Egg-Filled Pav Bread Recipe – Red Chili & Cheddar Bake

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Egg-Filled Pav Bread Recipe – Red Chili & Cheddar Bake

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a total comfort food winner in my house. I first stumbled upon a version of this when visiting Mumbai, and immediately knew I had to recreate it at home. It’s basically a savory bread pudding, but with a lovely Indian twist and a whole lot of flavor. This Egg-Filled Pav Bread is perfect for a weekend brunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a festive occasion. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another bread bake. It’s a delightful mix of textures – soft, fluffy bread, a creamy egg filling, and a satisfyingly crispy cheese topping. The red chili flakes add a lovely warmth, and the pav bread itself is just… special. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up slightly stale bread!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 6 Eggs
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp Red chili flakes
• 1 tsp Dried parsley
• 1 cup Bell peppers (chopped) – about 150g
• ½ cup Cheddar cheese (grated) – about 75g
• 1 Pav bread loaf

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little tweaks can make all the difference!

Pav Bread: A Mumbai Street Food Staple

Pav bread is a soft, slightly sweet bread that’s incredibly popular in India, especially in Mumbai. It’s similar to a dinner roll, but in loaf form. If you can’t find it, a soft white bread loaf works well too (see FAQs for more details!).

The Kick of Red Chili Flakes: Adjusting the Spice

I love a little heat, so I use a full teaspoon of red chili flakes. But feel free to adjust this to your liking! Start with ½ tsp if you’re sensitive to spice, or add more if you like things fiery. Kashmiri chili powder is also a great option for color and mild heat.

Cheddar Cheese: Regional Variations & Substitutions

Cheddar is my go-to for this recipe, but you can experiment! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a mix of cheeses would be delicious. If you want a more Indian flavor profile, a sprinkle of paneer (Indian cheese) along with the cheddar is amazing.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is important for even baking.
2. Beat the eggs in a bowl. Add salt, red chili flakes, and dried parsley. Whisk everything together really well – you want it nice and combined.
3. Now for the bread! Carefully hollow out the pav bread loaf, leaving a good ½ inch (1.25cm) base to prevent leaks. Don’t go too thin, or things could get messy!
4. Place the hollowed-out bread on a piece of aluminum foil. This makes for easy removal from the oven and cleanup. Pour the egg mixture into the bread cavity.
5. Sprinkle the chopped bell peppers and grated cheddar cheese over the egg mixture. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
6. Cover the bread with aluminum foil. This helps the egg cook through without the cheese burning. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the egg is set and golden.
7. For the last 2-3 minutes, remove the foil. This lets the cheese get nice and bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Slice and serve warm! Seriously, this is the best part.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

• Achieving the Perfect Egg-to-Bread Ratio: You want enough egg to fill the bread nicely, but not so much that it overflows. I usually find 6 eggs is perfect for a standard pav loaf.
• Preventing a Soggy Bottom: The foil underneath is key! It protects the bread from getting soggy. Also, don’t overfill the bread with the egg mixture.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Egg-Filled Pav Bread: My friend Sarah, who’s vegan, uses a chickpea flour-based egg replacement. It works surprisingly well! You’ll need to adjust the baking time slightly.
• Gluten-Free Egg-Filled Pav Bread: Use a gluten-free bread loaf. It might be a little more delicate, so handle it with care when hollowing it out.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Mild to Fiery: As mentioned before, adjust the red chili flakes to your preference. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a nice kick.
• Festival Adaptation: Easter Brunch Bake: This would be amazing for Easter brunch! Add some chopped ham or bacon to the egg mixture for a more festive feel.

Serving Suggestions

This Egg-Filled Pav Bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

• A side of fresh fruit salad
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• A cup of hot chai (Indian tea) – perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. It’s best enjoyed warm!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of bread can I use if I can’t find Pav bread?
A soft white bread loaf works well as a substitute. Brioche or challah would also be delicious options.

Can I prepare the egg mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the egg mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

How can I prevent the cheese from burning?
Covering the bread with foil for most of the baking time helps prevent the cheese from burning. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes.

Is it possible to add vegetables other than bell peppers?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes would all be great additions.

What is the best way to reheat leftover Egg-Filled Pav Bread?
Reheat in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but it won’t be as crispy.

Enjoy! I really hope you give this recipe a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy baking!