If your bread isn’t stale, heat your oven to 225° F and spread the bread pieces in an even layer on a baking sheet and place in the hot oven for approximately 10-15 minutes. The bread should be dry on the outside, but still have a little spring to it in the center.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips, bread, and salt. Whisk together until homogenous.
Stir in the bread pieces until coated evenly with the chocolate custard mixture. Cover and allow to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes and up to overnight. Longer the better. Most of the custard should be absorbed by the bread.
Preheat your smoker OR oven to 350° F
Prepare a 9” pie pan or 8” x 8” baking dish with a thin coat of smeared butter followed by a coat of granulated or raw sugar around the sides of the pan. Transfer the soaked bread and custard into the prepared baking dish, followed by the chocolate chips and sprinkle of flake salt.
Cook the bread pudding for approximately 30-40 minutes.
Check the bread pudding after 30 minutes of cooking. The edges should look crisp, but the center should still have a little jiggle to it. If the recipe is doubled, add 5-10 minutes.