Ingredients:

– 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread, challah, or any sturdy bread)
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Bread:
– Place the cubed bread in the greased baking dish. If using, sprinkle the raisins or chocolate chips evenly over the bread cubes.

3. Make the Custard:
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.

4. Assemble the Pudding:
– Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press the bread down gently to ensure it soaks up the custard. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

5. Bake:
– Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread pudding.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

6. Serve:
– Allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving.
– Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm. You can also serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips:
– Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard better.
– Custard: Ensure the bread is well soaked with the custard mixture to avoid dry spots.
– Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or spices to customize the flavor.

This Easy Bread Pudding is a comforting and delicious dessert that’s perfect for using up leftover bread. With its rich custard and versatile add-ins, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!