Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

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Introduction

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that is both creamy and comforting. It’s a great way to use leftover bread and turns simple ingredients into something special. This dish warms your heart and makes any gathering feel like a celebration.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this recipe because it is so easy and delicious! It’s the perfect dessert for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night at home. Plus, it fills the house with a fantastic aroma while baking. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

How to Make Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf French Bread (approximately 14 to 16 ounces)
• 4 cups milk
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups sugar (granulated)
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Tear the French bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, allspice, and cinnamon until smooth.
4. Pour the milk mixture over the bread and add in the raisins. Stir gently to make sure everything is mixed well.
5. Let this sit for about 30 minutes. This will allow the bread to soak up the mixture. Stir it occasionally to keep it even.
6. Pour the melted butter into the greased baking dish, spreading it around.
7. Carefully transfer the soaked bread mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the pudding looks set.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving.
10. If you want, make a quick Bourbon Sauce by combining bourbon with sugar and butter in a small saucepan. Heat it gently until the sugar is dissolved, and then drizzle over the bread pudding before serving.

How to Serve Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

Serve this bread pudding warm for the best experience! You can enjoy it plain or drizzle a little Bourbon Sauce on top. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving again. It’s still delicious even after a few days!

Tips to Make Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Use day-old bread for the best texture. It soaks up the liquid better.
• Feel free to add nuts or other dried fruits for extra flavor.
• If you don’t have allspice, you can just use more cinnamon.

Variation

You can easily make this recipe your own! Try adding chocolate chips or substituting the raisins with dried cranberries. You could also swap the Bourbon Sauce for a caramel sauce if you prefer a sweeter touch.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before and bake it the next day. Just make sure to refrigerate it.

Q2: Can I use whole wheat bread instead of French bread?
A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you like. Just make sure it is sturdy enough to hold the mixture.

Q3: What if I don’t have any bourbon for the sauce?
A: No problem! You can skip the sauce or use vanilla extract mixed with a bit of milk as an alternative.

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