Bread pudding

Here’s a classic, detailed bread pudding recipe, including options and variations if you want to customize it. This dessert is warm, comforting, and great for using up stale bread.

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🍞 Classic Bread Pudding Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

⏱️ Cook Time: 45-50 min

🍽️ Serves: 6–8

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🧺 Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

• 4 cups bread, cubed (day-old or stale is best)
  Types: French bread, brioche, challah, white sandwich bread – crust on or off

• 2 cups whole milk (or 1½ cups milk + ½ cup cream)

• 3 large eggs

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

• Butter for greasing the baking dish

For the Optional Sauce (Vanilla or Bourbon Sauce):

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup milk

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 tbsp bourbon for a grown-up version)

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🥣 Instructions

1. Prep the Bread

• Cut the bread into roughly 1-inch cubes.

• Place in a large bowl or directly into a buttered 8×8 inch or 9×13 inch baking dish (depends on how thick you want it).

• If using dried fruit like raisins, mix them with the bread.

2. Make the Custard

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  eggs, milk (and cream, if using), sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter.

• Pour this custard over the bread cubes. Press down gently so the bread soaks it up.

• Let it sit for at least 15–20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

3. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean).

• Optional: Cover with foil halfway through baking if the top browns too quickly.

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🍯 Optional: Make the Sauce

While the pudding is baking:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar and flour (or cornstarch).

2. Add milk, cream, and egg yolk.

3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.

4. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla (or bourbon).

5. Let cool slightly, then drizzle over warm bread pudding.

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🧁 Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or room temperature.

• Top with:

  • Whipped cream

  • Vanilla ice cream

  • Caramel or bourbon sauce

  • Fresh berries or toasted nuts

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🔁 Variations

• Fruit: Add diced apples, pears, or bananas before baking.

• Chocolate: Toss in chocolate chips or chunks.

• Savory Version: Omit sugar/vanilla, add cheese, herbs, bacon, mushrooms (turns it into a strata or savory bread pudding).

• Vegan Option: Use plant milk, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), vegan butter.