Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert with Luxurious Vanilla Sauce

6 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (see Chef’s Notes for best types)

2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

4 large eggs

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup raisins (optional, can be substituted with other dried fruit)

For the Vanilla Sauce (The Crown Jewel):

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed light brown sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Pinch of salt