Golden Cinnamon Cheese Sopa

Name: Sopa (Bread Pudding)
Category: Dessert
Keywords: Cheese, Mexican, Sweet, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Oven
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 16

Prepare Caramelized Sugar Mixture:
- Place sugar in a heavy 3-quart saucepan.
- Cook over medium-high heat without stirring until sugar starts to melt.
- Reduce heat to low and continue cooking until sugar is golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat.
- Carefully add 2 1/2 cups of water (be cautious as it will splatter).
- Return saucepan to heat and bring to a boil, stirring to melt any hardened lumps.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in margarine or butter, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Assemble and Bake Sopa:
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- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 3-quart rectangular baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and all of the raisins over the bread cubes.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes, the rest of the shredded cheese, and the peanuts.
- Pour the caramelized sugar mixture evenly over the assembled layers.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the syrup is absorbed.
- Serve Sopa warm, optionally with whipped cream on the side.

This recipe was originally featured in Better Homes and Gardens in December 1994 and has been a hit since.
Sopa is a delightful Mexican-style bread pudding that combines sweet caramel flavors with the richness of cheese and the warmth of cinnamon.
It’s perfect for serving large groups during festive occasions like Christmas, as it can be prepared in advance and served warm.

Enjoy making this nostalgic dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of caramel, cheese, and cinnamon into every delightful bite!