Recipe: The Dubliner's Mushroom Bread Pudding

November’s chill demands robust, comforting fare, but a good meal demands balance. You’ll find both on The Dubliner’s winter menu, where chef and partner Stephanie Russell pairs cold weather’s hearty proteins with a mushroom bread pudding. The dish’s requisite cubed bread and egg-based custard ensure substance and richness while savory spices and a mix of earthy mushrooms keep flavor delicately toothsome. You’ll fall for it at first bite.

Mushroom Bread Pudding
Courtesy of The Dubliner’s Stephanie Russell

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 shallot, diced
4 cups raw mixed mushrooms, such as crimini, oyster and button, sliced
1 cup dry white wine
Salt and pepper
1 loaf brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 eggs
1 quart heavy cream
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. powdered ginger
2 tsp. dry sage

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

• In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. 

• Add the shallot and sweat for 2 to 3 minutes.

• Add the mushrooms and wine and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

• Allow the mushroom mixture to cool slightly and then add it to the cubed bread.

• In a bowl, combine the eggs, cream, spices, and salt and pepper to taste and wisk to combine. 

• Pour the egg mixture over the bread, mix thoroughly and set aside for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Lightly grease two standard loaf pans. Fill each with the bread mixture. 

• Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

• Allow to cool slightly and then turn the pudding out onto a cooling rack. 

• When cool, cut the pudding into 1-inch thick slices and place on a buttered sheet pan. 

• Bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until the edges are slightly crispy.

• Serve immediately.