🍞🍮 Classic Bread Pudding
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the pudding:
-
6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread, brioche, or challah work great)
-
2 cups milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup cream for extra richness)
-
3 large eggs
-
3/4 cup sugar (white or brown)
-
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
-
1/4 cup melted butter
-
1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
For serving (optional):
-
Powdered sugar
-
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
-
Warm vanilla, caramel, or bourbon sauce
🔪 Instructions:
1. Preheat oven:
-
Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish or 8×8-inch pan.
2. Prepare bread:
-
Cube bread into 1-inch pieces. If not stale, lightly toast it in the oven for 5–10 minutes.
3. Make custard:
-
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter.
4. Combine:
-
Add bread cubes (and raisins/nuts, if using) to the custard.
-
Stir gently and let sit for 10–15 minutes so the bread soaks up the custard.
5. Bake:
-
Pour mixture into the prepared dish.
-
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & serve:
-
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving warm.
-
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with sauce if desired.
🍯 Simple Vanilla Sauce (Optional):
In a saucepan, heat:
-
1/2 cup butter
-
1/2 cup sugar
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Pour over warm bread pudding.
Would you like a chocolate version, a savory twist, or a make-ahead version for brunch?
