Bread pudding is a classic comfort food that’s been around for centuries. But if you’ve ever made it at home, you might be wondering: does bread pudding need to be refrigerated? The answer is yes and no. Let’s take a look at why that is.
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Does Bread Pudding Need To Be Refrigerated?
Bread pudding is traditionally made with stale bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and spices. The stale bread soaks up the custard-like mixture of eggs and milk and the result is a rich, delicious dessert that can be served warm or cold.
However, because of the egg content in bread pudding, it does need to be refrigerated if not eaten within two hours of being cooked. This will help prevent foodborne illnesses from happening as bacteria can thrive in warm temperatures.
That being said, if you do plan to eat your bread pudding within two hours of cooking it, you don’t necessarily need to refrigerate it — though it’s still a good idea just to be on the safe side.
Don’t Forget To Plastic Wrap
If you do choose to refrigerate your bread pudding after cooking it but before eating it, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
It’s also important to note that if you want your bread pudding to retain its moisture and stay its freshest longer, store it covered with plastic wrap rather than an airtight container — this will help keep any exposed areas from drying out too quickly in the fridge.
FAQs
How to reheat bread pudding?
Reheating bread pudding can be done in several ways: oven, microwave, or stovetop.
For best results reheating in an oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pudding on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until it is heated through. If necessary, cover the pudding with foil to prevent it from drying out.
To reheat in a microwave, place the pudding in a microwavable-safe dish and heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals. You may need to adjust the heating times depending on how much bread pudding you are reheating and your microwave wattage.
To reheat on the stovetop, warm 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the bread pudding and stir continuously until it is heated through. This method will ensure that your pudding does not dry out.
No matter which method you choose to reheat your bread pudding, check it often and stir/flip it to ensure that it is heated evenly.
Is bread pudding served warm?
Bread pudding is usually served warm but can also be enjoyed cold.
It’s a comfort food that’s great for dessert, breakfast, or even as an afternoon snack. When served warm, it has a soft and creamy texture with bits of crunchy toast throughout.
The flavors are rich and indulgent, often featuring various spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
When served cold, it’s more like a cake-like texture, with a firmer bite that pairs well with ice cream or whipped cream for added sweetness. Either way, bread pudding is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
What to do with leftover sourdough bread?
Sourdough bread is incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your leftover sourdough:
- Croutons: Cut up cubes of the bread, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or herbs, then bake in the oven until crispy.
- Bread pudding: Crumble up the stale bread and combine with an egg, cream, or milk, and other ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or fruit for a delicious dessert.
- Stuffing: Toast cubes of sourdough in the oven with herbs, then use as a base for classic stuffing recipes.
- French toast: Dip stale slices of bread in a mixture of egg, milk, or cream and spices, then pan fry until golden brown.
- Crust for quiche or savoury pies: Place thin slices of sourdough over the top of quiches or pies to give them a crunchy, flavourful crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Pulse cubes of stale bread in a food processor and use as a topping or coating for dishes like fried chicken or baked fish fillets.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn your leftover sourdough into delicious meals the whole family will love. Get creative and see what delicious creations you can make with your bread!
Read more:
How To Store Focaccia Bread? 3 Tips for Focaccia Bread Storage
Conclusion
All in all, when properly stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator, bread pudding can last up to 3 days before needing to be discarded or reheated for consumption. Refrigeration ensures safety by preventing bacteria growth on your dessert due to warm temperatures outside of 2 hours post-cooking time – but if you plan on eating within 2 hours of making your dish then there shouldn’t be any need for refrigeration until afterwards! Whatever your plans are for consumption – whether immediately or later – make sure that you’re keeping an eye on storage times and temperatures so that your delicious treats remain safe and yummy!
References:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJCMA-01-2019-0012/full/html
