Ingredients

• 4 cups of bread, cubed stale bread (French bread or any other dense bread)
• 3 cups of milk, (whole milk or a combination of milk and cream)
• 3 egg(s), large
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, ground
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1/2 cup of raisins or currants, or other dried fruit (optional)
• 1/4 cup of butter, for greasing the baking dish
• powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Bread Cut the stale bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread isn't stale, you can spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes to dry them out slightly.

3. Grease the Baking Dish Grease a 9x13 inch (or similar size) baking dish with melted butter.

4. Assemble the Pudding In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.

5. Combine with Bread Cubes Add the cubed bread to the egg and milk mixture. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. If desired, fold in raisins or other dried fruits.

6. Transfer to Baking Dish Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

7. Bake Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

8. Cool and Serve Allow the bread pudding to cool for a bit before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving.