Are you craving a comforting, yet surprisingly sophisticated dish that's quick to make and uses up leftover bagels? Then look no further! This Bagel Bread Pudding recipe is the perfect answer. It's a delightful twist on a classic, transforming humble bagels into a creamy, custardy treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert. This recipe is a great example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious dish. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 4 stale bagels, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well) (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This is a crucial step for easy removal of your delicious bread pudding later.
Prepare the Bagels: Cut your stale bagels into roughly 1-inch cubes. Stale bagels are ideal for bread pudding as they absorb the custard mixture better than fresh ones. If you only have fresh bagels, let them sit out uncovered for a few hours to dry slightly.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bagels, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix gently to ensure all the bagel pieces are coated.
Create the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates the creamy base that will soak into the bagels.
Combine and Bake: Pour the custard mixture over the bagel mixture, stirring gently to ensure all the bagel pieces are evenly coated. Stir in the raisins and nuts (if using). Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. This allows it to set further and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup!
Tips for the Best Bagel Bread Pudding:
- Use Stale Bagels: As mentioned, stale bagels are best for this recipe. They absorb the custard mixture more effectively, resulting in a more moist and flavorful bread pudding.
- Don't Overmix: Gentle mixing is key to prevent the bagels from becoming mushy. Just enough to coat them evenly is perfect.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread pudding, reduce the amount of sugar to your liking.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or different types of nuts. The possibilities are endless!
Variations:
- Savory Bagel Bread Pudding: Omit the sugar and spices, and add some shredded cheese, chopped herbs, and sautéed vegetables for a savory twist. Use milk or broth instead of cream for a lighter option.
- Cinnamon Roll Bagel Bread Pudding: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar to the custard mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This Bagel Bread Pudding recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover bagels and create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, proving that homemade cooking can be both easy and incredibly rewarding. Enjoy!