What to do with leftover rolls? Make dessert

Holiday gatherings are inevitably followed by leftovers. That includes all the accompaniments to the meal as well as the main course.

This very lemony bread pudding uses leftover Hawaiian rolls, but it also could be built from white, wheat, sourdough or other rolls. Or substitute cubes of stale bread; whatever you have on hand.

The lemon-flavored Greek yogurt boosts the lemon flavor and the creaminess of the pudding’s custard. Besides dessert, this homey bread pudding goes great with brunch or afternoon tea.

Lemon bread pudding with Greek yogurt

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

3 eggs

½ cup sugar

¾ cup lemon Greek-style yogurt

1 cup milk

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

Butter for greasing dish

6 Hawaiian rolls, torn into pieces (about 4 cups)

½ cup raisins

¼ cup almonds, chopped, plus more for topping

2 tablespoons sugar

Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, beat eggs. Add sugar, yogurt, milk, zest, lemon juice and vanilla. Set aside.

Grease a 1-1/2 to 2-quart baking dish. Put roll pieces, raisins and almonds in a buttered dish. Mix lightly.

Carefully pour egg-yogurt mixture over torn rolls in the dish. With a fork, submerge any roll pieces that float on top. Sprinkle reserved chopped almonds and sugar over top.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden and a thin-bladed knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Serve warm or room temperature with whipped cream, if desired.