For the Bread Pudding

• 4 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes
• 2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins

• Raisins or chopped dates
• Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• Chocolate chips
• Fresh fruit pieces