Spotted Dog
A comforting bread pudding with sweet raisins, tart apples, and warm spices, topped with cheese and served with creamy vanilla yogurt—perfect for cozy gatherings or family desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 cups toasted bread cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup peeled and thinly sliced tart apples ⓘ
- 1/4 cup melted oleo ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese (optional) ⓘ
- 1 quart nonfat frozen vanilla yogurt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small pan, bring sugar and water to a boil until thick, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- In an 8-inch square pan, layer half the bread cubes, the syrup, raisins, and sliced apples.
- Repeat layering with remaining bread cubes, syrup, raisins, and apples.
- Pour melted oleo over the layered ingredients and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top if using.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- Scoop into 9 serving dishes.
- Top each serving with nonfat frozen vanilla yogurt.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of brown and white sugar. You can substitute butter for oleo for a more traditional taste. If you want to add a twist, try including chopped walnuts or pecans. This dish is quite versatile, so feel free to experiment with different fruits like pears or cranberries. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added treat.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful dessert can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with nonfat frozen vanilla yogurt, which adds a refreshing contrast. For a more indulgent experience, consider serving it alongside a scoop of ice cream. It can also be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or brunch item, making it versatile for any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but be cautious not to overheat, which can make the bread tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spotted Dog contains roughly 1355 calories, with 19g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% 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 different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While toasted bread cubes work well, you can substitute with brioche, challah, or even gluten-free bread for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure the bread is stale or lightly toasted to absorb the liquid without becoming mushy.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Use a plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and substitute oleo with coconut oil or vegan butter to keep the recipe entirely vegan.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavors, consider adding vanilla extract to the egg mixture or incorporating spices like allspice or ginger. You can also experiment with the type of cheese used; a sharp white cheddar can add a nice contrast to the sweetness. For a special touch, drizzle with a homemade caramel sauce before serving.
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).