Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Arrange bread cubes in the prepared dish and sprinkle with raisins (if using).
3. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it first to help absorb the custard.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, both sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth.
5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure all pieces soak up the liquid.
6. Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes for thorough absorption.
7. Drizzle melted butter over the top before placing it in the oven.
8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center remains slightly jiggly. It will continue to set while cooling.
9. While the pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a saucepan, combine cream, butter, and sugar. Heat over medium while stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
10. If using cornstarch, add the slurry and cook until slightly thickened.
11. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Remember that this sauce will thicken as it cools.
12. Let the bread pudding cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Pour the warm vanilla sauce over each serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

There are endless ways to make this dish your own! Serve it warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence, or pair it with some whipped cream for a light touch. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or grilled peaches complement the pudding’s rich flavors beautifully. You could even sprinkle some toasted nuts for added crunch!

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your bread pudding fresh:

• Refrigerator: Cover and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave or place in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Always ensure food is at a safe temperature before enjoying.

Helpful Cooking Tips

For the best bread pudding experience, consider these tips:

• Use stale bread for the best texture and absorbency. If you only have fresh bread, toasting it lightly helps.
• Experiment with different spices or liquor such as rum or bourbon for added depth of flavor.
• If you’d like a creamier texture, substitute half of the milk with cream or add extra eggs for richness.

Creative Twists

Feel free to play around with this recipe! Consider:

• Swapping out standard bread for brioche or challah for a richer flavor.
• Adding citrus zest for a refreshing citrus note.
• Incorporating chocolate chips or nuts for a decadent variation.

FAQs

How long does bread pudding last?

Store-bought bread pudding can last up to four days in the refrigerator when properly sealed. Homemade versions should be consumed within the same timeframe for the best taste.

Can I use almond milk or oat milk?

Yes! These alternatives can be used, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly from traditional dairy.

Is bread pudding safe to freeze?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooled completely and stored in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.