4 Amazing Bread Pudding recipes. Try something NEW

So, Chocolate, Banana, Lemon Blueberry or Savory?

Once upon a time, in the kitchens of medieval Europe, a humble dish was born out of necessity and creativity – bread pudding. Its history is as rich and varied as the ingredients used to make it.

The story begins with the resourcefulness of medieval cooks who sought ways to avoid wasting any food. Stale or leftover bread was a common occurrence, and throwing it away was not an option. Instead, these ingenious cooks found a way to repurpose the old bread into a delicious and satisfying dish.

The earliest known reference to a dish resembling bread pudding dates back to the 11th or 12th century. During this time, a frugal chef combined stale bread with ingredients such as milk, eggs, and sugar, creating a simple but hearty dish. This early version of bread pudding was likely sweetened with honey or fruit for added flavor.

As time passed, the popularity of bread pudding spread across Europe. Each region put its own spin on the dish, incorporating local ingredients and flavors. In England, for example, bread and butter pudding became a staple, featuring layers of buttered bread, raisins, and a creamy custard.

During the Renaissance, bread pudding continued to evolve. The addition of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg became more common, enhancing the dish's flavor profile. With the advent of sugar cultivation in the Caribbean, sugar found its way into the recipe, sweetening the pudding even further.

In the 18th century, as colonization and trade routes expanded, bread pudding recipes made their way to the Americas. Southern states in the United States embraced this dish, adapting it to include ingredients like bourbon-soaked raisins or pecans. It became a comforting and economical dessert, particularly popular during times of hardship.

Bread pudding persisted through the challenges of history, adapting to the changing times and tastes. In the 20th century, convenience foods and pre-packaged desserts became popular, but the nostalgia and simplicity of bread pudding ensured its enduring place on family tables.

Today, bread pudding has experienced a resurgence, appreciated for its versatility and ability to showcase diverse flavors. Chefs and home cooks alike experiment with various bread types, fillings, and sauces, elevating this once frugal dish to gourmet status.

As we savor a warm slice of bread pudding, we are not just indulging in a delightful dessert – we are enjoying a dish that carries with it the history of creativity, resourcefulness, and the simple joy of turning humble ingredients into something truly special. And so, the story of bread pudding continues, evolving with each generation while preserving the essence of its storied past.

Here are four different bread pudding recipes:

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

8 cups of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 cups of whole milk

4 large eggs

1 cup of granulated sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

Follow the same instructions as the classic bread pudding recipe, but add the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the bread pudding mixture before baking. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Banana Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

8 cups of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 cups of whole milk

4 large eggs

1 cup of granulated sugar

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of salt

2 ripe bananas, mashed

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

Follow the same instructions as the classic bread pudding recipe, but add the mashed bananas to the bread pudding mixture before baking. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

8 cups of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 cups of whole milk

4 large eggs

1 cup of granulated sugar

1 tablespoon of lemon zest

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

Follow the same instructions as the classic bread pudding recipe, but add the lemon zest and blueberries to the bread pudding mixture before baking. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Savory Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

8 cups of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 cups of whole milk

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup of chopped cooked ham

1 cup of chopped cooked spinach

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (not optional in this case, it wouldn't go well)

Instructions:

Follow the same instructions as the classic bread pudding recipe, but omit the sugar and cinnamon and add the garlic powder, dried thyme, and Parmesan cheese to the milk mixture before adding the bread cubes. Stir in the ham and spinach before pouring the mixture into the baking dish. Bake as directed, and serve warm as a savory side dish or brunch item.