Creating Easy New Orleans Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce is a delightful process. Follow these steps to make this incredible dessert:

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: In a large bowl, combine the cubed French bread and melted butter. Toss until the bread is well-coated.

3. Mix Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.

4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Gently mix until the bread is fully soaked. If desired, fold in the raisins for added sweetness and texture.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Prepare Bourbon Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Add Ingredients: Stir in the powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously until smooth.

3. Serve Warm: Once the sauce is ready, drizzle it over the warm bread pudding.