Bread pudding is a classic Southern dessert that is loved for its warm, comforting flavors and simple yet indulgent taste. The perfect combination of bread, custard, and a rich bourbon sauce, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner. As a professional baker, I have tried many variations of this traditional recipe, but this southern bread pudding recipe with bourbon sauce stands out as a fan-favorite. Not only is it easy to make, but it also elevates the flavors of the classic bread pudding by adding a boozy twist. In this article, I will share with you my expert tips on how to make the best southern bread pudding with bourbon sauce, so you can impress your friends and family with this delicious dessert.
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Water, Bourbon, Barbecue Sauce
This tangy and sweet barbecue sauce is the perfect addition to your beer can chicken recipe. Made with fresh peaches and a splash of bourbon, this sauce adds a unique flavor that will have your guests begging for the recipe. The combination of the sweet peaches and bold bourbon creates a mouthwatering sauce that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the chicken.
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Southern Peach, Onion & Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fresh Peaches, Vidalia Onion, Dark Molasses, Extra
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this southern-inspired barbecue sauce. Made with fresh peaches, sweet onions, and a generous amount of bourbon, this sauce has a rich and sweet flavor that will make your taste buds dance. The addition of bourbon gives this sauce a bold and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
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Spicy Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Bourbon, Dijon Mustard, Dark Molasses, Cold
If you like a little kick in your barbecue sauce, then this recipe is for you. Made with a combination of fresh peaches, spicy peppers, and a splash of bourbon, this sauce has a balance of sweet and spicy flavors that will make your mouth water. The bold flavors of the bourbon and spicy peppers are a perfect match for the smoky flavors of the chicken.
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Peach-Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Unsalted Butter, Smoked Paprika, Granulated
Add a touch of sweetness to your beer can chicken with this peach and bourbon barbecue sauce. Made with fresh peaches, a hint of honey, and a splash of bourbon, this sauce has a unique and delicious flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. The sweetness from the peaches and honey balances perfectly with the smokiness of the chicken.
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Peach Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Sweet Onion, Garlic, Bourbon, Water, Apple Cider
This sauce combines some of the best flavors of the south – peaches, bacon, and bourbon. The combination of the smoky and salty bacon with the sweet peaches and bold bourbon creates a sauce that is bursting with flavor. Brush this sauce onto your beer can chicken for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
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Peach Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Diced Onion, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Peaches, Nutmeg
Take your barbecue game to the next level with this peach and bourbon sauce. Made with fresh peaches, a splash of bourbon, and a touch of cinnamon, this sauce has a unique and delicious flavor that will elevate your beer can chicken. The warmth from the cinnamon pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination.
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Bourbon Peach Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Sweet Onion, Canola Oil, Cider Vinegar
Add a touch of sophistication to your beer can chicken with this bourbon peach barbecue sauce. Made with fresh peaches, a generous amount of bourbon, and a touch of thyme, this sauce has a complex and delicious flavor that will impress your guests. The herbal notes from the thyme complement the bold flavors of the bourbon and sweetness of the peaches.
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Sweet Onion Bourbon Jam
Main Ingredients: Vidalia Onions, Butter, Fresh Thyme Leaves, Dark Brown
This unique and flavorful sauce is the perfect addition to your beer can chicken. Made with sweet onions, a splash of bourbon, and a touch of maple syrup, this jam has a sweet and savory flavor that is delicious on chicken. The caramelized onions and maple syrup give this jam a rich and sticky texture that is perfect for basting the chicken.
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Peach Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Apple Cider
If you want a simple and delicious sauce for your beer can chicken, look no further than this peach barbecue sauce. Made with fresh peaches, brown sugar, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, this sauce has a sweet and tangy flavor that is a perfect match for the smoky chicken. The balsamic vinegar adds a depth of flavor to this sauce that will have your taste buds singing.
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The Hirshon Western Kentucky BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Bourbon, Heinz Ketchup, Heinz Chili Sauce
For a true taste of the south, try this western Kentucky barbecue sauce on your beer can chicken. Made with a combination of mustard, vinegar, and molasses, this sauce has a tangy and sweet flavor that is a perfect match for the chicken. The mustard gives this sauce a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the chicken.
For a spicy twist on your beer can chicken, try this southern pepper sauce. Made with a combination of hot peppers, vinegar, and garlic, this sauce has a fiery and flavorful taste that will add a kick to your chicken. The garlic adds a richness to the sauce that is a perfect complement to the bold flavors of the chicken.
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Honey Bourbon Sauce
Main Ingredients: Butter, Brown Sugar, Bourbon, Vanilla, Raw Honey
Add a touch of sweetness to your beer can chicken with this honey bourbon sauce. Made with a combination of honey, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon, this sauce has a rich and sweet flavor that will make your chicken stand out. The bourbon adds a smoky and complex flavor to the sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
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Mississippi Sweet and Sour Barbeque Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Tomato Paste, Apple Cider
This southern-style barbecue sauce is a delicious addition to your beer can chicken. Made with a combination of ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, this sauce has a sweet and sour flavor that is a perfect match for the chicken. The Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor to the sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.
This classic southern sauce is a perfect pairing for your beer can chicken. Made with a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce, this sauce has a creamy and spicy flavor that is delicious on chicken. The hot sauce adds a kick to the sauce that is a perfect match for the smoky flavors of the chicken.
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Tangy Carolina Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Yellow
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this tangy Carolina barbecue sauce. Made with a combination of apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and honey, this sauce has a zesty and sweet flavor that will have your taste buds craving more. The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy and acidic element to the sauce that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the chicken.
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Bourbon Glaze
Main Ingredients: Water, Pineapple Juice, Teriyaki Sauce, Soy Sauce, Dark
This bourbon glaze is a delicious way to add some richness and flavor to your beer can chicken. Made with a combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and soy sauce, this glaze has a sweet and salty flavor that is perfect for basting the chicken. The brown sugar adds a caramelized and sticky texture to the glaze that will give your chicken a beautiful glaze and a delicious taste.
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Bourbon Sauce
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Large Egg Yolks, Dark Brown Sugar
This simple and delicious bourbon sauce is a perfect addition to your beer can chicken. Made with a combination of bourbon, honey, and soy sauce, this sauce has a sweet and savory flavor that is a perfect match for the chicken. The honey adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce, while the soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor that will make your chicken stand out.
Add a touch of southern charm to your beer can chicken with this praline sauce. Made with butter, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon, this sauce has a rich and sweet flavor that is perfect for basting the chicken. The butter adds a creamy texture to the sauce, while the bourbon adds a bold and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
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Southern Mississippi Comeback Sauce
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Chili Sauce, Olive Oil, Ketchup, Mustard
This southern-style comeback sauce is a delicious addition to your beer can chicken. Made with a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce, this sauce has a creamy and spicy flavor that is perfect for basting the chicken. The hot sauce adds a kick to the sauce that is a perfect match for the smoky flavors of the chicken.
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North Carolina Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Ketchup, Honey, Kosher
For a true taste of the south, try this North Carolina style vinegar barbecue sauce on your beer can chicken. Made with a combination of cider vinegar, hot sauce, and brown sugar, this sauce has a tangy and sweet flavor that is a perfect match for the chicken. The hot sauce adds a kick to the sauce, while the brown sugar balances out the tanginess with its sweetness.
Preparing the Bread Pudding
Choosing the Right Bread
To make the perfect bread pudding, you need to start with the right bread. Brioche is my go-to for this recipe, as it has a rich and buttery flavor that complements the custard and bourbon sauce perfectly. However, you can also use French baguette, challah, or even croissants for a different twist. Just make sure to use stale or day-old bread for the best results. Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a creamier and more flavorful bread pudding.
Soaking the Bread in Custard
The key to a delicious bread pudding is to ensure that the bread is fully soaked in the custard mixture. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the bread from becoming dry and hard. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract to make the custard. Then, gently fold in the cubed bread, making sure each piece is coated with the custard mixture. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to soak up all the flavors.
Making the Bourbon Sauce
Choosing the Right Bourbon
When it comes to the bourbon sauce, quality matters. A good quality bourbon will add depth and complexity to the sauce, while a cheaper version may result in a harsh or unpleasant taste. I recommend using a bourbon that you enjoy drinking to ensure that you'll love the flavor of the sauce.
Thickening the Sauce
To achieve a thick and velvety sauce, I use a combination of cornstarch and heavy cream. The cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce while the heavy cream adds richness. Make sure to whisk constantly while cooking the sauce to prevent lumps from forming.
Serving and Storing
Warm or Cold?
While bread pudding is traditionally served warm, I highly recommend trying it cold as well. The flavors tend to meld together and become even more delicious when chilled. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and easy dessert.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm or enjoy it cold.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make the perfect southern bread pudding with bourbon sauce, it's time to try it for yourself. Trust me, once you taste this decadent dessert, it will become a regular in your dessert rotation. So gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and enjoy the process of making this delicious Southern treat. Bon appétit!