Savory Bread Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   1 (1-pound) loaf crusty country-style white bread
2. 2
   1/4 cup olive oil
3. 3
   4 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
4. 4
   1 large garlic clove, minced
5. 5
   6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
6. 6
   1 pound assorted fresh mushrooms (such as crimini, button, portobello, and stemmed shiitake), thinly sliced
7. 7
   1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
8. 8
   1 1/2 cups thinly sliced celery
9. 9
   1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
10. 10
    1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
11. 11
    3 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
12. 12
    8 large eggs
13. 13
    2 teaspoons salt
14. 14
    1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15. 15
    1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
16. 16
    preparation
17. 17
    Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Cut bottom crust and short ends off bread and discard. Cut remaining bread with crust into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups loosely packed). Place cubes in very large bowl. Add oil, thyme, and garlic; toss to coat. Spread cubes out on large rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until golden and slightly crunchy, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Return toasted bread cubes to same very large bowl.
18. 18
    Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onion, celery, and bell pepper. saute until soft and juices have evaporated, about 15 minutes. Add sauteed vegetables and parsley to bread cubes.
19. 19
    Whisk heavy cream, eggs, salt, and ground pepper in large bowl. Mix custard into bread and vegetables. Transfer stuffing to prepared dish. Sprinkle cheese over. DO AHEAD Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
20. 20
    Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake stuffing uncovered until set and top is golden, about 1 hour. Let stand 15 minutes.