Creating Southern Praline Bread Pudding is simple if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Prepare Bread: Place the cubed bread in a large bowl. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread. Gently fold to combine, ensuring all bread pieces are soaked.
5. Let It Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes to let the bread fully absorb the liquid.
6. Prepare Praline Topping: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the chopped pecans and maple syrup, cooking for 2-3 minutes until bubbly. Remove from heat.
7. Assemble Pudding: Pour the bread mixture into the greased baking dish. Drizzle the praline topping over the top.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown.
9. Cool: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
10. Serve: For an indulgent experience, serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

By following these steps, you will create an incredible Southern Praline Bread Pudding that is sure to delight your taste buds!