One of my favorite desserts to make is really one of the easiest! In last nights culinary class we made Bread Pudding ( we set it up and baked it in the morning for lunch). It’s not easy getting girls to try this for the first time, but once they do there usually yours forever…..warm bread pudding with ooey gooey melted cream cheese frosting all over it…..The custard baked into the bread so its moist and flavorful, its just wonderful….sigh And last night for the first time I shared the complete recipe, the last secret ingredients, the ones that make the difference between really good bread pudding, and bread pudding that so good it makes you want to eat more, even though you shouldn’t. So today I was giving out samples, as girls looked at it suspiciously, make pudding out of bread……How Gross……well that’s what they were thinking….
So as I handed them a souffle cup of heaven I told them its not what you think!!
Now of course we did have the few that didn’t admit to liking it, perhaps if it was chocolate? But you know I just can’t bring myself to do that to something so simple, yet so elegant. But many of the girls came back for more. (one even told me the bread pudding the restaurant she works at is nothing like this, I asked her, “could you cut a wedge of it and use it as a doorstop” she said yes….sigh….it isn’t rocket science people).
so lets move on to a dessert that was a staple at the restaurant I worked at, and has been applauded at every stop I have made along the way since….Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you My Legendary Bread Pudding.
Now let me warn you , its not for the faint of heart….its not Vegan. You can change the ingredients but it will only ever be really good bread pudding……..not legendary.
Bread Pudding by Dennis
One loaf of Potato Bread, cut into cubes, more if you need it, the bread should mound high above your casserole dish.
4 cups of whole milk
3 Large Eggs
2 cups of Sugar
2 tablespoons pure Vanilla
1/3 cup Raisins (optional)
1/2 stick of butter melted
1 cup of half and half or gasp…..heavy cream
The first thing you want to do is fine a proper baking dish or casserole to bake this in, around a 13×9 inch pan.
Now in your mixer or a large container, mix the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla together, making sure all the eggs are beaten in to the milk and all the sugar has been incorporated.
When it is well mixed, pour this mixture over the cut bread, mixing it well so that all of the bread has absorbed some of the milk. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, overnight in the fridge is even better.
Now before it is baked, pour the cup of half and half over the bread, this will enhance the flavor of the pudding, do not mix it in, let it seep into the bread.
Then add the melted butter over the entire pan letting some of the butters richness touch as much of the top of the mixture that it can. wheh….not its ready to bake!
well sort of, now cover the pudding with cling wrap (restaurant habits die hard). then cover it with foil.
Bake for One hour at 350 degrees, then uncover and continue to bake for 15 minutes more or until center is fully set. (if the butter has pooled in any area, spread it around before the finally 15 minutes…this will help get it golden brown.)
Now when you take it out of the oven your gonna say OMG…..its soooooo high…..I am a genius!!!!!
well settle down sparky, its gonna fall……sigh…..
Now while your are letting your bread pudding bake, lets make the cream cheese frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
1/2 lb of butter softened
1 lb of cream cheese softened. (not whipped)
1 cup of 10x sugar (more if you like it sweeter)
2 teaspoons of Pure Vanilla Extract
First whip the butter and cream cheese in your mixture at high speed to get some air into it.
Now and this is important (believe me I know too well) turn the mixer down all the way
Now you can add your 10 x sugar and turn up the speed gradually ( it isnt pretty at high speed 10x is really really light and it goes everywhere)
Add the vanilla and mix well
Now if you would like to do a little something else to drive your friends into a frenzy, add a little liquor or brandy to the frosting, not a lot maybe two tablespoons……. when you put this cream cheese frosting on the warm bread pudding, the aromatics are just too much to handle, if it needs a little more 10 x its ok.
Now you have joined the ranks of the legendary, people will talk about your bread pudding behind closed doors, and beg for the recipe….send them to my website….lol
Now that you have been all sugared up, doused in butter and cream, lets move on to something a little healthier. Pesto Hummus. Just a very simple addition to the recipe, and Voila, you got pesto hummus..
maybe they wont sing your praises at office coffee breaks, but they will tell you it was pretty darn good!
I’m torn between this and the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus as my personal favorite…this coming from a man who thought hummus was something that grew on the side of trees (just kidding, but I had no clue it was that good)
Pesto Hummus
1 16 oz can of chic peas (garbanzo beans)
1 Tablespoons of Pesto (a little more if you really like pesto)2 tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 16 oz can of chic peas (garbanzo beans)
1 Tablespoons of Pesto (a little more if you really like pesto)2 tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil to drizzle
Preparation:
Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor.
If the mixture appears to thick you can add juice from the chic peas, or a little more olive oil.
Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth. You may salt to taste if necessary but by using lemon pepper it shouldn’t need any.
Serve this with toasted pita chips and drizzle a little Olive Oil on top of the hummus.
.
What a rich bread pudding, Dennis. Sounds like old school decadence to me-I love that!
Oh, and I made your roasted chick peas today and had them with a beer. Very nice indeed!
Delicious bread pudding! I miss this very much. Very English dessert, I love it.
I would not have been one of the girls to shrink away from bread pudding. I totally understand how downright sinfully delicious bread pudding can be- No doubt, your recipe is legendary. I love the cream cheese frosting. That is new for me and definitely worth a try.
The Pesto Hummus is good but, I am still swooning from the bread pudding recipe.
Oh my heavens…this looks beyond decadent. I've been looking for a bread pudding recipe, and I think I found it!
Oh. My. Gosh.
Dennis.
I need that bread pudding. That photo is so tempting!
Pesto hummus, what a great idea! Healthy and delicious and basil is coming into season soon!
This perfect and delicious….
Oh my! I love potato breads! Theyre tastier than ordinary white or even artisan breads. Or maybe im just a huge potato lover. Your bread looks perfect. And the cream cheese!! not to mention the hummus… its my favorite recipe. In fact i always make mine…. Your hummus looks rich and creamy. I hate you for making me starvin' hahahaha
Gosh chef! I do make bread pudding. Am going to add your secret ingredients and get back to you. A million thanks for sharing the magic.
Gorgeous bread pudding! Love the crusty top and goey centre. My mum would kill for this, though she's not supposed to have cream or egg yolks. Never used potato bread – that must make all the difference. Will have to give this a try and let mum have just a sliver
Gorgeous bread pudding! Love the crusty top and goey centre. My mum would kill for this, though she's not supposed to have cream or egg yolks. Never used potato bread – that must make all the difference. Will have to give this a try and let mum have just a sliver
Bread pudding with cream cheese frosting?? OMG!!!! I can't wait to make this!
How unique! This looks absolutely to die for!
Sounds fantastic, thank you for sharing this legendary dessert with us!
this sounds delicious!
such a fun blog..the cream cheese frosting sounds like it would definitely be legendary…i wouldn't change a thing!
Wow! I feel all warm and toasty just looking at the pictures! I love bread pudding and will have to try this recipe SOON!
I was going to ask how you fed 560 girls each day, but after reading through some of your poss, it seem the answer is "quite well"!
-Jenniffer
http://cupadeecakes.blogspot.com
Hello Dennis,
Is this bread pudding is like Bread & butter pudding??
I love both recipes as they looks really tasty.
Thank you for sharing.
Have a nice day.
I've only made bread pudding once in my life, and I made the mistake of doing so with stale sourdough bread. It was edible but quite strange. =P
I love the idea of pesto hummus! I never eat hummus but pesto is a great love of mine.
Your comment about wonder what animal seitan came from gave me a laugh; it's okay, though. I didn't know what it was until not too long ago.
There are loads of vegetarian/vegan blogs on this worldwide web. While I do tend to make lots of vegetarian foods, it's not really intentional but I'm glad I can help you out!
That pudding looks EPIC! Thanks for being my FIRST follower! Have a fun day!
Your bread pudding….OMG! Warm Bread pudding is my favorite dessert but I have never tried to make it since my daughters snub it as soon as they look at a bread pudding. This may do the trick!
Oh my goodness that bread pudding looks out of this world! So good with the cream cheese frosting! And your pesto hummus recipe is excellent!
That bread pudding is no doubt the richest and most delicious one ever!
Interesting take on hummos; I am still unable to veer away from the traditional one (what can I say, old habits die hard)
That pudding looks perfect, so simple and elegant. I've seen so many variations, this one is a classic. I love the pesto idea for hummus. I love hummus so much, I make my own chickpeas for it in the slow cooker.
What a coincidence…I'm making bread pudding tonight for a fundraiser in my town this Sunday.
Your cream cheese topping is interetesting! I'll have to try that one day.
Thanks for stopping by by blog.
Carmen
You might want to enter your hummus into my pesto foodie fridays installment…email your favorite dish with pesto to me
I love bread pudding! I usually serve my bread pudding with a mixture of melted vanilla ice cream with some kind of liquor. Bread pudding with cream cheese frosting sounds heavenly good!! I should definitely try this!
I've never liked bread pudding, but that may be because I've never had yours! The ones I've had weren't even good, they were just OK. You've convinced me to try yours…during the holidays when I'm not watching my calories–lol! This recipe is sinfully rich, which usually wouldn't phase me (too much) but I just started eating healthier b/c I need to lose about 35 pounds. Phooey! Thanks for sharing your recipe–can't wait to try it!
Bread pudding looks stunning, with the cream cheese frosting. it's totally stealing the thunder of your hummus.LOL.
If dairy fat didn't make me sick (it didn't used to) I would eat a whole tray of that. In fact, I think a stomach ache might be worth a bowl of heaven.
wow that looks decadent!
What a sinfully delicious bread pudding, I could devour the entire dish- serioulsy I could..thanks for stopping by i just read your profile 560 girls, oh my I love it…you have a great blog..I will follow with great pleasure..
sweetlife
Wow! These look so scrumptious! I am so glad you stopped by my blog so that I found yours! I already have you on my blogroll! Can't wait to read more
Hi Dennis,
That bread pudding is just gorgeous – so airy and golden. And topping it with cream cheese frosting – wow. Great that you've introduced the girls to what bread pudding should be; those leaden ones restaurants sometimes serve are such a tragedy.
Lovely hummus, too!
Dennis, I came to thank you for visiting and your sweet comment and I'm so glad to have found YOU! I LOVE bread pudding! Have you ever tried it with Panettone at Christmas?? YUM!
xoxo Pattie
I'm always trying to stretch myself in the pesto area and pesto hummus is a wonderful way to do it.
The bread pudding is a little bit out of my calorie count, BUT, you used fresh ingredients, no need to apologize. Looks fabulous.
delicious your bread pudding!
Hello Chef Dennis, you have made a fan for life. Anyone that has that much passion for bread pudding is ok in my book. I cannot pass up a bread pudding when I see it. I have never heard of a cream cheese frosting, so now I must not pass on this recipe.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving me comments. I would have loved to take some sort of culinary class in high school. Your job sounds like so much fun.
Oh my gosh, this sounds amazing. I'm bookmarking it to try the next time my family visits us. Thanks for the recipe. I think it was the cream cheese frosting that made me melt.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!!
Just founds your blog and will be following along as you share your recipes! This bread pudding looks delicious!
That is a very rich pudding but so worth it.
Can't decide which recipe I like better. Sweets always win my heart but the hummus looks so easy and unique. Two are better than one.
Bread pudding is one of my favorites. This looks incredible!
Oh my, the decadence! That crust is just beautiful. I shall give this a try when the weather cools down. It does sound like a legendary bread pudding, Dennis.
Om my sweet bread pudding. I remember you! Your warm gooeyness and rich flavor. If only…. If only we could be reunited again without the guilt of all your sugary, buttery, bread filled decadence.
Must be bread pudding week… i have to say yours looks the best with that cream cheese frosting. A local restaurant makes BP and it is horrid. I think i will make this this week, theres only one problem, i am the only one who likes it. ( well, thats not really a problem.. hee hee)
Loved the comment anout "whoppie" HAHAHA
Aaack! You had me at bread pudding
Bread pudding has got to be one of my favorite desserts! Yours looks wonderful and mouth-watering. Thank you for sharing your recipes.
My kids would die if I made this bread pudding for them.It looks so, so delicious.
For some reason I can't get them eat Hummus.
Totally great what you are doing Dennis.. I love savory bread puddings too! I think that Jamie Oliver should know about you. The more kids know about food… the better they eat. KUDOS!!! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I can't wait to read up on yours.
One of my most favorite recipes! Made this for my brother as soon as I got the recipe at the Mount. He still requests it when he comes home from school. It's a family favorite!!
All looks amazing, so love bread pudding! And bring on the fat and heavy cream, a bit of what you like is good for you. good not only on the flavour but also on the body!!
I can't wait for this week-end to make this bread pudding for my friends and family-it looks and sounds so incredible,thank you for sharing the recipe. And the creme cheese frosting-oh my gosh on an already wonderfully rich bread pudding..heaven !
Sandy
Oh the bread pudding looks heavenly!!! I never thought to use potato bread. All the cream and the cream cheese … you can't go wrong with this.
Oh the bread pudding looks heavenly!!! I never thought to use potato bread. All the cream and the cream cheese … you can't go wrong with this.
The Pesto Hummus looks delectable! I never thought to put the two together, I'm definitely trying this!
So simple and SOOOO delicious. I love bread pudding and with the cream cheese frosting, DANG!
I love pesto and hummus, so combined, what a dream!
That pesto hummus looks divine!
I love humus and was just thinking today to try putting in basil instead of parsley next time. I can't wait to try it! I'm glad to hear it's a success
My family and I are serious bread pudding lovers! I made some last night in fact. I generally never make the same recipe twice. So many to try. Yours is up next!
~ingrid
I'm so excited! I love bread pudding but don't have a good recipe for it. This sounds absolutely scrumptious and I'm printing now! Cream cheese frosting and made with potato bread? Wow!!!
Can you explain a little bit more about putting on plastic wrap and then foil? I did this, and when I took the pudding out to remove the cover for the last 15 minutes, the plastic was melted to my pan, the foil and a little on the pudding itself. Am I using inferior plastic wrap? Is it supposed to do that? I was able to pick the pieces off of the pudding but, since the wrap is clear, I can’t be sure I got all of it.
Hi April
I have never had any of the plastic wrap stick to anything before. It does adhere to the foil and it will stick to the sides of the pan but that’s never been a problem. I know at work we do have a heavier cling wrap, but I do the same thing at home all the time and use glad cling wrap and just about any brand of foil. The only thought that comes to mind was perhaps the plastic wrap wasn’t tight enough on the dish, you also want to make sure you have a good seal with the foil. I use this method when ever I make lasagna, baked ziti, and even rice in the oven and have for the past 30 years. Hopefully this didn’t cause to many problems, I am sorry you ran into trouble with the method.
I hope that at least everyone enjoyed the pudding.
Dennis
Chef Dennis!
I have cooked your legendary bread pudding twice, and I loved it! It was my first bread pudding experience and I will continue to make this over and over again.
I also took this as a gift to my sister-in-law (bread pudding is her favorite dessert) and she loved it! She said it was the best she has ever had and that it was far better than any restaurant! I directed her to your website (like I do all my friends)..
Thank you for helping me make her day and cheer her up. It means the world to me!
Heather
P. S. I loved it, but your chocolate mousse is still my favorite dessert of all time! I look forward to trying many more of your recipes!
thank you Heather! it’s so nice it is to hear from someone who has used my recipes and like them! I don’t know if you saw my post but I added blueberries to the bread pudding recipe during the summer and made a creme anglaise for it…the results were stellar!
Chocolate mousse is an amazing dessert, I can’t remember if you’ve tried my tiramisu yet?
If you’re interested I am giving a live class on Google+ Tuesday the 20th at 5pm EST I will be making my Pumpkin crunch cake (another legendary dessert) for Google as a pre-thanksgiving event. All you need is a G+ account and add on the app for the hangouts, if that’s a bad time it will also be a you tube video. I’ve actually gotten marriage proposals with from this cake!
Thanks again for your feedback, have a great night!
Dennis
I will definitely have to try the bread pudding with the blueberries! It sounds phenomenal! I haven’t tried the tiramisu yet, but I am making plans to try it soon.
Marriage proposals?! Wow, that sounds good:-) I will definitely do my best to see your live class! I can’t wait
Thank you so much again for all of your amazing recipes and your willingness to share them. And thank you so much for responding, it means a lot to me! Have a great week!