From Stale to Stellar: A Rustic Bread Pudding Recipe Worth Saving 🍞🍮

Let’s face it — we’ve all had that half loaf of bread go stale on the counter, and the guilt of wasting it lingers. But what if that forgotten loaf could be transformed into a rich, golden, custardy dessert? Enter Rustic Bread Pudding: the humble dish that proves even the most overlooked ingredients can become something truly special.

Bread pudding is more than just a way to save stale bread — it’s a celebration of comfort, warmth, and ingenuity. With a golden top, soft interior, and a vanilla-scented custard binding everything together, this dessert is proof that deliciousness doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to turning that stale bread into a stellar bread pudding you’ll want to make on purpose.

🍞 Ingredients

For the Pudding:

4 cups of stale bread (French bread, brioche, or challah work best), cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness)
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup raisins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit (optional)

For the Topping (optional but delicious):

Powdered sugar for dusting
Caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Cut or tear bread into cubes about 1 inch in size. If the bread is too soft, you can dry it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until slightly crispy.
Place the cubes in a greased 9×9 inch baking dish (or similar-sized oven-safe dish). Scatter any optional add-ins (raisins, chocolate chips, etc.) among the bread pieces.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually whisk in the milk and melted butter until smooth and combined.