Savory Bacon and Cheese Bread Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Cut the bread into cubes and place the cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
3. 3
   Bake for 5 minutes, until just barely toasted.
4. 4
   Remove the bread cubes from the oven and set aside.
5. 5
   Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until very crisp.
6. 6
   Remove the bacon to a paper towellined plate and set aside.
7. 7
   Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat and discard the rest.
8. 8
   Add the butter to the bacon fat in the skillet and saute the garlic and onions for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
9. 9
   Set aside to cool.
10. 10
    Whisk the eggs and cream in a large mixing bowl.
11. 11
    Add the bread cubes, bacon, garlic and onions, and 2 cups of the Cheddar cheese.
12. 12
    Whisk in the salt, pepper, and parsley.
13. 13
    Butter a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.
14. 14
    Pour the mixture into the pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese.
15. 15
    Bake for 45 minutes, or until firm and brown.