This Southern Bread Pudding Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Super simple to make, this homemade classic recipe makes the perfect dessert for just about any occasion.
What Is Southern Bread Pudding?
I remember asking this the first time I ever saw this on a menu. I knew what bread was, and I knew what pudding was. But I couldn’t picture the two together.
Bread Pudding, it turns out, is extremely popular in a ton of different countries and can be found under just as many different names. From a “Wet Nelly” in the UK to a Schwarzbrotpudding in Germany and everywhere in between. Here in the United States, it is very popular down south. There are both sweet and savory versions, the former served as a main course and the latter as a dessert.
It’s usually a combination of bread (sometimes hard or stale), custard (milk or cream, vanilla and sugar), spices and eggs combined with some sort of sweet sauce. This could be a rum or whiskey based sauce, a caramel sauce or the traditional vanilla sauce.
It’s best served warm with dollop of ice cream on top!
What Kind of Bread Is Best For Bread Pudding?
You are going to want to pretty stout bread that will be able to stand up to the liquid being introduced. You don’t want it to end up too soggy. This is why some people choose fairly hard or even a bit stale bread. Some good examples would be Challah, Brioche, or even French Bread.
You will definitely want bread that you can buy in a loaf and that will be easy to cube. I’d avoid sliced sandwich bread at all costs.
Southern Bread Pudding Recipe
I never put a lot of thought about exactly what ingredients you need for a bread pudding recipe. But, like a lot of great comfort food, it really is pretty simple. Most of these ingredients, you probably have in your kitchen right now. It always boggles my mind to think about how many great things that I could make right this minute without even having to go to the store. I’ve had the ingredients to make this bread pudding recipe all this time, and it never occurred to me to combine them together in this way to get this result. That is the beauty of cooking. Here is what you will need:
- Bread (Hard or Stale Bread)
- Raisins
- Eggs
- Milk
- Sugar
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
Notes and Variations
- Mix It Up! Feel free to use two different kinds of breads for some different textures in your dish.
- Dried Fruits! We have raisins in this recipe but you can omit them if you’d like. Or try some different dried fruits instead! I think dried apricot would be awesome in this dish!
- Nuts! We have some nut allergies in this family, but putting in some walnuts or slice almonds sounds delicious.
- Add Nutmeg. I’ve seen some recipes that add 1/2 tsp of nutmeg in. Give it a try if that sounds good!
- Honey. Try drizzling with some warm honey just before serving. Yum!
- Suggested Bakeware: We love to bake casseroles in our Le Creuset Casserole Dish because it comes with a lid! You can just keep your leftovers right in your casserole dish in the fridge! Or, if you are looking for something a little less expensive, this one works great too! Or, you can get this 6 piece non-stick oven bakeware baking set. It comes with just about ANY pan you’ll ever need to bake with! From muffins to bread loafs to cookie sheets. And it’s only $26.00!!!
I hope you enjoy this easy bread pudding recipe. Let me know what you think!
For more delicious bread recipes check out:
- CHOCOLATE CHIP BREAD
- CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA BREAD
- RHODES ROLLS MONKEY BREAD
- STARBUCKS COPYCAT LEMON LOAF
- EASY CRACK CAKE RECIPE
easy bread pudding recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups 1" bread cubes -I use 4 slices white bread and 4 slices wheat bread
- 1/3 cup raisins -you can also use dried cranberries or dried cherries
- 4 eggs
- 2-1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 12 X 9 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer bread in dish with raisins. Continue until dish is full.
- In a separate mixing bowl, add eggs and beat well.
- Stir in milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon.
- Pour mixture over bread making sure to coat all pieces. If necessary, push the back of a spoon into the pan to make sure all the bread is coated in the egg mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes.
Nutrition
Comments & Reviews
Sherrie Dolan says
So easy to make!!! Great flavors. I added chopped walnuts for a texture..
Kathy says
I’m so happy you loved it! Walnuts is a great idea for a little crunch!
Holly says
Thank you for sharing this awesome recipe! Made today. In the oven now. So easy and cannot wait to try it!
Kathy says
I’m so happy you found us! I hope you enjoyed your bread pudding!
Karen says
Made with cinnamon raisin bread. To die for.
Kathy says
I’m so glad you like it! The cinnamon raisin bread sounds amazing!
Suz W says
Halved the recipe since it’s just me. In the toaster oven now. Only variation was I used Splenda instead of sugar.
Kathy says
Thank you for the great suggestions!
Teresa Smith says
Why do you use day old bread or dried bread if your just going to soak it with the milk ect ingredients?
Kathy says
Good question! Because it will act like a sponge and soak up all the good stuff in the recipe. If you have fresh bread you can get the same result by cubing it and putting it in the oven on low for a little bit to draw out the moisture.
Jan says
If you used fresh bread, wouldn’t be mushy?
Rhonda Hillstrom says
Making it, have it in the oven now and I added chocolate chips.
Kathy says
Let us know how it turned out!
Emily says
Great bread pudding recipe – and so versatile! I used hot dg dog buns and the heels pf Dave’s Bread and some artisanal bread. Since it had all been in the freezer, i toasted the pieces in the oven. The textures of the different kinds of bread woked out really well. i added chocolate chips and shredded coconut and used coconut rum instead of vanilla. So yummy.
Next time I’m making a savory bread pudding. Maybe shrimp and crab.
Kathy says
Great suggestions!
Patty says
Making this dessert today, in the oven as I type can’t wait
Kathy says
Let us know how you liked it!
susan williams says
Just put mine in the oven I used that breakfast bread from Publix it has walnuts,crainberies and whole grain bread I also added more crainberies and apples …hope it turns out good . Got in in the oven now!!😋
Kathy says
Please let us know how it went!
Madhavi says
Can you use brown sugar? I plan to make it tomorrow!
Kathy says
I don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to! I’ve actually started making my chocolate chip cookies with only brown sugar and no white sugar. And I’m loving them!
Ronnie says
The Husband is taking a power nap and I went in the kitchen and whipped this up pretty quick. I know this will sound strange, but I can’t eat raisins out of the box…but baked cooked in oatmeal or baked yum! I added a few. It’s in the fridge soaking and then will pop in the oven once dinners on the table. I can’t wait!
Ronnie says
The Husband is taking a power nap and I went in the kitchen and whipped this up pretty quick. I know this will sound strange, but I can’t eat raisins out of the box…but in oatmeal or baked yum! I added a few. It’s in the fridge soaking and then will pop in the oven once dinners on the table. I can’t wait!
Kathy says
I hope you enjoyed it!
Thomas Hall says
This is a very good recipe. I did however bump up the vanilla extract to a tbs and the cinnamon to a tsp. Oh , and a full cup of raisins took it over the top!! Turned out great!!
Susan Fleming says
Brought back a flood of memories for me as this is exactly how my mom and gram used to make it! It is in the oven as we speak. Can’t wait to eat it! Yummy memories…..
Pamela says
This is so easy and oh so delicious that anyone could whip it together in 20 minutes. My husband’s new, quick dessert. Thanks much for sharing
Kathy says
I’m so happy your family loves it! Thank you for sharing!
Chantelle says
Just made this. Still got so I haven’t tasted it as yet but it looks so good!
Kathy says
Please let us know how you liked it!
Cindy says
Quarantine is a time to use every bit of food up in the house with nothing wasted. I made cinnamon buns last week and they were getting stale so I cubed them up and made your recipe. I don’t have any raisins in the house or dried fruit so I used some dark rum LOL. Thank you for the easy recipe “ hiccup “ 🙂
Kathy says
So smart! I am glad we could help in some small way.
Pat says
Kathy do you think I could use fresh cranberries in this? Have some I need to use😉
Kathy says
I don’t see why not!?!?! Give it a try! I’d love to hear how it turns out. Thanks for reading!
Lourdes says
Made it! My first ever. Delish!! Might need to add more milk, the top was a little dry. I added Apples and raisins! Thanks.
Kathy says
That sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Edna Burr says
I’d like to know if I wanted the bread pudding more of a custard then dry looking. What would I do? Add more milk and eggs. That’s the way my grandmother made it . I love the custard in the bread pudding. Thank you
Kathy says
More milk and eggs. I would double the amount.
Ang says
This was very dry. I am disappointed.
Kathy says
I’m sorry to hear that. We rather enjoy the consistency but if you want to you could add a little extra milk and an extra egg next time.
Debbi says
How well would it freezer after baking?d
Kathy says
I personally haven’t tried freezing it after baking it, but my guess is that it would be okay to do that.
Susan Patterson says
I’ve used your recipe before and loved it. So quick and easy. However this time I used Italian Panettone instead of bread. A wonderful Christmas treat.
Kathy says
I love this idea. Thank you for sharing!
Karin says
I’m going to try with cubed stale apple raisin muffins..I’ll keep you posted! Very excited!
Kathy says
That sounds delicious!
Kathryn Goering says
I failed as a parent somewhere. Used to make this with my mom all the time. I told my daughter it was time to make bread pudding because I have lots of leftover stale bread. She asked what it was! I failed!
Kathy says
LOL… don’t beat yourself up too bad. I’m glad you found our recipe, its time to start making new memories.
Bernadette Robitaille says
Hi. I made this recipe because I have been craving bread pudding. I cut the recipe in half, i used hot dog buns and seved it with a small amount of cream. Delicious. Definitely will make again. Yum.
Kathy says
Yay! I love the Hot Dog Bun idea!
Harriet says
I used chocolate chip bread an cinnamon raising bread,I like custard so added more milk an eggs,delicious
Kathy says
I love the idea of using chocolate chip bread for bread pudding!
Jane Stuhldreher says
What size pan do I need?
Kathy says
12 X 9. I’ve edited the recipe to make this more clear.
Doris Valenzuela says
Made this it is in the oven right now I used chocolate chip im sure it’s going to be great I also used Keto bread thanks for the recipe!!
Kathy says
Awesome! Come back and let us know how it turned out!
Gloria says
Hi all. I don’t care for bread pudding but my husband loves it and has always raved about how good his Moms was so have always stayed away from trying. When I saw this recipe I decided to try. Pray it turns out so after 33 years of marriage I will be confident in making it for him🤪
Sandy housenga says
I made it using blueberry bagels. Yum
Peggy says
Love the recipe…….would love. Some ideas for SAVORY breads.
Using some sausage…..and or fruits like oranges n figs…..herbs..
My wife likes BP but more SAVORY then fruit. We are both going on 70 and I would love to surprise her
Thank You
Kathy says
Great idea! We will start brainstorming!
Lynn says
This was fantastic, I added a few pecans and dried cranberries. Will definitely be making this again for the next family gathering. Thanks
Kathy says
Great ideas!
Cynthia says
Nice easy recipe! I made a few changes as follows: I wanted it to be a little more custardy, so I added an additional egg and a bit more milk, (I also used non -dairy rice beverage for the milk, since I’m lactose intolerant.) I added about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of flax seed meal, for extra nutrition. I subbed in dried tart cherries for the raisins, and added walnuts. Used rum extract in addition to the vanilla. I also used a combination of coconut sugar and turbinado (raw) sugar, instead of regular sugar, since that’s what I have at home. When I was mixing the wet ingredients with the cinnamon, I noticed it didn’t mix in very well, next time I’ll just sprinkle the cinnamon on top of the bread with my dried fruit & nuts. I baked for 40 minutes and it looks and smells great. I just tasted it still warm from the oven, it’s holding together well and is delicious. This bread pudding is a real winner!
Kathy says
Wow! Great suggestions!
Jacki Grayson says
Love bread pudding and the easy jiffy corn pudding
Marite Coppa- Rojas says
fantastic. I used cinnamon raisin bread. I added more raising soaked in rum. it was delicious. Today, I will add an extra egg and more milk. Delicious.
Kathy says
Great ideas!
Rose says
Sounds delicious, but you don’t use any butter? I have never used a bread pudding recipe without using butter . I want to make this but just wanted to check about the butter.
Carol says
I’m looking for a custard bread pudding. I had a custard bread pudding on a ship years ago which was absolutely delicious! There was no trace of pieces of bread.
Kathy says
Hmmm… That sound delicious Carol. Wouldn’t a custard bread pudding without any bread just be a custard pudding?
Sandra says
I set it in refrigerator for a couple of hours take out to bake. I add a can of peaches drain 1/2 liquid off.
Kathy says
Peaches sound like an amazing addition… thank you for sharing!
Kimra Bailey says
A very big hit with my family 💜‼️
Kimra Bailey says
A very big hit with my family 💜‼️ so easy too if company shows up or your needing a quick dessert for the Church, well thisisit! I added pecans to mine💖‼️💜
Kathy says
Awesome! Great idea with the pecans!
Lore says
I just made the bread pudding the only thing I made different I soak the raisins in rum and also used brown sugar and added diced apples, wow it came out so delicious 😋
Kathy says
Mmmmmm! Soaking the raisins in rum is awesome!
Bea says
Thank you
Weezie says
We did ours with some blueberries! Delicious! & so easy, a great way to use up some odd bread that’s going stale.
Kathy says
Totally agree!
Glad it worked out!
Helen Scott says
I made this today, added pecans. Just waiting on it to come out of oven! Delicious!
Gail says
I love bread pudding
Estela says
I made my bread pudding and instead of milk I used heavy cream. Cause I didn’t have milk and I also added some nutmeg and cheese. I tell you what, it came out so good and next time I’ll add bourbon to it. Great and easy recipe
Kathy says
Great suggestions! Especially the Bourbon!
Weezie says
I absolutely love this recipe. It’s very easy to fallow! & a great use for old bread!
I’ve made this 3 times now & I have one in the oven now! ❤😋
Angela Waits says
Thank you for the recipe with no hoops to jump through. Great very pleased
Carol Carlisle says
I think it’s the same as my mother’s New England recipe. I had no raisins so I substituted apricots and it’s in the oven now . In a cast iron pan.
Can’t wait to taste it.😋
Carol M says
Just made this recipe for the first time , it’s in the oven now , sure smells good !! I am sure it will taste as well as it smells !!
Kathy says
Come back and let us know how it turns out!
Patricia says
I made the bread pudding which I must say that it is one of the best ever! It was light,moist, and the creamy custard was so sweet and flavorful I couldn’t put it down until I ate it all!..yummy!!!
Kathy says
Yay! So glad you loved it!
Peggy says
My Mom made this for us when we were growing up, I don’t know if she ever used slices of bread in her bread pudding, she used cold Biscuits always it was good 😋
Kathy says
Ooooh. The biscuits sound good!
Teri bass says
Made it came out great!! Thanks for sharing
Kathy says
So glad!
Sarah says
Would love to try this. I make my own sour dough, could I use this?
Kathy says
Yeah! Go for it!
Sarah says
Gonna give it a try! Will
Probably add one more egg and milk.
Trisha Jane says
Just made this recipe super easy n delish…l thank you
Kathy says
So glad it worked out for you! Thanks for stopping by!
Marjorie McLellan says
Sometimes my Mother would put left cake or any sweet in. We all loved it.
Kathy says
Yum! Great idea!