Bread Dumplings With Bacon
Creamy bread dumplings with crispy bacon and herbs, perfect as a hearty side or comforting main for family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut bread into very fine slices and pour boiling milk over them. Soak for 1 hour.
- Fry diced bacon and chopped onion together; then leave to cool.
- Stir the bacon and onion mixture into the soaked bread and milk mixture; add cornstarch.
- Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, compact ball.
- Cool the mixture, then stir in eggs one at a time.
- Add chopped parsley, then stir in baking powder and season with salt.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using a mix of stale bread varieties, such as French and Italian. If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but adjust the quantity as it may require more to achieve the desired consistency. Make sure to fry the bacon until crispy for a better texture in your dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread dumplings with a side of rich gravy or alongside roasted meats, such as pork or beef. They pair beautifully with Pork Shau Mai for a complete meal experience. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them for a few minutes or warm them in a skillet with a little butter to restore their texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread Dumplings With Bacon contains roughly 673 calories, with 21g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (89% of the Daily Value), potassium (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1206mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for this recipe?
While stale bread absorbs the milk better and provides a firmer texture, you can use fresh bread if necessary. Just slightly toast the fresh bread to dry it out before soaking to get a similar result.
How can I make these dumplings vegetarian?
To adapt this recipe for a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for added flavor. You can also enhance the dish with spices like smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon.
What sauces go well with bread dumplings?
Bread dumplings are versatile and can be paired with various sauces. A rich brown gravy works beautifully, as do creamy mushroom sauces. For a lighter option, consider a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or a simple garlic butter sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).