If you have ever been to Golden Corral, you know that their bread pudding is a must-try. It’s rich, creamy, and oh so comforting. But what if you can’t make it to the restaurant? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Today, we’re bringing the delicious comfort cooking of Golden Corral right to your kitchen with this nostalgic Golden Corral Bread Pudding recipe.

This recipe holds a special place in our hearts as it was passed down from our dad who managed a Golden Corral restaurant in Virginia back in 1986. In fact, when Ashton (one of the authors of this article) was born, the staff even announced her arrival by putting her birth stats and full name up on the large message board for all to see! So not only is this recipe delicious, but it also has sentimental value for us.

Ingredients Notes and Substitutions

Before we dive into the recipe, there are a few notes and substitutions we want to share with you.

Bread: Traditional bread pudding is made with day-old or stale bread. However, if you don’t have any on hand, you can use fresh bread and simply toast it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until slightly crispy. As for the type of bread, we recommend using a crusty bread like French or Italian bread. You can also use brioche, challah, or even croissants for a richer and more indulgent bread pudding.

Milk: We used whole milk in this recipe for a richer and creamier texture, but you can use whatever milk you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the higher the fat content of the milk, the richer the pudding will be.

Eggs: The eggs in this recipe act as a binding agent and add richness to the pudding. If you are allergic or don’t eat eggs, you can substitute them with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, or mashed bananas.

Spices: We used cinnamon in this recipe, but feel free to add your own twist by using other spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom. You can also omit the spices altogether if you prefer a more basic flavor.

Tips for Success

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, here are a few tips to ensure your bread pudding turns out perfect every time.

Be patient when soaking the bread: The key to a good bread pudding is soaking the bread in the custard mixture until it’s fully saturated. This will give the pudding its signature creamy and custardy texture. So be patient and allow the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Don’t overbake: Nothing ruins a bread pudding faster than overbaking it. Keep an eye on the pudding and take it out of the oven as soon as it’s set. Overbaking will result in a dry and rubbery pudding.
Use a water bath: To prevent the edges of the pudding from burning, place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan filled with about an inch of hot water. This will create a gentle and even heat around the pudding.
Add toppings: While this bread pudding is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level by adding toppings such as whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Reheat leftovers in the oven: If you have leftovers, avoid reheating them in the microwave as it can make the bread pudding soggy. Instead, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Step by Step Instructions for Golden Corral Bread Pudding Recipe

Now that you have all the tips and tricks, let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

1 loaf crusty bread, cut into cubes (about 6-7 cups)
3 cups whole milk
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Vanilla Cream Sauce:

1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
Add the bread cubes to the mixture and gently toss until all the bread is coated in the custard mixture.
Let the bread soak in the mixture for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all the bread is evenly soaked.
If using raisins, add them to the mixture after the bread has soaked.
Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan and fill the pan with hot water until it reaches about an inch up the sides of the baking dish.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.
While the pudding is baking, make the vanilla cream sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
Add the sugar, vanilla, and salt and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Serve the bread pudding warm with a drizzle of the vanilla cream sauce on top.

FAQS

Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

You can use any type of bread for this recipe, but we recommend using a crusty bread like French or Italian bread for the best results. You can also use brioche, challah, or croissants for a richer and more indulgent bread pudding.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature while preheating the oven.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for best results.

How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?

The bread pudding is done when it’s set and golden brown on top. You can also insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean, then the pudding is ready.

Conclusion

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Copycat Golden Corral Bread Pudding recipe! With its generous portions, versatile serving options, and delicious leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. And now that you have all the tips and tricks, you can make it with confidence and impress your friends and family with this delectable dessert. Enjoy!