Savory Bread Pudding

Savory Bread Pudding

Yield At least 6 servings

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan
6 cups dense white bread, cut or torn into 1-inch chunks
2 cups milk
Salt and fresh black pepper
2 ounces grated Parmesan
4 ounces freshly grated semisoft cheese, like Emmenthal
1 cup sliced shiitake mushroom caps

Butter or oil an 8-inch souffle or baking dish, and put bread in it. Combine everything but shiitakes, and pour over bread. Submerge bread with a weighted plate, and turn oven to 350 degrees. Heat 2 tablespoons butter or oil in a saute pan, add shiitakes and saute until tender, about 10 minutes.

Remove plate, and stir in mushrooms. Bake until pudding is just set, 35 to 45 minutes.
Source: The New York Times