Golden Corral Bread Pudding Recipe

Golden Corral’s bread pudding has become a beloved dessert for my family, especially around the holidays.

When I make this, visitors always ask where I got the recipe… I let them in my copycat secret, of course!

You’ll need essential ingredients like French bread, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mmm.

The key to achieving the custard’s smooth texture is to let the bread soak thoroughly in the milk mixture before baking.

I’m so in love with how the vanilla sauce adds the perfect sweetness and creamy finish to every bite.

How to Make Golden Corral Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 6 cups Bread (day-old, cubed)
• 4 large Eggs
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Raisins
• 1/4 cup Butter (melted)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9×11-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.

Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 3:

Add the cubed bread into the mixture.

Gently fold in the bread until it’s soaked well with the custard.

Step 4:

Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle raisins evenly over the top and drizzle the melted butter.

Step 5:

Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread

Day-old bread is ideal for this recipe because it absorbs the custard mixture better without turning mushy like fresh bread might.

Experiment with Bread Types

Feel free to substitute with different types of bread, like challah or brioche, to add different flavors and textures to the pudding.

Add Some Nuts

If you like a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts with the raisins before baking.

Keep an Eye on Baking

Check the pudding halfway through the baking process to ensure it doesn’t get overly browned on top.

Cover it with foil if needed.

Serve with Sauce

A generous drizzle of caramel or vanilla sauce over each serving can elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile!

What to Serve with Golden Corral Bread Pudding

Warm Vanilla Ice Cream

Pairing warm bread pudding with a scoop of ice cream is a classic combination you can’t go wrong with.

The creaminess of the ice cream melts over the pudding, creating a rich experience.

Choose a basic vanilla ice cream to let the cinnamon-spiced pudding truly shine.

Fresh Berry Medley

For a refreshing twist, serve your bread pudding alongside a medley of fresh berries.

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add color and brightness, complementing the warm flavors of the dessert.

The slight tartness of the berries provides a nice balance to the sweet bread pudding.

Caramel Sauce Drizzle

Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the bread pudding is an indulgent addition.

The rich, sweet notes of caramel enhance the comforting flavors of the pudding.

A generous drizzle just before serving leaves an inviting glossy finish on top.

Crisp Green Apple Salad

While this might seem unusual, a crisp green apple salad can be a refreshing contrast.

Toss green apple slices with lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt for a simple yet flavorful option.

The salad’s tartness complements the pudding’s sweetness, offering an unexpected, pleasing combination.

Roasted Pecans

Adding a nutty crunch with roasted pecans elevates the dish to another level.

Sprinkle pecans over the bread pudding or serve them on the side for guests to add as desired.

The toasty flavor of pecans enhances the warm spices in the pudding, creating a harmonious blend.

Variations and Substitutions

Sweet Additions

You can experiment by adding unique flavors to your bread pudding!

Try incorporating fruits like apples or berries for an extra burst of richness and freshness.

Spices such as nutmeg or allspice can also infuse warmth into the dish.

Milk Alternatives

If you’d like a dairy-free option, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk to soak the bread.

Dairy alternatives can offer a slightly different texture and flavor, enhancing your pudding experience.

Different Breads

Try experimenting with various types of bread like challah or brioche.

Each bread type will bring a different flavor and texture, making it easy to customize your pudding.

Nuts and Toppings

For a crunchy texture, consider adding chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans.

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can be added just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

You can adjust these substitutions to suit your preferences or dietary needs, creating a delicious bread pudding that’s perfect for any occasion!

How to Store Leftover Bread Pudding

Airtight Container

You want to keep your bread pudding as fresh as possible, so store it in an airtight container.

This helps to preserve its moist and delicious texture.

Leave the pudding on the counter for a short time to cool before packing it away tightly.

Fridge Storage

Place your airtight container in the fridge, where it can last up to three days.

Refrigeration slows down spoilage, keeping that sweet, creamy goodness as intact as possible.

Try to keep it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain the bread pudding’s authentic flavor.

Freezing Tips

For longer storage, freeze your leftover bread pudding for up to three months.

Ensure it’s properly sealed to prevent freezer burn and preserve its integrity.

To minimize ice crystals, wrap it well in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the Wrong Bread

Using the wrong type of bread can mess up the texture of your bread pudding.

Opt for stale, dense bread like brioche or challah for the best results.

These types of bread absorb the custard better and won’t turn mushy.

Over-Soaking the Bread

Beware of over-soaking your bread, as it can lead to a soggy pudding.

Instead, lightly toast the bread before soaking it to enhance flavor and maintain a firmer texture.

This simple step helps you avoid ending up with a mushy dessert.

Skipping the Resting Time

Don’t skip the resting time after baking, as it’s crucial for the perfect texture.

Allow your bread pudding to sit for a few minutes after it’s out of the oven.

This helps the custard set properly and results in a better-tasting dish.