The festive season is a way to draw us back to the warmth of family kitchens and favorite recipes passed down through the generations. Some dishes, made with love, contain more than just flavors—they hold memories of the people who shared them with us. It's always an honor when someone shares one of those favorite family recipes, which is why we're so excited to try this one.
If you haven't seen Grandfather Joe Coming to your social media feed, we recommend you follow ASAP. This 91-year-old grandfather is always sharing fun clips and family memories from the kitchen that will either bring a big smile to your face or bring tears to your eyes. This week, he shared an easy bread pudding recipe that his wife used to make at Christmastime.
With only six ingredients required for this recipe, it's easy to make and embodies the cozy, comforting essence of the season. As for Grandpa Joe and his family, the smell of pudding cooking in the oven reminds them of all the holiday memories they hold dear.
To make it, start with four slices of sourdough bread, however you can go in whole wheat Or Sprouted grain bread For an extra boost of fiber and protein. Generously butter each slice, then cut them into pieces that fit snugly in your loaf pan. Arrange the first layer of bread in the pan, sprinkle in a handful of raisins and repeat the process three to four times, making sure each bite is perfectly balanced with the fruit and buttery bread.
Grandpa Joe uses a nice raisin medley, including the standard dark raisin as well as golden raisin. If you have both types on hand, they are sure to add depth to a recipe.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the three eggs and about 3/4 cup sugar. Stir in about 1 1/2 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, making a rich custard. Pour it evenly over the layered bread and raisins, making sure the bread soaks up the liquid well. If you have time to spare, you can even refrigerate the cooked pudding for a few hours to soak up all the custard and make a really tasty treat.
Bake the pudding at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is golden brown and your kitchen is filled with the sweet aromas of the season. The finished dish will have a crisp, golden top with a soft, custardy center bursting with flavor.
Joe's recipe is incredibly versatile—you can make it your own by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture or studying the pudding with chocolate chips, berries, apple slices, or a small dollop of your favorite jam. Top it off with fresh whipped cream or some fresh fruit to really brighten up the season.
While the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity if you want to switch up the flavors, try a recipe like ours. Double Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding or ours Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Pecan Praline Sauce. Whether you stick to tradition or add your own personal touch, this dish easily adapts to your family's tastes and holiday celebrations.
This Christmas, Grandpa Johnny Bread Pudding brings a little more warmth to your holiday table. With its simple ingredients and hearty preparation, it's more than just a dessert – it's a reminder of the love and heritage that food carries, a true celebration of the spirit of the season. This hearty dish is one you'll want on your Christmas menu.
