Name: Favorite Bread and Butter Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Yield: Makes 6 Servings
Ingredients: 4 stale slices firm-textured white bread, crusts and all (see headnote); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup dark seedless raisins (see headnote); 3 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 1/4 cups milk; 1 cup half-and-half; 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup bourbon (see Tip above); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Image may contain Food Bread and Cracker

Favorite Bread and Butter Pudding with Bourbon SauceJason Wyche

Southerners are especially clever about using up breads, raisins, and other dried fruits going stale. This frugal bread pudding—elegant enough for a party—is a case in point. The bread to use is firm-textured white bread (a.k.a. farm-style bread). I think raisin bread would be equally delicious though I've never tried it. And if I do, I'll omit the raisins or use half the amount called for. Tip: Only top-quality bourbon or sour mash whiskey will do for the sauce. Cheap brands lack flavor.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

25 Bread Puddings for Dinner, Dessert and Anytime In-Between
Whether sweet or savory, or enjoyed for breakfast, dinner, or dessert, bread puddings are a perfect cold weather comfort food.
10 Reasons You Should Never Throw Away a Stale Baguette
Did that baguette get a little *too* crusty? That happens. Luckily, baguettes are almost as useful stale as they are fresh.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.

Recipe notes

25 Bread Puddings for Dinner, Dessert and Anytime In-Between

10 Reasons You Should Never Throw Away a Stale Baguette