Savor the Richness of New Orleans: Classic Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Photo byAngie Bright

There’s something magical about the flavors of New Orleans, a city that boasts a rich culinary history. One dish that truly captures the essence of this vibrant culture is the classic New Orleans Bread Pudding. Rich, warm, and comforting, bread pudding has long been a staple dessert in the Crescent City, known for its simple ingredients and indulgent taste. What makes this pudding stand out is the addition of a luscious bourbon sauce, which elevates the dessert to new heights.

The beauty of this dish lies in its use of day-old French bread, turning what could be a waste into something wonderful. Combined with milk, sugar, eggs, and spices, the bread soaks up the custard-like mixture, becoming soft and moist while still maintaining some texture. The raisins add a touch of sweetness, while the cinnamon and allspice provide a subtle warmth that reminds you of cozy gatherings and festive times.

And then, of course, there's the bourbon sauce. Velvety, buttery, and just the right amount of boozy, it’s the perfect finishing touch. Drizzled over the pudding as soon as it comes out of the oven, the sauce soaks into the warm dessert, creating a delightful contrast between the creamy pudding and the rich, sweet sauce.

Recipe: Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf of French bread
• 4 cups milk
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (or to your taste)
• Pecans (optional)

Directions:

1. Tear or cut the French bread into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the milk and let the bread soak for a few minutes. Crush the mixture with your hands until it becomes well blended and creamy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, allspice, and cinnamon. Stir in the raisins, then add this mixture to the bread. Let the entire mixture sit for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to make sure the bread absorbs the flavors evenly.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt the butter and use it to coat a 13x9-inch baking dish.
4. Pour the bread mixture into the baking dish and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until set. Allow the pudding to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

To make the Bourbon Sauce:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth.
3. Gradually add the beaten egg while stirring continuously to prevent the egg from scrambling.
4. Cook the sauce for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove it from the heat and stir in the bourbon.
5. Drizzle the sauce over the warm bread pudding and serve immediately.

The magic of this dish lies not only in its simplicity but also in its ability to bring a taste of New Orleans to your table, no matter where you are. With its creamy texture, warming spices, and decadent bourbon sauce, this bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this New Orleans classic is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

For a rich and indulgent New Orleans classic, bread pudding with bourbon sauce is a must-try. This dish has been a favorite in the Crescent City for generations, making use of stale French bread, which is soaked in a custard mixture of eggs, milk, and spices, then baked to perfection. The addition of raisins (optional), cinnamon, and allspice provides a wonderful depth of flavor, while the bourbon sauce is what takes this dessert over the top.

The bourbon sauce, made with butter, sugar, and a touch of bourbon whiskey, adds a delicious kick to the dessert. Just be sure to stir continuously while making the sauce to avoid scrambling the egg. Pour it over the freshly baked bread pudding for a decadent finish that’s sure to satisfy.

If you're ready to give it a try, check out these resources for full recipe details:

1. Emeril Lagasse's Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding​(Emerils.com)
2. Kenneth Temple's New Orleans Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce​(Kenneth Temple)
3. What's Cooking America's Bread Pudding Recipe​(What's Cooking America)

These resources provide detailed instructions to help you recreate this iconic dessert in your kitchen. Enjoy!