Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this incredible bread pudding recipe, using leftover biscuits! This recipe transforms humble biscuits into a deliciously sweet and creamy treat, perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful weekend brunch. It’s a fantastic way to use up stale biscuits and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for easy recipes, healthy meals (with some adjustments), or quick dinner ideas, even if you're a beginner in homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 12 stale biscuits, broken into bite-sized pieces (any kind works!)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness, but you can use 2% or skim)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup raisins (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, powdered sugar, caramel sauce
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Break the stale biscuits into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Don't worry about perfect uniformity; a rustic look is charming!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients over the biscuits in the baking dish. Gently toss the biscuits to ensure they are evenly coated with the custard mixture. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the biscuits to absorb some of the liquid. This step prevents a dry bread pudding.
Step 4: Add Raisins (Optional)
If using, gently fold in the raisins.
Step 5: Bake the Bread Pudding
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the bread pudding. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. This allows it to set further and makes it easier to cut. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Use stale biscuits: Stale biscuits absorb the custard mixture better, resulting in a moister and more flavorful bread pudding.
- Don't overmix: Gently toss the biscuits to coat them evenly; overmixing can make the pudding dense.
- Check for doneness: The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check for doneness around the 35-minute mark.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings to customize your bread pudding. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is also a delicious addition!
Variations:
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
- Apple Bread Pudding: Add 1 cup of diced apples along with the raisins for a fruity flavor.
- Citrus Bread Pudding: Add the zest of one orange and one lemon to the custard mixture for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This will vary depending on the type of biscuits and milk used. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 8-10g
This delicious bread pudding recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and memorable dessert. Enjoy! It's a great recipe for anyone looking for delicious dishes and the best recipes for a comforting treat. It's also a fantastic way to utilize leftover ingredients, making it an economical and resourceful choice for your homemade cooking adventures.