Creating The Best Bread Pudding is easy if 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.
2. Prepare Bread: In a large bowl, add the cubed stale bread. Set aside.
3. Mix Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread. Gently stir until all the bread is soaked in the liquid.
5. Add Mix-ins: If using, fold in the raisins or chocolate chips to the mixture.
6. Transfer to Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
8. Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

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