Indulge in Southern Comfort: Bread Pudding Recipe
Are you looking to indulge in a decadent dessert that will remind you of the warm and comforting tastes of the South? Look no further than this Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce recipe. This dessert is perfect for those who love rich and hearty flavors with a hint of whiskey, making it an ideal treat for special occasions or as a comforting dessert year-round.
Bread pudding has long been a staple of Southern cuisine, but adding bourbon sauce takes this classic dish to the next level of flavor. With hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, combined with brown sugar and vanilla extract, this bread pudding is sure to please your taste buds from the very first bite.
The dessert is easy to make, requiring only basic ingredients such as milk, sugar, and unsalted butter. You can even use day-old French bread or leftover brioche or challah for added texture and flavor. It doesn’t take much time to prepare this dish either, so you can impress your guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a fancy dinner party or just indulging your sweet tooth at home, this Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce is sure to hit the spot – so why wait? Read on for the full recipe and start cooking today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in the mood for a comforting and indulgent dessert that will transport you to the heart of the south? If you are, then you’ve come to the right place. This Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and take your taste buds on a journey.
What sets this bread pudding recipe apart from others is its rich and decadent bourbon sauce. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and whiskey creates an irresistible flavor that will leave you craving more with every bite. It’s like a warm hug from your grandma after a long day.
But it’s not just the bourbon sauce that makes this recipe so amazing. The bread pudding itself is also incredibly delicious. Made with day-old French bread, milk, eggs, and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s fluffy, moist, and perfectly spiced. The raisins added into the mix add an extra layer of sweetness and texture to an already fantastic dessert.
This Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a comforting night in, this dessert will always hit the spot. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a household favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredient List
Get ready to gather some delicious ingredients for this Southern bread pudding with bourbon sauce recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 16 oz of day-old French bread, cut into small cubes (around 1 1/2 inches)
- 3 cups of whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 a cup of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 a cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
- 1/2 a teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 a teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/8 a teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of raisins (optional)
For the Bourbon Sauce:
- 1 and 1/2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 and 1/2 sticks (or around 3/4 a cup) of unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/2 cups of packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons of your favorite bourbon, plus an extra splash!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all of the ingredients gathered, it’s time to start creating this delicious Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce. Don’t worry if you aren’t an expert in the kitchen, this recipe is fairly easy to follow and the outcome is sure to impress your guests.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The first step in making this delectable dessert is to preheat your oven. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare Your Bread
Next, prepare your bread. I recommend using day-old French bread or New Orleans-style bread for the best flavor and texture. Cut the bread into 1 ½ inch cubes and place them into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Make Your Custard Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Once thoroughly mixed together, pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and let it sit for about 10 minutes so that the bread can soak up some of the custard mixture.
Step 4: Bake Your Pudding
After your bread has soaked up some of the custard mixture, grease a baking dish with butter and pour the bread mixture into it. Using a spoon or spatula, press down on the bread cubes to make sure they are compacted into the dish. Sprinkle some brown sugar over the top and then bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Make Your Bourbon Sauce
While your bread pudding is baking, you can start on the bourbon sauce. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of bourbon until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 6: Finish Your Sauce
Once the sugar is dissolved, whisk in 3/4 cup of whipping cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, let it cook for about 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your bread pudding is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Serve portions into individual bowls and pour a generous amount of bourbon sauce over each serving. Enjoy your delicious Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce!
Substitutions and Variations
Let me tell you, when it comes to this southern bread pudding recipe, there is plenty of room for creativity and personalization. You can customize your bread pudding to your heart’s content by making some substitutions or adding some twists to the recipe. Here are some ideas:
– Bread: While we recommend using day-old French bread, you can use any type of bread that you have on hand. Brioche or Challah can make the pudding even richer, while blueberry bread or chocolate bread can add some fruity or chocolaty flavors.
– Milk: For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of whole milk. Alternatively, you can swap regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
– Sugar: If you want a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the pudding recipe and/or bourbon sauce. You can also use brown sugar instead of white sugar to add a hint of molasses flavor.
– Spices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices for a warm and cozy taste, but you can also try adding cardamom or ginger for some Asian-inspired twist.
– Bourbon: Of course, you cannot call it a bourbon bread pudding without bourbon sauce. However, if you don’t drink alcohol or want to serve it to kids, simply omit the bourbon from the sauce recipe and replace it with water or apple juice. Alternatively, you can try using other types of whiskey (like rye or Irish whiskey) for a different flavor profile.
– Toppings: Feel free to add some toppings to your finished pudding. Whipped cream, caramel sauce, fresh berries, or chopped nuts (like pecans) are all excellent choices.
Remember that cooking is all about having fun and experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. So whether you stick with the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, it’s sure to be a delicious and comforting dessert that everyone will love.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this delicious southern bread pudding with bourbon sauce, it’s time to think about how you’d like to serve and pair it to make the most out of your culinary masterpiece.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that this dessert is incredibly versatile. It can be served hot or cold, and goes well with a wide range of toppings and sides. However, one popular option is to serve it warm, with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting on top.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, try pairing this delicious bread pudding with a bourbon cocktail. This will enhance the rich, smoky flavors in the dessert and take your taste buds on a delightful adventure.
For those who prefer to keep it traditional, serving this southern bread pudding with some freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can be just as satisfying. If you want to add some crunch to your dessert, consider topping it with chopped pecans or chocolate chips – the possibilities are truly endless.
In terms of wine pairings, go for something sweet like a Moscato or Riesling. These wines have a natural sweetness that complements the dessert’s flavors without being overwhelming.
Remember, the key is to experiment and find what works best for you. Whether you want to keep it simple or try something new and exciting, this southern bread pudding with bourbon sauce is sure to impress any crowd.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a Southern chef, I understand the importance of being able to prepare dishes in advance and reheating them later without losing their taste and texture. Fortunately, this Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce recipe can be made ahead and stored easily.
To make ahead: After preparing the bread pudding, let it cool for 30 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.
To store: Once cooled, the bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To prevent the bread from getting soggy, do not pour the bourbon sauce over it until serving.
To reheat: To reheat individual portions of bread pudding, place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on medium heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Alternatively, you can place the bread pudding in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Make sure to cover with foil to prevent burning.
It is important to note that reheating the bourbon sauce may cause it to separate or thicken. To avoid this, gently reheat it over low heat on the stovetop or microwave on low power in 10-second intervals until warmed through.
In conclusion, make-ahead options are available for those who need to prepare this dessert ahead of time. I recommend following these storing and reheating tips to ensure that your Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce stays fresh and delicious when you serve it again. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
A perfectly made Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce can be a delight for your taste buds, and you’ll find that perfecting this recipe doesn’t require expertise in cooking. However, there are a few things that you need to know about making this decadent dessert to achieve the best results. Here are some tips that will help you make the perfect Southern bread pudding with bourbon sauce every time:
1. Use day-old bread
When it comes to making bread pudding, stale bread is better than fresh. Day-old or slightly stale bread will absorb the liquid ingredients more evenly and can maintain its shape better throughout the cooking process.
2. Soak the raisins
If using raisins in your recipe, soak them in hot water or Bourbon Whiskey for 15 minutes before adding them to the mixture. This helps to plump them up and bring out their natural sweetness.
3. Don’t be shy with the butter
Butter is an essential ingredient in any bread pudding recipe. It adds richness and moisture to the dish. So, make sure you use enough butter when layering the bread and mix enough with the sugar mixture.
4. Use a deep baking dish
Using a deep baking dish ensures that your bread pudding cooks evenly without overflowing while baking. Additionally, a deep dish allows space for the custard mixture to infuse into every piece of bread.
5. Let it sit after baking
When you take your pudding out of the oven, place it on a wire rack, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. The cooling process allows the flavors to meld and also makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
6. Add some extra richness with whipped cream
If you want to take your bread pudding dessert up a notch, add whipped cream on top right before serving or alongside the bourbon sauce.
Following these tips will ensure that your Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce is perfect in both taste and appearance.
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to make this mouth-watering Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce, it’s time to address some questions that you may have. In the FAQ section, we’ll tackle some of the most commonly asked questions about this delectable dessert. From ingredient substitutions to reheating tips, we’ve got you covered so that you can ensure perfect results every time. So, let’s dive in!
How do you make Paula Deen’s bread pudding?
For this mouth-watering southern-style recipe, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients: granulated sugar (divided into 3 cups), 5 large beaten eggs, milk (2 cups), vanilla extract (divided into 4 teaspoons), Italian bread (3 cups, cubed and left to go stale overnight in a bowl), light brown sugar (1 cup, packed), melted butter (1/2 cup), softened butter (1/4 cup), and chopped pecans (1 cup). The combination of these ingredients will result in a delectable dish that’ll have everyone craving for more. Now, let’s get started and dive into the step-by-step instructions.
What is bourbon sauce made of?
In this recipe, I’m incorporating a blend of molasses, lemon juice, bourbon, and Worcestershire sauce to create a sauce that has a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, savory, strong and zesty flavors – the kind of flavors that make for an exceptional barbecue sauce.
What is bread pudding sauce made of?
Alright y’all, here’s how to make a delicious vanilla sauce that will elevate any treat. Start by getting out a sturdy saucepan and combining some milk, brown sugar, butter, egg, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good whisking until it’s all mixed together nicely.
Next, it’s time to cook it up. Place the pan on medium heat and keep on whisking as it simmers away. Don’t stop stirring until the sauce has thickened up and can stick to the back of the spoon. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Finally, add in a bit of vanilla extract for that sweet, rich flavor we all love.
How does Gordon Ramsay make bread pudding?
For this recipe, you will need 50g of softened butter, in addition to some extra for greasing. You will also need 2-3 tablespoons of apricot jam, 6 pains au chocolat that are cut into slices that are 1cm thick, 1-2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, 4 tablespoons of demerara sugar, and 35g of golden raisins. To make the dish, you will need 500ml of whole milk and 120ml of double cream.
Bottom Line
I hope this Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce recipe has tantalized your taste buds and inspired you to try something new in the kitchen. With its rich and comforting flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering or family dinner.
By using quality ingredients like bourbon, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, you’re sure to give your homemade bread pudding the taste of Southern charm. The sauce recipe adds an extra special touch to this already decadent dessert.
Remember, baking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to make substitutions or try out different variations of this recipe until you find what suits you best.
So why not indulge in a little bit of Southern comfort food today? There’s nothing quite like putting your own spin on classic dishes and making them your own. Gather your ingredients, grab a mixing bowl and get baking!
Southern Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
pudding
- 3 cups stale French bread, cut in 3/4 inch cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled
sauce
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup butter, not margarine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup Bourbon, to taste
Instructions
- --pudding--.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place stale bread in a bowl with milk and squeeze the bread with your hand until well saturated with milk.
- With an electric mixer on high speed in a separate bowl, beat eggs with sugar until thick and pale.
- Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and butter.
- Add the soaked bread crumbs to the egg mixture and stir well.
- Let stand for 10 minutes.
- It is important to allow enough time for the bread to absorb the egg mixture or the bread crumbs will float to the top during baking, leaving a layer of custard on the bottom of the dish.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake until firm, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 45 to 50 minutes.
- Allow to cool.
- --sauce--.
- With an electric mixer, beat egg yolks until thick and pale.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and sugar.
- Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the egg yolks, beating constantly with the mixer, until well thickened.
- Stir in bourbon by hand.
- Serve over slightly cooled bread pudding.