Oh, let me tell you about my favorite Thanksgiving bread pudding! This dish is like a cozy hug on a plate, bringing together the warm, comforting flavors of the holiday season. Picture this: soft, fluffy bread soaked in creamy milk, kissed with the sweet warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and dotted with raisins and crunchy nuts. It’s the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, beckoning friends and family to gather around the table. I love how this bread pudding is not just a dessert; it’s a tradition that makes holiday memories feel even more special. Trust me, once you serve this up, it’ll become a beloved staple at your Thanksgiving feast, and everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
- 8 cups of cubed bread (use your favorite type, like challah or brioche for extra richness)
- 4 cups of milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (for that perfect touch of sweetness)
- 4 large eggs (these will help bind everything together)
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (for a lovely aromatic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (the quintessential spice of the season)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (adds a warm, nutty depth)
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional, but they add a delightful chewiness)
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional, use walnuts or pecans for crunch)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious Thanksgiving bread pudding! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that everyone will love.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that the pudding bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden-brown top. Trust me, a properly preheated oven is key to achieving that perfect texture!
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Next, take your cubed bread and combine it with the milk in a large bowl. Let it soak for about 15 minutes. This soaking process is essential because it allows the bread to absorb the milk, creating a moist and tender pudding. You want every bite to be soft and flavorful!
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well combined and smooth. Make sure to incorporate the eggs completely; this mixture will help bind your pudding and add richness. It’s like magic when all those flavors come together!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now, gently mix the egg mixture into the soaked bread. Don’t rush this part! Stir it all together until the bread is nicely coated. If you’re adding raisins and nuts, now’s the time to fold them in. The goal is a well-mixed blend that’ll bake up deliciously!
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. A little jiggle is fine, but it shouldn’t look too wet. Once it’s out of the oven, give it a moment to cool before serving. Wow, just imagine the warm, fragrant goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for cozy holiday gatherings.
- Simple to make with just a few ingredients—no fancy skills required!
- The delightful combination of spices creates an irresistible aroma as it bakes.
- It’s versatile; you can customize it with your favorite breads, fruits, or nuts.
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.
- This Thanksgiving bread pudding is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
To make your Thanksgiving bread pudding truly shine, choose high-quality bread like challah or brioche for that extra richness. Don’t skip the soaking time; it’s crucial for achieving that moist texture. If you can, let the mixture sit for a bit after combining—this helps the flavors meld together beautifully. When baking, keep an eye on the pudding in the last few minutes; every oven is a bit different! Finally, serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat. Trust me, your guests will thank you!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of this delightful Thanksgiving bread pudding:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect Thanksgiving bread pudding? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
Can I use different types of bread? Absolutely! While I love using challah or brioche for their richness, feel free to experiment with any bread you have on hand—white, whole wheat, or even stale baguette work great!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, just cover it and refrigerate. Bake it fresh right before serving for that warm, comforting experience.
What can I serve with it? A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs perfectly with this dessert. Drizzling some caramel or chocolate sauce on top takes it to another level!
Can I substitute the raisins or nuts? Definitely! If you’re not a fan of raisins, try dried cranberries or omit them entirely. For nuts, you could use pecans or almonds, or skip them altogether for a nut-free version.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover Thanksgiving bread pudding, simply place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness even after the holiday feast! When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat it in short increments, checking to avoid overheating. Trust me, enjoying it warm brings back that cozy, comforting vibe!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Bread Pudding: 5 Secrets to Cozy Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious Thanksgiving bread pudding that combines bread, eggs, and spices for a comforting dessert.
Zutaten
- 8 cups of cubed bread
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and milk. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix the egg mixture into the soaked bread.
- Add raisins and nuts if using, and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until set and golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 50 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 300
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 45g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterin: 100mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bread pudding, dessert, holiday recipe
