basic bread pudding recipe

The Best basic bread pudding recipe
I’ve been making bread pudding for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. My kids love it, my husband loves it, and I love it because it’s a great way to use up stale bread.
The history of bread pudding is a bit murky, but it’s believed to have originated in medieval Europe, where cooks would take stale bread and soak it in a mixture of eggs, sugar, and milk to create a sweet, custard-like dessert. Over time, the recipe evolved and spread throughout the world, with each culture adding its own twist and ingredients.
In my household, we like to make bread pudding on special occasions like holidays and birthdays, but it’s also a staple in our weekly meal planning. We love it served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.

Basic Bread Pudding
A classic comfort food made with stale bread, eggs, and milk, baked to a golden brown. It is a simple and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
🥘Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
For the Sauce
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Basic Bread Pudding Works
Bread pudding is one of those recipes that’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just need a comforting treat after a long day. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can customize it to your taste by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. My family loves it when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top – the creamy texture pairs perfectly with the warm, crumbly pudding.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Bread Pudding
Q: What type of bread is best for bread pudding?
For bread pudding, you want to use a day-old bread that’s dry and crumbly. Stale white bread or baguette works well, but you can also use whole wheat or even gluten-free bread.
Q: Can I use fresh bread for bread pudding?
While you can use fresh bread for bread pudding, it’s not ideal. Fresh bread will release too much moisture during baking and result in a soggy or unappetizing texture.
Q: How do I prevent the top of the bread pudding from burning?
To prevent the top of the bread pudding from burning, cover the dish with foil during baking or broil at the end to crisp up the top.
Q: Can I make individual portions of bread pudding?
Yes, you can make individual portions of bread pudding using muffin tins or ramekins.
Q: Can I freeze leftover bread pudding?
You can freeze leftover bread pudding for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
