Are you craving a comforting, intensely flavorful dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than this classic New Orleans Bread Pudding! This recipe delivers a warm, custardy bread pudding with a rich, subtly sweet flavor profile, perfect for ending any meal. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, and you’ll be surprised how simple it is to create this delicious dish. Whether you're searching for easy recipes or quick dinner ideas, this bread pudding is a fantastic choice – equally satisfying as a standalone dessert or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old challah bread, cubed (about 6 cups)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup dark rum or bourbon (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked bread pudding.
Prepare the Bread:
- In a large bowl, gently toss the cubed bread with the raisins (if using) and rum or bourbon (if using). This helps distribute the flavor evenly. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb some liquid.
Make the Custard:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until the sugar is dissolved. This creates the creamy custard base for our bread pudding.
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In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolks until light and frothy. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually whisk the egg mixture into the milk mixture until well combined. Be gentle to avoid over-mixing.
Assemble and Bake:
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Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Gently press down on the bread to submerge it in the custard. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard. This step is crucial for a moist and flavorful bread pudding.
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Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the center set. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. It's delicious warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is the perfect complement.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of whole milk and half-and-half instead of all whole milk and heavy cream.
- Add more fruits: Dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or chopped pecans would be delicious additions.
- Make it boozy: Increase the amount of rum or bourbon for a more pronounced alcoholic flavor. Consider using different liquors like Grand Marnier or other liqueurs.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth.
- Day-old bread is key: Using day-old bread prevents a soggy pudding. If you don't have day-old bread, you can dry it out in a low oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-22g Saturated Fat: 12-15g Cholesterol: 180-220mg Sodium: 150-200mg Carbohydrates: 40-45g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 8-10g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This New Orleans Bread Pudding is a simple yet elegant dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every bite of this delightful treat! It's a recipe you'll want to keep coming back to, a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes and healthy meals.