Jam and Bread Pudding

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. One 1-pound loaf challah bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
2. 3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
3. 4 large eggs
4. 1/2 cup sugar
5. 2 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon whole milk or half-and-half
6. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
7. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8. 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 375°. Butter a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Arrange half of the challah in the dish; tear the slices to fit. Spread 3/4 cup of the jam on top; cover with the remaining challah.
2. Whisk the eggs, sugar, 2 1/2 cups of the milk and the vanilla and pour over the challah; press to soak and brush with 4 tablespoons of the butter. Cover with foil and bake for 24 minutes, removing the foil halfway through, until the pudding is set; remove from the oven.
3. Preheat the broiler. Blend the remaining 1 tablespoon of milk with the confectioners' sugar. Add the remaining butter and jam and stir until the glaze is smooth. Spread all but 1/4 cup of the glaze over the pudding and broil until the glaze is golden. Drizzle the bread pudding with the remaining glaze and serve.