Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family comes together, laughter fills the air, and the delicious aroma of comfort food wafts through the house. One of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up for this special occasion is *Thanksgiving bread pudding*. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form! The beauty of this dish is that it transforms leftover bread into something truly decadent and satisfying. Picture this: rich custard, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sweet bursts of raisins or cranberries. Every bite takes me back to cherished memories around the dinner table. Trust me, once you serve this up, your family will be begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Let’s dive into how you can create this cozy dessert and make your Thanksgiving celebration even more memorable.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For this *Thanksgiving bread pudding*, you’ll want to make sure you have everything on hand to create that rich, creamy custard and those cozy flavors we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 cups of stale bread, cubed (any type of bread works—French, brioche, or even leftover dinner rolls!)
- 4 cups of milk (whole milk adds creaminess, but you can use whatever you have)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (for that extra richness—trust me, it’s worth it!)
- 1 cup of sugar (this balances out the spices and adds sweetness)
- 4 large eggs (these will help bind everything together)
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (because who doesn’t love a hint of vanilla?)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (for that warm, comforting spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg (just a pinch adds depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (to enhance all the flavors)
- 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries (they add a fruity burst—feel free to mix it up!)
Make sure your bread is nice and stale so it can soak up all that custard goodness. The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful harmony that’s perfect for the holiday season. Now, let’s get ready to bring this cozy dessert to life!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making this scrumptious *Thanksgiving bread pudding*! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen. Here’s how to do it:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!
- In a large bowl, toss together your cubed stale bread and raisins (or cranberries if you’re feeling fruity). Make sure every piece gets a little love!
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. You want this mixture to be smooth and creamy—just imagine how good it’s going to taste!
- Now, pour that luscious custard mixture over the bread cubes. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is coated. Then, let it soak for about 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens—your bread will soak up all that goodness!
- Next, transfer the soaked mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes just right.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and the center is set. Just be careful not to overbake it—nobody likes dry bread pudding!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before you dive in. This waiting game is tough, but it’s worth it!
And there you have it! Your homemade *Thanksgiving bread pudding* is ready to be enjoyed, and trust me, it’ll be the star of your holiday table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This *Thanksgiving bread pudding* comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy holiday preparations!
- Comforting Flavors: The warm spices and creamy custard create a cozy dessert that evokes all the feelings of home and family.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to use whatever bread you have on hand, and switch up the mix-ins to suit your taste—think nuts, different dried fruits, or even chocolate!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and simply bake before serving. It’s a lifesaver when you’re juggling multiple dishes!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds. This dessert never fails to impress family and friends!
Tips for Success
To make your *Thanksgiving bread pudding* truly unforgettable, here are some pro tips I swear by! First, choose the right bread; a mix of soft and crusty types like brioche and baguette creates fantastic texture. Stale bread is key—it soaks up the custard without falling apart, so don’t rush this step! Give it a solid 30 minutes of soaking time to ensure each piece is infused with that creamy goodness.
Also, keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens can vary, so check around the 45-minute mark; you want that beautiful golden top and a firm center. If it looks like it’s browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning. And finally, let it cool a bit before serving; this helps it set nicely and makes slicing easier. Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your bread pudding to the next level!
Variations of Thanksgiving Bread Pudding
One of the best things about *Thanksgiving bread pudding* is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. For a fruity twist, try adding diced apples or pears—just imagine those juicy bites throughout the creamy custard! If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
Want a hint of chocolate? Toss in some chocolate chips or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar. And don’t forget about spices! A dash of ginger or allspice can give your bread pudding a delightful holiday flavor. You could even experiment with some citrus zest, like orange or lemon, for a refreshing kick. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover *Thanksgiving bread pudding* is a treat you’ll want to savor, so proper storage is key! Once it’s cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for those late-night snacks or breakfast indulgences!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend popping individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds. You want it warm but not scorching hot. If you’re reheating the whole dish, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can even add a splash of cream or milk before reheating to keep it nice and moist. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying *Thanksgiving bread pudding*, it’s good to be aware of the nutritional values! Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. Typically, each serving has around 350 calories, with about 15g of fat, 6g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. You also get around 20g of sugar and 2g of fiber in each delicious slice. Remember, it’s all about balance, so enjoy this cozy dessert in moderation while celebrating the holiday!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale? You can, but I highly recommend using stale bread! It soaks up the custard much better without getting mushy. If you only have fresh bread, leave it out overnight to dry a bit before using.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works great! You can also use whole milk, but the pudding might be a bit less rich. Just know that cream adds that luscious texture we all love!
How do I serve Thanksgiving bread pudding? This dish is fantastic on its own, but I love to drizzle it with caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. You can also serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, it’s heavenly!
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it fresh before serving. This makes it so much easier when you’re busy with all the Thanksgiving festivities!
How do I know when my bread pudding is done? Look for a golden brown top and a firm center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. If it jiggles too much in the center, it needs a bit more time in the oven!
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Thanksgiving Bread Pudding: 7 Steps to Cozy Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Thanksgiving bread pudding with a rich custard base and warm spices.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of stale bread, cubed
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine stale bread cubes and raisins.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread and let it soak for 30 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of bread you have on hand.
- Feel free to add nuts for extra texture.
- Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bread pudding, bread pudding, dessert, holiday dessert
