaming hot.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need:
– Ground Beef or Pork (1 lb)
– Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup)
– Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup)
– Egg (1 no)
– Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
– Salt and Pepper
– Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
– French Bread (1/2 loaf), sliced
– Butter, melted (1/2 cup)
– Garlic, minced for butter (2 cloves)
– Parsley, chopped (1/4 cup)
– Milk (2 cups)
– Eggs (4 nos)
– Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup)
Directions
1. **Meatball Preparation**: Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, an egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl, and form this into small meatballs.
2. **Cook Meatballs**: Brown these meatballs in a heated, olive oil-drizzled skillet. Keep aside once done.
3. **Garlic Butter Preparation**: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture on both sides of your French bread slices.
4. **Layering**: Arrange half of the buttered bread slices in a greased baking dish. Layer meatballs over these slices.
5. **Second Layering**: Place the remaining bread slices over the meatballs.
6. **Custard Preparation**: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and eggs. Pour this mix over the layered elements in the dish.
7. **Final Touches**: Sprinkle the top bread layer with shredded mozzarella.
8. **Bake**: Preheat the oven at 350°F, and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.
9. **Serve**: Let the pudding sit for few minutes to cool, further enhancing its flavors before you dig in.
How to Serve Meatballs & Garlic Bread & Butter Pudding
Serve this pudding warm, ideally straight out of the oven. The layers of savory meatballs, buttery garlic bread, and cheesy toppings are best when fresh and hot.
How to Store Meatballs & Garlic Bread & Butter Pudding
Keep this dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, let it reach room temperature and bake it again for a couple of minutes to restore its deliciousness.
Tips to Make Meatballs & Garlic Bread & Butter Pudding
– Opt for a good-quality ground meat for the best-flavoured meatballs.
– Be sure your bread slices are thick enough to stand up to the custard without getting soggy.
Variation
You can switch up the cheese for a slightly different flavor each time you cook this dish. Experiment with a sharper cheese like cheddar or a creamier cheese like ricotta, rather than mozzarella.
FAQ
1. **Can I use store-bought meatballs?**
Yes, pre-cooked or frozen meatballs can be substituted in this recipe to save time.
2. **What type of bread works for this recipe?**
French bread is preferred for this recipe due to its sturdy and crunchy nature. However, you can use any other type of crusty bread.
3. **Can I prep this dish ahead of time?**
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, just bake it until it’s golden brown.