Bread pudding

Bread Pudding – A Classic Delight for Any Meal

If you're looking for a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, bread pudding is the perfect choice. This traditional recipe is more than just a simple dessert; it's an excellent way to transform leftover bread into something truly special. Let's discover together how you can achieve a delicious bread pudding with a creamy texture and unique flavor.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 500 g slices of bread (preferably older bread)
- 500 g sweet cottage cheese
- 230 g sugar
- 7 eggs
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 g raisins (optional, plus a little for decoration)
- 100 g butter (for greasing the dish)
- A pinch of salt
- 500 ml milk
- 200 g mozzarella (optional, for a golden crust)

Brief History

Bread pudding has deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Originating from the desire to reduce food waste, this dessert was created to use leftover bread, transforming it into a tasty and comforting dish. Over time, each region has contributed unique additions by incorporating fruits, nuts, or spices, making bread pudding a truly diversified dish.

Preparing the Pudding

1. Preparing the dish: Start by greasing a deep dish with butter, ensuring it is evenly covered to prevent sticking. It is recommended to use a dish with higher sides to allow the pudding to rise beautifully during baking.

2. Preparing the bread: If you don't have sliced bread, cut it into thin slices. It is ideal to use older bread as it absorbs liquid better. If you have fresh bread, you can let it dry a bit before using it.

3. Egg and milk mixture: In a large bowl, beat the 4 eggs together with the milk and a pinch of salt. This mixture will provide a creamy and delicious base for the pudding.

4. Preparing the mixture: In another bowl, beat the egg whites from the 3 eggs until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy foam. Combine this foam with the previously beaten egg yolks and add the cottage cheese and raisins (keeping some for decoration). Mix the ingredients well until they are homogeneous.

5. Assembling the pudding: Soak the slices of bread in the milk and egg mixture, ensuring they soak well. Arrange them in the prepared dish, including along the sides, without leaving empty spaces. Pour half of the cottage cheese mixture with the beaten egg whites, followed by another layer of soaked bread. Repeat the process, and at the end, place a final layer of soaked bread.

6. Finalizing the dish: If you have any remaining egg and milk mixture, pour it evenly over the composition. If the bread slices on the edges are longer, trim them to make them even. Grate butter on top for added flavor. If you want a crunchier crust, you can add mozzarella.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake the pudding for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and increase the temperature to 200 degrees Celsius for another 10 minutes, until it is nicely browned.

8. Cooling and serving: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before turning it onto a platter (optional). You can garnish it with cottage cheese and raisins on top for an attractive appearance. Cut and portion only after it has completely cooled, so you get nice, even servings.

Practical Tips

- Delicious variations: You can add flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg to give the dish a warm note. You can also replace the raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries.
- Serving: Bread pudding is delicious served warm, but also cold. It can be accompanied by a caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream to enhance its flavor.
- Nutritional benefits: This pudding is a good source of protein due to the eggs and cheese, and the addition of raisins provides antioxidants and fiber. Plus, it's an excellent way to reduce food waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole grain bread? Yes, whole grain bread will provide a slightly different texture, but it will also add more fiber to the dish.
- How can I make the pudding sweeter? You can add more sugar to the egg mixture or use a sweet sauce when serving.
- Is this a suitable dessert for kids? Absolutely! This bread pudding is not only delicious but also healthy, making it an excellent choice for family meals.

Conclusion

Bread pudding is more than just a simple dessert; it is a nostalgic recipe that brings together simple ingredients into a delicious combination. It is easy to prepare, and the result will surely impress both family and friends. So, don't hesitate! Gather the ingredients and prepare this wonderful bread pudding, which will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!