French Toast Bread Pudding - Delightful Breakfast Delight

French Toast Bread Pudding combines the best of two breakfast classics: French toast and bread pudding. This dish is a perfect centerpiece for brunch gatherings, offering a custardy, sweet, and slightly crunchy treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

Bread: 1 loaf of French baguette or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes.
Eggs: 4 large eggs.
Milk: 2 cups of whole milk or heavy cream for a richer texture. (For dairy-free, use almond milk or coconut milk.)
Sugar: ½ cup of granulated sugar.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
Salt: A pinch.
Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted.
Optional Add-Ins: Fresh berries, nuts, or chocolate chips.

Variations in Dietary Preferences

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread.
Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Bread

Slice and Toast the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until lightly crispy. This helps the bread absorb the custard without becoming too mushy.

Making the Custard

Mixing Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Combining Bread and Custard

Layering in the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Layer the toasted bread cubes evenly in the dish.
Pouring the Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.

Optional Add-Ins

Customization: Sprinkle your choice of fresh berries, nuts, or chocolate chips over the top for added flavor and texture.

Baking

Baking Time and Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread pudding for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, let your French Toast Bread Pudding cool slightly before serving. Here are some ways to elevate your dish:

Plating: Serve warm, cut into squares, or scoop with a spoon.
Toppings: Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream.
Sauces: Consider a warm caramel sauce or fresh fruit compote for a luxurious touch.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the entire dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes to retain its texture.

Conclusion

French Toast Bread Pudding is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for brunch. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! We’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations. Happy cooking!