Ingredients:

  • 10 cups of stale French bread, cubed (about 1 loaf)
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for bourbon sauce)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for bourbon sauce)
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Place cubed bread in a baking dish and pour custard mixture on top. Gently fold in raisins if using.
  4. Press bread down to ensure it is fully soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  5. Remove from fridge and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  6. While baking, prepare the bourbon sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar and butter over medium heat until melted.
  7. Stir in cream and bourbon, bringing to a gentle simmer until slightly thickened.
  8. Serve warm bread pudding drizzled with bourbon sauce.