bacon pudding

Bacon pudding can mean a few different things depending on where you are — from a rich savory British-style suet pudding with bacon and onions, to a sweet-and-salty modern dessert using bacon in a custard or bread pudding. I’ll give you both takes below so you can choose your adventure:

🧂 Option 1: Traditional Savory Bacon Pudding (British-style Steamed Pudding)

Think: soft, steamed suet pastry filled with smoky bacon and onions — hearty and comforting.

🧾 Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups (225g) self-raising flour

• 3½ oz (100g) shredded suet (beef or vegetarian)

• Cold water (about 6–8 tbsp)

• 6–8 slices streaky bacon, chopped

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• Salt & pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the pastry:

   • Mix flour, suet, and a pinch of salt.

   • Add cold water gradually until it forms a soft dough.

   • Roll out on a floured surface into a large circle.

2. Line your pudding basin:

   • Grease a pudding basin (1-liter size), and press in the rolled dough, reserving a circle for the lid.

3. Add filling:

   • Layer bacon and onions inside. Season well.

4. Seal & steam:

   • Cover with the dough lid and seal edges.

   • Cover with foil and tie with string.

   • Steam for 2 to 2½ hours.

5. Serve:

   • Turn out and slice. Great with mashed potatoes and peas.

🍮 Option 2: Sweet Bacon Pudding (Modern Dessert Twist)

Think: smoky, salty bacon with rich vanilla or maple custard — great as a twist on bread pudding.

🧾 Ingredients:

• 4 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped

• 4 cups cubed bread (brioche or challah works great)

• 2 cups milk or half-and-half

• 3 eggs

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: drizzle of maple syrup or pinch of cinnamon

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.

2. Mix custard:
   Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla together.

3. Assemble:
   Layer bread cubes and chopped bacon in the dish.
   Pour custard over the top and let sit 10–15 mins.

4. Bake:
   Bake for 40–45 mins until set and golden. Let cool slightly.

5. Serve:
   Warm, with a drizzle of maple syrup or whipped cream.

🔄 Want to take it further?

• Add cheese to the savory version for extra richness.

• Add chocolate chips or caramel swirls to the sweet one for a full sweet-salty combo.