Best 10 Restaurant Style Bread Pudding Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable delight of bread pudding, a classic dessert with a rich history and countless variations. This versatile dish, often served as a sweet treat or a savory side, boasts a medley of flavors and textures sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the soft, custardy interior to the crispy, caramelized crust, bread pudding offers a symphony of sensations in every bite. This article presents a collection of bread pudding recipes, each unique in its own way, yet all promising an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you prefer a traditional bread pudding brimming with raisins and spices, a decadent chocolate bread pudding that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, or a savory bread pudding that will surprise and delight your palate, this article has a recipe to suit every craving.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

BEST BREAD PUDDING



Best Bread Pudding image

Look no further: this is the only bread pudding recipe you will ever need. This super-thick version is equal parts sweet and custardy, with just a touch a spice. Perfect for a special event, or for Sunday morning breakfast at home.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 2h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 cups cubed challah or brioche bread (about 12 ounces; 1-inch cubes)
3 cups heavy cream
2 cups milk
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 large eggs plus 6 yolks
1/2 cup raisins, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with the butter.
  • Toast the bread cubes on a baking sheet until they start to dry and harden, about 20 minutes. Set aside. Raise the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
  • Whisk together the cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, whole eggs and yolks in a large bowl. Add the bread to the bowl and stir until completely coated. Cover and let soak for about 30 minutes, pushing the bread down occasionally so that all the cubes are soaked. Meanwhile, pour hot water over the raisins, if using, and soak for 10 minutes. Once plumped, drain the raisins, add to the bowl of bread and gently toss.
  • Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake until the custard is set and the top is golden brown, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, at room temperature or cold.

THE BEST BREAD PUDDING



The Best Bread Pudding image

The Best Bread Pudding recipe. A sweet and custard-like dessert with flavors of vanilla and brown sugar. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Add the brandy, stirring well. Pour over bread pudding. Serve warm or cold.

Provided by Paula Deen

Time 15m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups divided granulated sugar
5 large beaten eggs
2 cups milk
4 teaspoons divided vanilla extract
3 cups cubed allow to stale overnight in a bowl Italian bread
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup melted, plus 1/4 cup softened butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1 beaten, for the sauce egg
1/4 cup brandy

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350º. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.
  • Mix together 2 cups granulated sugar, 5 eggs and milk in a bowl; add 2 teaspoons vanilla. Pour over cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • In another bowl, mix and crumble together brown sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter and pecans.
  • Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.
  • For the sauce:
  • Mix together 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 2 teaspoons vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Add the brandy, stirring well. Pour over bread pudding. Serve warm or cold.

BEST EVER BREAD PUDDING



Best Ever Bread Pudding image

The secret to incredible bread pudding with a soft middle and crisp edges starts with leftover dinner rolls. I picked up the rich brown sugar sauce recipe from my friend Kathryn Gartmann. A big drizzle of it takes this dessert over the top and really makes it the best bread pudding ever. -Maria Petrella, Taste of Home Prep Cook

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
2-1/4 cups half-and-half cream
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
20 dinner rolls (1-1/4 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes (18 cups)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
SAUCE:
1 cup butter, cubed
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup half-and-half cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Whisk together the first 10 ingredients until blended. Gently stir in bread. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. or 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar; let stand until bread is softened, about 15 minutes. Bake until puffed and a knife inserted in center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes., Meanwhile, for sauce, melt butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar; stir until dissolved. Gradually stir in cream. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until thickened, 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add vanilla, sea salt and baking soda, stirring well. Serve sauce with warm bread pudding.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 497 calories, Fat 29g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 151mg cholesterol, Sodium 540mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (26g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

SOUTHERN BREAD PUDDING



Southern Bread Pudding image

The simplicity of this bread pudding is what makes it so delicious. It's a classic custard dessert passed down through generations.

Provided by ban_the_circus

Categories     Desserts     Specialty Dessert Recipes     Bread Pudding Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups cubed white sandwich bread
¼ cup raisins
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg, or to taste
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup white sugar
4 each eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Butter a 9-inch square baking dish.
  • Spread half of the bread in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and remaining bread. Sprinkle with more cinnamon and nutmeg and drizzle with melted butter.
  • Combine half-and-half, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until well mixed and pour over bread. Press down on the bread with a fork to make sure it is saturated with the custard.
  • Place the baking dish in a large pan of boiling water and bake in the preheated oven until the center is set, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 296.2 calories, Carbohydrate 40.8 g, Cholesterol 111.9 mg, Fat 12.6 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 6.1 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 215.2 mg, Sugar 29.1 g

MOTHER'S RESTAURANT BREAD PUDDING



Mother's Restaurant Bread Pudding image

This recipe comes from New Orleans' famous Mother's Restaurant. Although I've made it without the brandy, it does taste better with it. Prep time includes soaking the bread pieces.

Provided by MSnow

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h20m

Yield 8-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 large stale French bread
10 whole eggs
4 cups fruit cocktail in heavy syrup
8 cups homogenized milk
2 cups heavy cream
4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 teaspoons cinnamon
4 tablespoons imitation vanilla or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 lb unsalted butter
1 lb unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup brandy

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, break bread into small pieces by hand.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs and pour over broken bread.
  • Add fruit cocktail to bread and mix by hand.
  • In a 6-quart saucepot on medium high heat, combine milk, cream, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract and butter and bring to a boil.
  • Remove from heat and pour over bread mixture a little at a time careful not to scramble the egg mixture.
  • Cover and let bread soak up the egg mixture thoroughly, approximately one hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • After an hour, check bread to make sure liquid is completely soaked into bread mixture.
  • Mix by hand and break up any remaining hard bread pieces.
  • Transfer bread pudding mixture into two 10 x 12 x 3 roasting pan 3/4 of the way to the top.
  • Place in a 350 degree oven and bake until top is brown and center is cooked approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
  • Be careful not to overcook.
  • Serve hot and spoon bread pudding sauce over top (see recipe below).
  • *SAUCE*In a 4-quart saucepot on medium heat, mix all ingredients together, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer until butter clarifies and alcohol reduces, approximately 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and spoon over bread pudding.
  • Serve.

RESTAURANT STYLE BREAD PUDDING



Restaurant Style Bread Pudding image

This is one of my favorite dessert recipes. It is a very rich and elegant bread pudding that starts with homemade white bread and ends with a perfect baked custard.

Provided by Kathy

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 -3 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 (1/4 ounce) package dry active yeast
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup milk
2 cups heavy cream
3 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
1 orange, zest of
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup golden raisin, softened
1 -2 tablespoon coarse sugar crystals

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Add warmed milk, sugar, salt, and butter. Slowly stir in flour to form dough.
  • Knead bread dough on lightly floured surface.
  • Let rise until double.
  • Punch down dough and form into a loaf.
  • Let rise in loaf pan until double.
  • Bake 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until done.
  • Let bread cool.
  • Cut bread into 1" cubes.
  • Place cubes into a deep casserole dish.
  • Toss in the raisins.
  • In a separate bowl mix together custard ingredients. Pour over the bread and sprinkle top with coarse sugar crystals.
  • Bake 375 degrees for 60 minutes.
  • Serve warm.
  • Note: You can double the bread recipe and have an extra loaf. I often make the bread the day before. You could use a dense store bought bread but you won't get the same results.

SOUTHERN-STYLE BREAD PUDDING



Southern-Style Bread Pudding image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 3h15m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
6 cups 1-inch cubes Italian bread
5 cups half-and-half
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups raspberries (a few reserved for garnish)
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon honey, plus more if desired
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

Steps:

  • For the bread pudding: Butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter. Put the bread cubes in the dish.
  • Whisk together the half-and-half, 3/4 cup of the sugar, vanilla, 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon, salt and eggs in a large bowl. Pour this mixture over the bread. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a microwave or on the stove and drizzle over the top of the bread pudding. Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.
  • Place on the center rack in the oven. Bake until the edges start to rise, a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean and the pudding jiggles when shaken, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool on a rack 35 to 40 minutes before serving.
  • For the sauce: Puree the berries in food processor. Press through a fine-mesh strainer. Stir in the honey and lime juice. Taste and adjust with more honey if it's not sweet enough for you.
  • Serve the bread pudding with a drizzle of sauce. Garnish with additional berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

SIMPLE BREAD PUDDING



Simple Bread Pudding image

This recipe is proof-positive that leftover bread can easily be converted to dessert without much work. There's room for customization here: consider adding fresh or dried fruit or a combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cardamom. It makes a great brunch dish, served with fresh fruit compote. Or add a handful of chocolate chips before baking for a decidedly more decadent outcome.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     easy, editors' pick, dessert

Time 45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups milk
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, more for greasing pan
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup sugar
Pinch salt
1/2 loaf sweet egg bread like challah or brioche, cut into 2-inch cubes (about 5 to 6 cups)
2 eggs, beaten

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm milk, butter, vanilla, sugar and salt. Continue cooking just until butter melts; cool. Meanwhile, butter a 4-to-6-cup baking dish and fill it with cubed bread.
  • Add eggs to cooled milk mixture and whisk; pour mixture over bread. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until custard is set but still a little wobbly and edges of bread have browned. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 198, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 192 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BEST EVER BREAD PUDDING



Best Ever Bread Pudding image

Let's face it, bread pudding is wildly underrated. And I honestly believe it's because so often, the bread pudding we've experienced in restaurants or even at potlucks more closely resembles a sweetened bread cinder block than a rich, custardy pudding. This recipe is here to give you a new lease on the classic dessert. It's almost too easy, but yields utterly decadent results. The key is in the ratio of bread to custard base; this recipe calls for quite a bit of bread, but also has an adequate amount of liquid components to balance it out.

Provided by Darcy Lenz

Categories     Desserts     Specialty Dessert Recipes     Bread Pudding Recipes

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 large eggs
4 cups whole milk
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
¾ cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 (16 ounce) loaf sourdough bread
14 ounces brioche
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup white sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons bourbon
¼ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Prepare the pudding. Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl to beat lightly. Whisk in milk, 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until evenly combined.
  • Tear sourdough and brioche breads into bite-sized pieces. Add both breads to the custard mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until well coated. Allow to stand at room temperature and soak for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
  • After soaking, spoon bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons white sugar, remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  • Remove the pudding from the oven and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Return pudding to the oven and bake until firm with a lightly crisped top, about 6 minutes. Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.
  • While pudding cools, prepare the sauce. Beat egg in a small mixing bowl. Whisk in the heavy cream.
  • Combine sugar and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove saucepan from heat. While rapidly whisking the butter and sugar mixture, slowly pour in the beaten egg and cream mixture, whisking until entirely incorporated. Whisk in bourbon and return to medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in salt.
  • Cut the pudding into squares and serve with warm bourbon sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 716.2 calories, Carbohydrate 97 g, Cholesterol 180.9 mg, Fat 30.5 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 13.5 g, SaturatedFat 16.3 g, Sodium 601.3 mg, Sugar 63.3 g

NEW ORLEANS BREAD PUDDING



New Orleans Bread Pudding image

"For an extra-special treat, try this sweet and buttery bread pudding," suggests Linda Weise of Payette, Idaho. "The cowboys we serve it to say it tastes like home." -Linda Wiese, Payette, Idaho

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h10m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup brandy or unsweetened apple juice
1/2 cup butter, melted, divided
1 tablespoon sugar
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
10 slices day-old French bread (1 inch thick), cubed
SAUCE:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Dash salt
1 cup cold water
1 tablespoon butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine raisins and brandy. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; cover and set aside. Brush a shallow 2-1/2-qt. baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with sugar and set aside., In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, salt and nutmeg. Stir in remaining butter and reserved raisin mixture. Gently stir in bread; let stand for 15 minutes or until bread is softened. , Transfer to prepared dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean., For sauce, in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch and salt; gradually add water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Serve with bread pudding.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350 calories, Fat 15g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 113mg cholesterol, Sodium 341mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (33g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of bread. This will give your bread pudding a more complex flavor and texture. Day-old bread is best, as it will be less likely to fall apart when soaked in the custard.
  • Don't oversoak the bread. The bread should be just slightly moistened, not soggy. Otherwise, your bread pudding will be dense and gummy.
  • Use a good quality custard. The custard is what gives bread pudding its rich, creamy flavor. Make sure to use a custard recipe that you trust.
  • Add mix-ins. Raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, and fruit are all popular add-ins for bread pudding. Get creative and experiment with different flavors.
  • Bake the bread pudding until it is set. A toothpick inserted into the center of the pudding should come out clean. Overbaking will make the pudding dry and tough.
  • Serve the bread pudding warm or cold. Bread pudding is delicious either way. If you are serving it warm, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. If you are serving it cold, let it chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Conclusion:

Bread pudding is a classic dessert that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its rich, creamy custard and variety of flavors, bread pudding is a perfect way to end any meal. So next time you have some leftover bread, don't throw it away! Make bread pudding instead.

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