Savory Italian Morning Pudding: A Delicious Twist

Step 1

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and show some love to a 9x13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with a touch of butter - about 2 teaspoons should do the trick. Set this dish aside, eagerly awaiting its delicious contents.

Step 2

In a medium-sized skillet, melt 2 teaspoons of butter over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling symphony. Toss in a colorful array of onions, green and red bell peppers, a dash of black pepper, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Let this aromatic blend cook and mingle until the veggies turn tender and fragrant, around 5 to 7 minutes. Add a handful of fresh parsley, give it a gentle stir, and then gracefully remove the skillet from the heat. Allow these veggies to cool off, like a gentle breeze on a warm day.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in another medium-sized skillet dancing over medium heat, cook and stir the sausage until it takes on a lovely golden hue, a process that should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, let the sausage rest on a plate lined with a paper towel, soaking up any excess oil.

Step 4

In a large bowl, crack open some eggs and beat them with enthusiasm. Pour in some milk, a dollop of half-and-half, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, the remaining black pepper, and a hint of salt. Whisk this mixture until it harmonizes beautifully. Toss in some bread cubes and let them soak up the flavors for about 5 minutes. Now, add the cooked sausage, crispy bacon, the cooled down veggie mix, a generous handful of Cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of bread crumbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Gently fold everything together until it forms a delightful medley of flavors. Lovingly spoon this mixture into the prepared baking dish, tucking it in snugly under a cozy foil blanket.

Step 5

Slide this dish of goodness into the preheated oven and let it bake until it's nearly set, a process that should take around 50 to 55 minutes - like watching a beautiful sunrise unfold.

Step 6

While the pudding bakes, prepare a final flourish by mixing the remaining bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese with a bit of melted butter and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. When the pudding is almost done, take it out of the oven, but keep the heat on. Uncover the dish and sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the top like a golden crown. Return the dish to the oven and turn up the heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Let it bake for another 20 minutes until the pudding is fully set, puffed up like a happy cloud, and tinged with a golden glow.

Step 7

Once the baking symphony is complete, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a bit, like a tired traveler finding respite. Allow it to stand and settle for 10 to 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the dish reach its peak deliciousness before serving it up to eager diners. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, savoring each bite of this culinary masterpiece.