Golden Crusted Bread Pudding: A Delectable Solution for Leftover Bread!
Introduction
Do you often find yourself with leftover bread that’s too stale to enjoy on its own? Don’t let it go to waste! With this delicious recipe for Golden Crusted Bread Pudding, you can transform that day-old bread into a mouthwatering dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
To make this delectable bread pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Bread Mixture:
– 6 cups of stale bread, cubed
– 2 cups of milk
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Brown Sugar Topping:
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your Golden Crusted Bread Pudding:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined and the bread is evenly soaked.
Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and pour the bread mixture into it. Sprinkle the brown sugar topping evenly over the bread mixture. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
Variations
While the classic Golden Crusted Bread Pudding is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste:
1. Add Some Fruit
Try adding diced apples, raisins, or berries to the bread mixture before baking for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
2. Enhance with Spices
For a more aromatic bread pudding, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the bread mixture.
3. Drizzle with Sauce
Once your bread pudding is baked and ready to serve, you can elevate it further by drizzling it with a warm caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or even a simple vanilla glaze.
Tips
Here are some handy tips to ensure your Golden Crusted Bread Pudding turns out perfect every time:
1. Use Stale Bread
Stale bread works best for bread pudding as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. If you don’t have stale bread on hand, you can lightly toast your fresh bread cubes in the oven before using.
2. Let it Soak
Allow the bread mixture to soak for at least 30 minutes before baking. This ensures that the custard is fully absorbed and results in a moist and flavorful bread pudding.
3. Serve Warm
Bread pudding is best enjoyed warm. Serve it fresh out of the oven or reheat individual servings in the microwave for a comforting treat.
Conclusion
Golden Crusted Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that not only helps reduce food waste but also satisfies your sweet tooth. With its golden, crispy crust and moist, custardy interior, it’s a treat that’s sure to please. Get creative with variations and enjoy this simple yet scrumptious solution for leftover bread!
FAQs
Q: Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
A: While you can use any type of bread, it’s best to choose a sturdy bread like French bread or brioche that can hold up well to the custard mixture.
Q: How long can I store the leftovers?
A: Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual servings in the microwave or enjoy it cold.
Q: Can I freeze the bread pudding?
A: Yes, you can freeze bread pudding for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing.