New York Apple Cheddar Bacon Bread Pudding - New York Apple Association

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 medium NY apples, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 6 cups cubed day-old French bread
• 1 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 5 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups 2% milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• In a greased 8-inch square baking dish, layer half of the following: bread, bacon, apples and cheese. Repeat layers.
• In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon and salt. Pour over top of baking dish. Refrigerate covered for several hours or overnight to allow bread to soak up liquid.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove bread pudding from refrigerator and warm to room temperature. Bake 45-55 minutes or until puffed and golden.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave syrup and walnuts until warmed, stirring once. Serve with bread pudding.