Making Old Fashioned Bread Pudding is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create a delicious dessert:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. If using stale bread, you can leave it out overnight for better texture.
3. Warm the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
6. Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Let it sit for 15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid.
7. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using raisins, fold them into the mixture at this point.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.
10. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating an incredible Old Fashioned Bread Pudding that is both comforting and delicious.