Grandma Mccarthy'S Bread Pudding

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Grandma McCarthy's Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert featuring tender bread soaked in vanilla and orange-flavored custard with raisins, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings.

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Ingredients

  • 5 large slices white bread
  • 1 quart milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 2 tablespoons margarine

Instructions

  1. Bring the milk to just below boiling point.
  2. Add margarine and slices of bread to the hot milk and let stand until cooled.
  3. Mash the bread with a potato masher until the mixture is custard-like.
  4. Grease a 1 1/2-quart deep baking dish with margarine.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and bake until set and golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works well. For added flavor, consider mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts if preferred. Make sure to mash the bread thoroughly for a creamy texture similar to American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm as a comforting dessert or breakfast treat. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a twist, try it alongside Lossie'S Banana Nut Bread for a delightful brunch spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Serve warm for the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Mccarthy'S Bread Pudding contains roughly 678 calories, with 5g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1351mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).

678 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 2g 3% DV
Carbs 69.3g 25% DV
Fiber 4.2g 15% DV
Sugar 21.7g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1350.9mg 59% DV
Potassium 585.9mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 51.7mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 30.5mg 34% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 105.3mg 8% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the next day, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

What type of bread works best for bread pudding?

While white bread is traditional, you can use brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread for a richer flavor. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale for optimal texture and absorption of the custard mixture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free margarine to replace regular margarine. This will keep the recipe creamy while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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