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Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding: A Comforting Dessert with Southern Charm
If there’s one dessert that embodies the soul of New Orleans, it’s classic bread pudding. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. My first taste of this warm, gooey goodness was a revelation, and since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air is enough to transport you to the bustling streets of the French Quarter. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also allows you to make the most of day-old bread, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
What Makes This Recipe Special
So, what sets this classic bread pudding apart from the rest? For starters, it’s both budget-friendly and simple, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re aiming for a decadent dessert after a weeknight dinner or a comforting treat for brunch with friends, this bread pudding fits the bill.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can dress it up or down, adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a splash of bourbon for those feeling adventurous. It’s a dish that invites creativity while remaining true to its roots.
“This bread pudding is the definition of comfort food! It’s rich, sweet, and absolutely incredible with a dusting of powdered sugar.” — A satisfied home cook.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Cooking classic New Orleans bread pudding is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to do:
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- Tear day-old French bread into chunks and let it soak in a creamy custard mixture.
- Whisk together the milk, sugar, and eggs with warming spices.
- Pour the custard over the bread, then bake until golden and bubbly.
This dish is not only simple but also allows for a hands-on experience that can be shared with family, making it a rewarding culinary adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your ingredients to create this wonderful dessert:
- 12 slices of day-old French bread
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Feel free to mix things up; for example, you can swap the raisins for chocolate chips or nuts to create your perfect version of this classic dish.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Bread: Tear the French bread into small pieces and spread them evenly in the baking dish.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread pieces, ensuring they are all soaked. If using, add the raisins at this stage.
- Bake: Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is beautifully golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Best Way to Serve Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
This bread pudding is delightful on its own, but it can also be elevated with a few simple touches. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of rich caramel sauce for an extra indulgent experience. You might also consider pairing it with fresh fruit salad or whipped cream for a lighter option.
Storage Tips
To keep your delicious bread pudding fresh and flavorful, here are some storing tips:
- Refrigerate: Allow the pudding to cool, then cover it and place it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store it longer, bread pudding freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it should keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
Pro Chef Tips
For the perfect bread pudding, consider these handy hints:
- Use stale bread! Day-old French or brioche works best as it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
- Experiment with spices: Adding a touch of allspice or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
- Don’t skip letting it cool before serving; this allows the pudding to set properly, giving you that perfect texture.
Creative Twists on the Original
While the classic version is undoubtedly delicious, why not try some fun variations?
- Chocolate-Raisin: Add chocolate chips alongside the raisins for a rich touch.
- Southern Comfort: A splash of bourbon in the custard mix adds a delightful kick.
- Fruit Addition: Incorporate sliced bananas or apples for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute French bread with gluten-free bread of your choice.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare?
The preparation time for this bread pudding is roughly 15 minutes, with an additional baking time of 45-55 minutes.
Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bread pudding a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake as directed.
What can I use as a substitute for French bread?
If you don’t have French bread, challah, brioche, or even whole grain bread can work well in this recipe. Just ensure it’s a bit stale for the best results.
Is bread pudding safe to reheat?
Yes, bread pudding can be safely reheated, but be sure to heat it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe food handling.
Indulging in a warm slice of classic New Orleans bread pudding, with its comforting flavors and rich history, is something you won’t regret. Give this beloved recipe a try, and let flavors from New Orleans dance through your kitchen!
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Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 slices of day-old French bread
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Tear the French bread into small pieces and spread them evenly in the baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread pieces, ensuring all are soaked. If using, add the raisins.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: bread pudding, New Orleans dessert, comfort food
