Butter a 2 to 3 quart baking dish and evenly spread out the bread cubes.

In a saucepan combine the half-and-half, butter, salt and vanilla and heat until hot over moderate heat. In a bowl whisk together sugar, eggs, and yolks and add hot half-and-half mixture in a stream, whisking constantly. Pour mixture over bread cubes. Bake pudding in middle of oven about 40 to 45 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.