Creating The Best Bread Pudding is a straightforward process 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: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread with melted butter. Toss until the bread is evenly coated.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
5. Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in the raisins or chocolate chips into the mixture.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
8. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
9. Dust with Sugar: For an extra touch, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Following these steps will guide you in creating this incredible dessert effortlessly.