Spinach-Shiitake Bread Puddings

• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for brushing
2. 2 medium shallots, minced
3. 1 leek, white and tender green, cut into 2-inch julienne strips
4. 1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps coarsely chopped
5. Salt and freshly ground pepper
6. One 5-ounce bag baby spinach
7. One 1-pound round loaf of sourdough bread, crusts removed, bread cut into 1-inch cubes
8. 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
9. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10. 2 large eggs
11. 1 1/2 cups milk
12. 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the shallots and leek and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until lightly browned, about 7 minutes; transfer to a large bowl.
2. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Add the spinach and cook, tossing, until wilted, about 1 minute. Add the spinach to the mushrooms with the bread, Swiss cheese and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan and toss.
3. Beat the eggs in a small bowl. In a saucepan, bring the milk and cream to a boil, then gradually whisk into the eggs. Stir the custard into the bread and let stand, stirring occasionally, until absorbed, about 15 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°. Butter eight 3/4-cup ramekins and set them on a baking sheet. Spoon the pudding into the ramekins and bake for 20 minutes, or until browned. Let cool for 15 minutes.
5. Preheat the broiler. Turn the bread puddings out onto an ovenproof platter. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan and broil for about 30 seconds, or until golden. Serve hot.