Boozy Bread Pudding

This is a simple but delicious dish; bread pudding from The Pioneer Woman’s cookbook is combined with a boozy syrup and it’s fit for a holiday breakfast!

Boozy Bread Pudding

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OK, so maybe this is not really a cocktail for Friday Cocktails but the term boozy is not to be taken lightly. The contribution that bourbon makes to this dish is heady stuff and just a perfect grownup dessert during the upcoming holidays. No matter which ones you celebrate shouldn’t they all simply be called ‘The Holidays of Indulgence?’ This Boozy Bread Pudding works beautifully in that realm!

I have to be honest, there are days when it feels like cookbooks are taking over. Most of mine are in storage until my new home is completed in a few weeks but the number that I have received in the past several months would outfit a nice library; so I’m careful about what I agree to take a peek at. Still, it was a ‘no brainer’ when asked if I would like a copy of a new book just in time for the holidays; The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays by Ree Drummond.

I have this strange affinity with Ree that she doesn’t even know about. When my children were young and we lived in our home on an acre of property in Raleigh, NC, everyone around affectionately referred to ME as ‘the pioneer woman.’ I chopped wood for our wood stove, made all of my own clothes, planted a huge garden and filled the larder with canned and frozen foods each summer and handmade each and every Christmas gift I gave to friends and family. We even built our own garage; although I don’t think true pioneers had garages right?

The Pioneer Woman Cooks - A Year of HolidaysThis is a beautiful book and it’s not just filled with photos of food. Ree is present with you in each and every recipe; her voice is what brings each story alive while she also shares photos of her ranch, her family and the ones I get such a huge kick out of…her dogs. I love how it is separated into chapters that detail recipes for specific holidays starting with New Years Day and finishing the year with recipes for New Years Eve…and everything in between!

The one recipe I got such a kick out of? Rum Cake. MY rum cake. Or at least one of those old recipes that I still have on a card in a binder I got when I was married. Personally shared so many times between friends that it’s traveled all over the globe I’m sure but I know it’s one of the best. Make it; you’ll see. I’ve sometimes thought I should re-configure that recipe so it’s made from all scratch ingredients instead of using a cake mix but you know who stops me? My friends…they LOVE the occasional quick prep of something so amazing. And there I go again…another boozy dessert I LOVE!

If you’re a fan of Ree’s already you’ll know to expect the helpful step-by-step photos that are evident in her other books and on her website. I admit I was sort of wishing for a synopsis of just the recipe steps without the photos but I heard loud and clear from people around me that I’m in the minority.

Both my grown daughters and friends who do not cook like I have for a bazillion years LOVED that feature. It was interesting and useful to get feedback from others so I have to heartily endorse that effort which is, in their words, SO helpful.

Boozy Bread Pudding

This bread pudding? Seriously out of this world. I made it for some friends and I heard more than one (all of them) say, ‘I think I’ll have just one more bite.’ until it was ALL gone. Ree calls for rum in her recipe but suggests that bourbon could also be used and that’s what was calling my name. I used Belle Meade Bourbon because it has such an appealing caramel nose and was the perfect compliment to the flavors in this dish. I also served it with sugared cranberries; they are not just for decoration…they are fun to eat and offered a nice tart accompaniment to this sweet dessert. Oh my YUM indeed!

Boozy Bread Pudding

These are the recipes of hearth and home; not one will set you scurrying to the market in search of exotic goods. Some basic recipes and techniques are included that would appeal more to newer cooks but I found several dishes, including this one today, that while easy to prepare was just perfect. Yes, I saw Boozy and I sort of knew it had my name written all over it. From pioneer woman to booze queen, that’s me! I’m grateful that Ree decided to share this book with me and lucky that I was in turn able to share this fabulous recipe with you…it is truly fantastic!

PIN IT! ‘Boozy Bread Pudding’

Boozy Bread Pudding Served with Sugared Cranberries for a PIN

Boozy Bread Pudding Served with Sugared Cranberries for a PIN
Print Recipe
4 from 4 votes

Boozy Bread Pudding

Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time1 hr
Total Time1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 8 -10 Servings
Calories:
Author: Creative Culinary

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

  • 1 loaf crusty Italian bread or other Artisanal loaf I had a loaf of bread with sesame seeds and it was perfect
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ¼ cup one-half stick butter melted plus additional for the pan
  • ½ cup pecans chopped
  • For the Sauce:
  • ½ cup 1 stick butter
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup bourbon original recipe called for rum but I used Belle Meade Bourbon

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Generously butter a baking dish.
  • Cut the bread into 1 inch cubes; you should have 8-10 cups of bread cubes.
  • Whisk together eggs, milk, half and half and vanilla.
  • Add the sugar and whisk to combine.
  • Add the melted butter and whisk it into the egg mixture.
  • Put the cubed bread into your buttered baking dish and pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes.
  • Sprinkle the pecans over the top and bake in the oven for 1 hour until a nice golden brown.

For the Boozy Sauce:

  • While the bread pudding is baking, make the sauce by combining the butter, sugar, heavy cream and bourbon in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Bring to a boil; turn down to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes; remove from heat and set aside.
  • Drizzle some of the sauce over the bread pudding when it first comes out of the oven and serve the rest in a small pitcher to drizzle over individual slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1grams

 

 

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1,309 Comments

  8. My favorite recipe for the holiday’s is the peppermint bark. Christmas just isn’t Christmas without white chocolate and peppermint!

    Reply

  9. Love it all! My favorite is the delicious gravy poured over the top of the turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes:)))))

    Reply

  10. I have been making a molded shrimp dip for Christmas dinner for more than 35 years and everyone just loves it! In fact, my nephew asked me on Thanksgiving day, “Where’s the shrimp dip?” I had to remind him it’s only for Christmas! LOL!

    Reply

  18. I made your Bread Pudding and I did use Rum instead of Bourbon. EVERYONE, I MEAN EVERYONE raved about it. I had everyone that cooks want the recipe.
    Thank you for sharing this one with me.
    P.S. Did you get my Tiramisu Cookie Recipe? I did send it to you. I mentioned it to you the night of the Book Signing in Glendale, Ca. (not that you would remember me but maybe the recipe)

    Reply

  19. I love bread pudding so much and love to make it numerous ways! this recipe sounds outstanding though. Thank you for the opportunity to win this wonderful cookbook by Ree Drummond.

    xo
    Roz

    Reply

  27. Love mincemeat pie, made with my grandmothers green tomato mincemeat, which I can…….bread pudding sounds yummy……

    Reply

  30. And, I commented on your fb page and shared too.
    Have a great Thanksgiving..I am still up..prepping and baking pies..it is a two day event to get ready. Yup. 🙂

    Reply

  33. I pinned your mushroom recipe here..on my sided, salads and veggie board..we love the scrooms and this is on my list to now make.
    Thanks.

    Reply

  35. I love making roasted sweet potatoes and at the last 10 minutes add a banana to roast then mash with butter , a little cream and cinnamon so delicious ! Marshmallows wouldn’t kill it !

    Reply

  36. My absolute favorite are Linzer Cookies made with hazelnuts and raspberry jam. I only make them for Christmas.

    Reply

  42. My favorite is to pile on a fork everything on my plate, top with cranberry sauce and indulge in the tasty goodness!

    Reply

  44. My favorite dish is the breakfast egg/sausage casserole my mom always made for every holiday breakfast. Good memories. . .

    Reply

  45. I love cornbread stuffing, this cranberry salad that my friend Sharon makes, and sweet potato pie. Those are the things that after Thanksgiving I put dibs on the leftovers.

    Reply

  52. sweet potato rolls that i have made for the last 30 years for thanksgiving and christmas! sometime i will even make them for easter if i still have sweet potatoes. never use canned ones.

    Reply

  55. My favorite dish has always been my mothers French meat stuffing. Basically you make. Bells stuffing and add sautéed hamburg and mashed potatoes to it. It’s THE BEST!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  57. I’m loving The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie!! We might have to not wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy it again!

    Reply

  63. Each Christmas morning I make an egg bake loaded with the good stuff. The kids are able to open their gifts from Santa, then we take a breakfast break and eat our yummy egg bake before returning to gift opening.

    Reply

  64. My aunt’s pickles green beans! We only get them during the holidays- super delicious and an old family recipe!

    Reply

  70. My favorite dish is the stuffing. I can never get enough. I also love all the left overs. It’s time to get new recipes (I hope).

    Reply

  79. I love sausage stuffing! I only have it a few times a year so I make a lot for leftovers. Come to think of it, why not have it all year long?

    Reply

  85. I love bread pudding so I pinned the bread pudding recipe and I am on my way to the store to get some bourbon…this sounds just delicious!

    Reply

  87. We love the dressing. I make oyster dressing. Same recipe that mom made. Only with oysters added. Happy Thanksgiving Ree !

    Reply

  91. You had me at “boozy”! That’s my favorite holiday dish–anything with booze–rum balls, amaretto biscotti, bourbon pecan pie, margarita cheesecake, mulled wine. One has to manage stress at the holidays!

    Reply

  92. Bourbon chocolate pecan pie! Made similar to regular pie, but bourbon added with vanilla flavoring and chocolate chips added to the pecans! Smells wonderful too!

    Reply

  97. It would have to be the turkey, I adore the stuff! I always wait for this time of year, and buy several, so we can enjoy it once the holidays are over!
    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  112. my favorite dish is sweet potatoes of any kind. They just need to be gooey and sweet they can have marshmallows or not, makes no difference.

    Reply

  120. My favorite thanksgiving dish is cornbread dressing. I wait all year to make and eat this. Absolutely delicious. I need to make it throughout the year with a roasted chicken. Maybe I will do it in 2014. Thank you.

    Reply

  123. I am cooking for a total of 27 people at our house in Colorado! Making Ree’s sweet potatoes for sure and taking notes on the turkeys (roasting 2 of them). Have bought a couple of these books already for gifts, would LOVE to have one for myself 🙂

    Happy Thanksgiving…I love seeing Ree with all of her wonderful country and city friends. Nice to have good friends.

    Reply

  124. I know this is going to sound so corny but the dish that is my favorite and has been since I was a little girl is lime jello with shredded carrots and cabbage. My oldest daughter requests it every year at the holiday season. You just fix a large box of lime jello and add the cabbage and carrots and WHOOOHOOO you have a refreshing dish to clean your palate. Before you go Yuck try it.

    Reply

  125. P.S. I shared this recipe and giveaway on my Facebook page, but also had to send your page directly to one of my friends. She will just love what she finds. Can’t wait to chat with her next week when she gets back to the office!! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  127. This will seem kind of corny… My favorite holiday recipe is one my Grandma Z. made. I loved this as a kid; still do. My mom makes me do a double batch for EVERY holiday. This has to be the easiest thing on any menu: A container of cool whip, package of instant pistachio pudding, can of fruit cocktail, and small can of pineapple. Yum!

    Reply

  129. I was so excited to see your Pinterest boards and learn about your blog. I LOVE bread pudding and this looks sumptuous!! Of course, I had to add this to my Recipe board, since I am going to add it to my Christmas menu. Thank you!

    Reply

  130. One of my favorite holiday foods is what we call fruit soup. Made with barley, lots of dried fruits and served cold. YUM

    Reply

  133. Our family holidays must have pierogi, filled with cheese and potatoes and topped with butter and sauted onions. AND SIDE OF SOUR CREAM 🙂

    Reply

  137. One of our favorite family dishes is rutabaga. It’s been a tradition in my husband’s family for years and has been one in ours now for 46 years.

    Reply

  139. I make a green bean casserole with sour cream and onions mixed with french green beans and then topped with tons of cheddar cheese. It was a “must have” on my mom’s Thanksgiving table every year. Mom is making it in heaven now. This year my daughter-in-law has been asked to bring Grandma’s green beans. Tradition!!

    Reply

  141. I love eating “Summit House Cream Corn” which is a sinfully delicious recipe from a wonderful restaurant here in Southern California. It goes with everything and anything!

    Reply

  144. My favorite holiday foods are the Thanksgiving turkey and cornbread dressing. Also love my Aunt Glenda’s recipe for broccoli casserole.

    Reply

  157. My favorite holiday food usually centers on bread/pudding. So, bread pudding (savory or sweet), stuffing or yeast rolls are at the top of my list.
    Bring it on and Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂

    Reply

  161. My favorite food is the potato. I love them in every way, shape and form. If I had to pick one my all time go to are creamy,cheesy scalloped potatoes. Baked to a golden brown perfection.

    Reply

  166. My favorite dish at Thanksgiving is my Sweet Potato Pie…just made it tonight, and my favorite dessert which I make every year for Christmas is my Tiramisu!

    Reply

  167. I don’t know if this has already posted, if so, then please disregard one of them. The internet service can be a pain. Anyway, I shared the link and added my comments. The bread pudding is awesome but I’d suggest to replace the rum with good ole KY bourbon. The rum is good but nothing like good KY bourbon ( Weller’s Reserve 90 Proof, Elmer T. Lee, Woodford Reserve or Makers Mark). YUM!

    Reply

  169. I LOVE to watch your programs even tho I’ve cooked for many years for my family but you have some of the greatest ideas and time savers I’ve ever seen. You are a precious Mom and Wife.

    Reply

  170. I shared the link and added a comment for the bread pudding. Good ole’ Kentucky bourbon just rocks in this recipe. Rum is good but nothing like KY Bourbon. 🙂

    Reply

  173. My favorite is dressing. My Mamaw’s was the best. Precious memories of a wonderful woman and the love she shared with so many. 🙂

    Reply

  178. I love the turkey and dressing! Have just been introduced to bread pudding so I can’t wait to make this one!
    I pined a pic, liked your page, shared on Fb, and signed up for emails. Have a great Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  190. What an awesome giveaway – thanks for the opportunity to enter. My favorite holiday dish is apple pie made by my mom. She usually burns the crust, but I don’t care – it reminds me of all the pies she’s made through the years and that makes me smile.

    Reply

  195. Oyster dressing! That’s “stuffing” to some of y’all, but my grandma and great-grandma were from Tennessee so actually it’s pronounced “dressin’.” It’s a very wet bread stuffing with a lot of onion, celery and LOTS of fresh oysters! We don’t use bagged crumbs. This is homemade all the way, baby! You have to make a whole “mess” of it for our holiday meal if you hope to get seconds.

    Reply

  208. My favorite holiday related food is sweet potato casserole. I love that stuff but really love the entire Thanksgiving meal.

    Reply

  217. It’s hard to pick a favorite but it’s a tie between sweet potato cassarole and the cornbread dressing both are made by my sister! The cornbread dressing is my grandmothers receipe!

    Reply

  219. My favorite holiday food is pecan pie. And our “special” sugar cookies. And carmel chex mix. and Southern Comfort brand egg nog with amaretto!!!!

    Reply

  221. I love the turkey brine. Actually, have my turkey in the brine with the oranges, rosemary, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Look forward to a nicely brown bird.

    Reply

  226. One of my favorite holiday foods are an appetizer my Mom used to make for Christmas Eve – BBQ bacon wrapped water chestnuts! (SO hard to pick a fav). Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  235. My favorite holiday dish is my “famous” white chocolate pecan praline cheesecake. Holy goodness. If I could get away with gaining 165 lbs I would eat it year round!

    Reply

  239. Pinned to my Pinterest account. My favorite holiday side is stuffing/dressing with chestnuts, just like my Mom made when I was growing up.

    Reply

  248. My Favorite dish at any holiday is our stuffing .. it takes me almost as long to make it as it does our turkey 😉

    Reply

  253. A whole bbq’ed pig share with about 75 of my relatives (and a few who aren’t really related but come for the good food). A thanksgiving tradition 30- something years strong.

    Reply

  254. I always make my Grandma’s dressing. Can’t have Thanksgiving without it. Toasted bread, onions, broth from the turkey and sage. Absolutely wonderful and memories to boot.

    Reply

  255. My daughter went to the store to buy me this book for Christmas but it was sold out! We look every time we go!

    Reply

  256. My family and I love my bread stuffing made in a skillet. So simple and if I don’t make it, they are disappointed.

    Reply

  258. Chocolate bourbon pecan pie with homemade whipped cream and oh… and stuffing! loaded with mushrooms, onions, celery, sausage and fresh herbs.

    Reply

  261. Subscribed to Creative Culinary by email. I hope I didn’t repeat this entry…trouble with entering it this morning.

    Reply

  276. Mine would be leftovers! Love having extra turkey and gravy and potatoes with some cranberry relish a day or two later.

    Reply

  280. Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich. Take two slices of your favorite home made bread place slices of turkey, a layer of stuffing, slice of cranberry sauce, a layer of mashed potatoes, and of course some delicious turkey gravy, fresh ground pepper.

    Reply

  287. My favorite Thanksgiving food is my mom’s homemade crescent rolls. She would make a HUGE batch on Thanksgiving morning and as soon as they were out of the oven we would slather them with butter and dive in. I continue that tradition today!

    In an unrelated note, years ago I’d never made bread pudding and it was my husband’s favorite dessert. I saw TV chef Justin Wilson making some, so I wrote down the recipe. The recipe called for a whole cup of brandy! Now THAT was boozy bread pudding. We got drunk eating it!

    Reply

  288. I love the cranberry salad or sauce. Only time I get the salad is at Thanksgiving. That is why I look forward to the Holiday.

    Reply

  292. My favorite Thanksgiving food is my Mema’s Turkey Dressing. It’s not the prettiest thing to look at, but it’s absolutely to die for! Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it. 🙂

    Reply

  296. My favorite holiday food is Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil and baked and then fresh rolls with homemade cranberry sauce. Happy Holidays..

    Reply

  300. Ree, I Love your Family story’s in your Cook books, I have all three of your CookBooks
    And bought some for my Daughter.
    I was raised on a Ranch,and so was my Daughter.
    I would Love to win your Holiday Book so I could surprise my Twin sister with you
    Holiday Book on our 65th, Birthday.
    Thank You for letting me enjoy cooking in the kitchen. You changed the I cook and
    I enjoy it now.

    Reply

  301. New favorite Thanksgiving dessert is Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake made by my 17 year old daughter! It’s replacing the pumpkin pie this year!

    Reply

  306. Stuffing for Thanksgiving, my husband makes it. All the Christmas cookies and biscotti that I make for Christmas!

    Reply

  310. My favorite holiday food is coconut cake made with fresh grated coconut and real whipped cream. It reminds me of Christmas Day celebrating at my maternal grandmother’s with all the Aunts, Uncles, and cousins! Happy memories.

    Reply

  315. I try to never miss your TV show, love it. AND love your family too. I am giving two of your Holiday cook books for Christmas gifts and forgot to get one for myself. Here’s hoping…Barb

    Reply

  327. My favorite holiday dish is my mom’s spinach dip! She would make it for me every Christmas and we lost her in July 2012. I am going to make it this year for the first time since she passed. Just a little emotional about it…

    Reply

  332. Pioneer Women LOVE love your easy and simple way of cooking rieminds me of the days growing up with homecooking . This is the way I love to cook also.
    My fav iron meal to cook when in a pinch is a wonderful meatloaf, with a warm spinach salade.

    Reply

  343. It is so hard to choose….but I would have to say dessert and cookies. Right now my mouth is watering for Maple Walnut Cookies and Double Chocolate Espresso Cookies. Plus my mother-in-law’s Italian Cream Cake.

    Reply

  347. My favorite holiday food is the cracked, fresh dungeness crab we have every Christmas Eve. It’s not just the crab but the sourdough bread, melted butter and simple toasted green salad. We usually wash it all down with copious amounts of chamgagne. It doesn’t get any better than that! There usually isn’t any dessert until someone wants a glass of egg nog after, but that is usually impossible after eating your weight in crab!

    Reply

  349. My favorite is my mamaw’s dressing recipe, and I love pumpkin pie!! Truth is I LOVE IT ALL!!
    Happy Thanksgiving!!

    Reply

  350. My favorite Thanksgiving dish is cranberry orange nut bread that I make every year. For Christmas, my favorite and a must according to my family and friends is peanut butter balls.

    Reply

  361. I always look forward to my moms cranberry relish. Fresh ground cranberries, fresh orange, celery, walnuts, it’s just so refreshing.

    Reply

  372. My favorite Thanksgiving holiday dish is Grandma’s dressing. My family’s favorite is Ree’s cinnamon rolls that I make every holiday. Thanks for the giveaway. Good luck everyone.

    Reply

  380. My fav Thanksgiving food is the turkey. My husband spatchcocks it and it is ALWAYS tender and juicy! We rarely eat turkey throughout the rest of the year (although a lot of chicken) so the Thanksgiving meal is eagerly anticipated. The company of friends and/or family makes it complete!

    Reply

  382. Favorite Holiday dish, leftover turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce, mayo and lettuce. Tradition in our house for Friday lunch!

    Reply

  383. A few years ago I started serving Cheesy Potato Casserole along with mashed and they have become such a hit in our house that I now make two of those and cut back on the mashed to just a small bowl. Love it when I come up with something so many of people I love most in the world enjoy!

    Reply

  387. I make my grandmother’s cornbread dressing every year and my kids, grandkids and greatgrandkids LOVE IT.

    Reply

  388. My favorite Thanksgiving dishes are honey & brown sugar glazed Ham, grandma’s homemade chicken and noodles, pumpkin pie, and mandarin orange salad!

    Reply

  395. My favorite holiday food is green bean casserole made from scratch with a ton of mushrooms! Its fantastic comfort food!

    Reply

  396. I always make apple yam delight, my son’s favorite, and my daughter’s favorite is broccoli cheese casserole. My husband loves the deviled eggs and everything else.

    Reply

  397. My favorite is regular stuffing. I love all of the other side dishes and veggies too but I always look forward to the stuffing the most!

    Reply

  401. My favorite holiday food is sweet potato casserole!!!! Last year we had Thanksgiving in Hawaii and used purple sweet potatoes, it was soooooo delicious!!! Can’t wait to scarf some down again this year!!!!!

    Reply

  409. My scalloped potatoes that everyone always wants for Christmas. I don’t think anyo
    ne else in the family makes it.

    Reply

  422. I love the recipes you have. I also live Ree , I never miss a show. Would love to have her cookbook. Going to have the Boozy bread pudding for the holidays

    Reply

  432. My favorite holiday dish is one I’m testing this week. Cranberry relish made with fresh cranberries, oranges, apples and Scotch! I love boozy too 🙂

    Reply

  439. Hmmm… My favorite holiday-related food are seemingly random side dishes… Okay, they are all side dishes. Egg rolls, pancit, lechon (ok, not a side dish, but I only eat a couple pieces), garlic bread, sweet potatoes, and cornbread. 🙂

    Reply

  443. My favorite holiday meal is kumla. It’s a norwegian dish of ham, potatoes, and flour topped with lots of butter!

    Reply