Creating Best Homemade Bread Pudding is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare Bread: Place the cubed stale bread in a large mixing bowl. If the bread is not stale, you can lightly toast it in the oven for a few minutes.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine: Pour the wet mixture over the cubed bread. Gently stir to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
5. Add Mix-ins: If desired, fold in raisins or chocolate chips to the mixture for added flavor.
6. Transfer to Dish: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
9. Serve Warm: Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible dessert effortlessly!