Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.

In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well blended.

Add bread cubes to the mixture, stirring gently to coat, and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

If using raisins, fold them into the bread mixture.

Evenly pour melted butter over the mixture and toss gently to distribute it.

Transfer the bread pudding mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and set in the center. Test for doneness with a toothpick.

While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Drizzle warm vanilla sauce over the baked bread pudding before serving.

Each bite of this bread pudding with vanilla sauce transcends you into pure bliss. The combination of custardy bread, warm spices, and the heavenly touch of vanilla sauce creates a symphony for your taste buds. Save this recipe not just for its incredible taste but also for the memories it will forge—shared moments, tales told, and hearts warmed. Delight in this treat, and let the flavors dance on your palate, bringing comfort and joy to your soul.