Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Prepare the Bread Mixture:

• Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
• Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir to ensure all the bread is evenly coated. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes to absorb the liquid.

3. Assemble the Bread Pudding:

• If using raisins, stir them into the soaked bread mixture.
• Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread pudding.

4. Bake the Bread Pudding:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Make the Bourbon Sauce:

• While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the bourbon sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Add the heavy cream and brown sugar, whisking continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
• Stir in the bourbon and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Serve & Enjoy:

• Let the bread pudding cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Slice into portions and drizzle generously with the warm bourbon sauce.

Enjoy this decadent, creamy, and boozy Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding! 🎉👅💦