Bourbon Bliss Bread Pudding Southern Comfort in Every Bite

Ingredients

• 8 cups stale bread, such as brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 600g)
• 4 cups whole milk (950ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
• 1/4 cup bourbon, good quality, for baking (60ml)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional) (50g)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) (25g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar for caramel sauce (200g)
• 1/4 cup water for caramel sauce (60ml)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces (85g)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream for caramel sauce (120ml)
• 2 tablespoons bourbon, good quality, for the sauce (30ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt for caramel sauce