Can You Use Bagels To Make Bread Pudding

You can use bagels to make bread pudding, and the result is a chewy, slightly savory twist on the classic dessert that might just become your new favorite way to use up stale bagels.
 
If you’ve ever stared at a bag of day-old bagels and wondered if you can use bagels to make bread pudding, the short answer is a resounding yes.
 
Bagels work beautifully in bread pudding because their dense, chewy texture holds up to the custard without turning into a mushy mess.
 
In fact, using bagels for bread pudding gives you a richer, more substantial bite than standard sandwich bread, and the flavor options are endless.
 
In this post, we’ll explore exactly how you can use bagels to make bread pudding, the best bagel types to choose, and a foolproof method to get that perfect custardy center with a golden top.
 
Let’s dig into this bagel bread pudding adventure.
 

Why You Can Use Bagels To Make Bread Pudding

There’s a reason why bagels shine in this dish, and it comes down to their structure.
 
When you use bagels to make bread pudding, you’re working with a dough that’s been boiled before baking, which gives it that signature dense crumb.
 

1. Bagels Absorb Custard Without Falling Apart

The tight crumb of a bagel acts like a sponge, soaking up the egg and milk mixture slowly and evenly.
 
That means each bite of your bagel bread pudding stays intact, giving you a satisfying chew rather than a soggy spoonful.
 
Unlike soft white bread that disintegrates quickly, bagels hold their shape, so you can use bagels to make bread pudding with confidence.
 

2. The Chewy Texture Adds a Unique Mouthfeel

A classic bread pudding is soft and tender, but using bagels introduces a pleasant chewiness that elevates the whole experience.
 
This texture contrast is what makes bagel bread pudding feel special, almost like a hybrid between a bread pudding and a bread pudding with a bagel’s personality.
 
So if you’re tired of the same old bread pudding, you can use bagels to make bread pudding that’s memorable for the right reasons.
 

3. Flavor Versatility Is Off the Charts

Whether you grab plain, everything, cinnamon raisin, or sesame bagels, you can use bagels to make bread pudding and completely change the flavor profile.
 
Everything bagels bring a savory, garlicky punch that pairs wonderfully with cheese and herbs for a dinner-style pudding.
 
Meanwhile, cinnamon raisin bagels create a naturally sweet bread pudding that needs almost no added sugar.
 
That flexibility means you can use bagels to make bread pudding for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, just by switching the bagel variety.
 

4. It’s a Genius Way to Use Stale Bagels

Stale bagels often sit in the pantry begging for a second chance, and bread pudding is the perfect redemption story.
 
Day-old or even slightly hard bagels are ideal because they soak up custard even better than fresh ones.
 
So the next time you’re about to toss those leftover bagels, remember you can use bagels to make bread pudding that tastes bakery-fresh.
 

Best Bagels To Use For Bread Pudding

All bagels work, but some are better suited than others depending on the flavor you’re chasing.
 

1. Plain Bagels: The Blank Canvas

If you want a classic bread pudding with vanilla, cinnamon, or bourbon sauce, plain bagels are your safest bet.
 
They let the custard shine while still giving you that wonderful chew you can only get when you use bagels to make bread pudding.
 

2. Everything Bagels: The Savory Star

For a savory twist, chop everything bagels and mix in shredded cheddar, crisp bacon, and a touch of thyme.
 
The garlic and onion flakes from the bagel’s topping infuse the entire pudding, proving you can use bagels to make bread pudding that’s dinner-worthy.
 

3. Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Dessert in a Dish

These are practically dessert waiting to happen.
 
Pair them with a custard laced with warm spices, and you’ve got a bread pudding so good no one will guess the secret ingredient.
 
The raisins plump up during baking, adding bursts of sweetness in every bite when you use bagels to make bread pudding.
 

4. Whole Wheat Bagels: A Heartier Option

Whole wheat bagels add a nutty, wholesome flavor that works well with maple syrup, toasted pecans, or fresh berries.
 
They’re slightly denser, so they hold up exceptionally well, making them a favorite for those who want a more robust bagel bread pudding.
 

How To Use Bagels To Make Bread Pudding: Step-By-Step

Ready to get baking? Here’s a simple, foolproof method.
 

Step 1: Cut and Dry Your Bagels

Begin by cutting your stale bagels into 1-inch cubes.
 
Spread them on a baking sheet and let them sit out for an hour or two to dry further, which helps them absorb custard better.
 
This step is crucial because it ensures you can use bagels to make bread pudding without any raw, doughy pockets.
 

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
 
For a savory version, skip the sugar and add Dijon mustard, black pepper, and grated cheese instead.
 
The custard is the soul of the dish, so flavor it generously before you use bagels to make bread pudding.
 

Step 3: Soak the Bagel Cubes

Gently fold the bagel cubes into the custard, ensuring every piece is coated.
 
Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, gently pressing down occasionally.
 
This resting period is key, as it allows the bagels to truly soak up the liquid, which is the right way to use bagels to make bread pudding properly.
 

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the soaked mixture to a buttered baking dish and press it down evenly.
 
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
 
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving, and you’ll see exactly why you can use bagels to make bread pudding with such great results.
 

Step 5: Serve With a Drizzle

For sweet bagel bread pudding, serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a caramel or bourbon sauce.
 
For savory, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot honey works wonders.
 
This final touch completes the dish and proves that once you use bagels to make bread pudding, you’ll never look at leftover bagels the same way again.
 

So, Can You Use Bagels To Make Bread Pudding?

You can absolutely use bagels to make bread pudding, and it’s a fantastic way to reinvent a breakfast staple into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
 
The dense, chewy nature of bagels makes them an ideal candidate for soaking up rich custard, and the flavor combinations are limited only by your imagination.
 
Whether you go sweet with cinnamon raisin bagels or savory with everything bagels, you’ll get a bread pudding that’s anything but ordinary.
 
So next time you have stale bagels, don’t toss them, get creative and use bagels to make bread pudding that’s sure to impress at your next meal.
 
Happy baking.