Easy Stale Bread Pudding (Bombocado de Pão Duro) Recipe

Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups stale French bread, chopped
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For greasing the pan

• Butter
• All-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Grease and flour a medium round pan (about 20 cm in diameter) and preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large bowl, mix the chopped bread with the milk and let it soak for about 15 minutes, to soften well.
3. With a fork, mash the soaked bread in the milk until it forms a homogeneous paste.
4. Add the sugar, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the bread mixture.
5. Mix all ingredients until you obtain a uniform batter.
6. Pour the batter into the greased and floured pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before unmolding the stale bread pudding.
9. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Tips and Variations

• For a special touch, add lemon or orange zest to the batter.
• Substitute Parmesan cheese with shredded coconut for a sweeter version.
• Add raisins or candied fruits to the batter for a different texture and flavor in your stale bread pudding.
• If you prefer, use whole wheat bread for a healthier version of the stale bread pudding.
• Serve with a caramel sauce or dulce de leche to intensify the flavor.

CHEF’s Tips

The secret to a good stale bread pudding lies in properly hydrating the bread. Make sure the bread is well softened in the milk before adding the other ingredients. Mash the mixture well to ensure a homogeneous texture and a soft, flavorful final result. The quality of the ingredients also makes all the difference: use fresh eggs and good Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor of your stale bread pudding. To prevent the pudding from sticking to the pan, grease and flour it generously, ensuring the entire surface is covered. If you want a more golden and crispy crust, you can brush a little melted butter over the pudding before baking. Try adding a touch of cinnamon powder to the batter for an even more inviting aroma. Stale bread pudding is an excellent option for using up leftover bread and preparing a delicious and economical dessert. Surprise your family and friends with this simple and flavorful recipe.