Name: Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 4 min
Total time: 1 h 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz sourdough bread, day old; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 10 eggs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 shallots, minced; 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives; 4 oz thick-sliced cooked ham, diced; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; pinch white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, savory custard nestled in tender bread, melted cheese, and salty ham. This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe combines classic flavors into a dish that’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or even a fancy holiday spread. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser!

This image shows a white ceramic baking dish filled with a breakfast casserole. The top layer is covered with melted bright orange cheddar cheese. Below the cheese, there are small pieces of light pink ham scattered evenly. Large chunks of toasted bread with a golden-brown crust form the main body of the casserole, mixed with a creamy egg base that is slightly visible between the bread pieces. The texture looks soft and dense inside while the edges show some crispiness. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember serving this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe at a family brunch and being amazed at how quickly it disappeared. It's rich and filling but still feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together, even on a busy morning!

Made with Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your fridge and pantry.
Perfect for Using Leftover Bread: Day-old sourdough works beautifully, preventing sogginess and adding texture.
Customizable Flavor: You can swap out the ham or cheese to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Great for Any Meal: It’s hearty enough for dinner but elegant enough for special occasions.

The dish is in a white ceramic baking pan with handles, filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layers show soft, golden-yellow baked custard soaking cubes of light brown toasted bread. Scattered evenly on top are small pieces of pink ham mixed in with a generous layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese that has a slightly browned, bubbly texture in some spots. The edges of the bread pieces are crisp and golden, contrasting with the creamy middle. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe balances creamy custard with savory, smoky ham and sharp cheddar, all held together by sturdy sourdough cubes. Each ingredient plays a role in making the texture and flavor just right.

Flat lay of thick slices of golden sourdough bread cubes, diced pink cooked ham, a pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, whole fresh eggs, minced shallots, fresh green thyme leaves, chopped bright green chives, and a small mound of grated nutmeg, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Sourdough Bread: Using day-old bread is key—it soaks up the custard without turning mushy, and the tang of sourdough adds a nice depth.
Olive Oil: A little for sautéing shallots adds gentle richness and flavor.
Shallots: They bring sweetness and complexity, cooking down nicely to complement the ham.
Eggs: The binding agent that gives the pudding its custardy texture.
Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: These liquids create the luscious custard base—don’t skip the cream if you want that rich mouthfeel!
Seasonings (salt, black and white pepper, garlic powder, nutmeg): These layers of subtle seasoning really make the custard pop, especially the nutmeg which adds warming depth.
Cooked Ham: Thick-sliced and diced, this adds a smoky, savory punch.
Fresh Thyme: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens the dish and pairs wonderfully with ham and cheese.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey pockets that make every bite irresistible.
Fresh Chives: Added on top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is that it’s such a forgiving base. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different cheeses and add-ins, and it always turns out delicious. Feel free to make it your own!

Vegetarian Version: I swapped ham for sautéed mushrooms and spinach once—still got that satisfying richness without the meat.
Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños brings some heat if you're feeling adventurous.
Cheese Swap: Gruyère or fontina also melt beautifully if you want a different cheese profile.
Make Mini Portions: I’ve used muffin tins to portion this out for breakfast bites—a hit at brunch parties!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Start by cutting your sourdough into cubes—aim for bite-sized pieces so they soak up the custard without falling apart. If your bread is fresh, don’t skip drying it out in a low oven at 225˚F for about 30 minutes; this step really helps prevent sogginess later on.

Step 2: Cook the Shallots

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced shallots. Cook gently for about 4 minutes until translucent and sweet, then take them off the heat. These little sweet nuggets add amazing aroma and balance the savory ham marvelously.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black and white pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. This custard mixture is what transforms the bread into a creamy, comforting bake.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Assemble

Stir in the cooled shallots, diced ham, and half the shredded cheese into the custard. Pour this mixture over your bread cubes in a greased 9”x13” baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, then let it rest for about 5 minutes so the bread starts soaking everything in.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350˚F for 60 to 65 minutes. Keep an eye on the top—if it’s browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil. The pudding is done when the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center; it’ll continue to firm up as it cools.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for a pop of color and mild oniony flavor. Slice into squares and serve warm. Trust me, every bite is worth the wait!

Top Tip

From my experience, getting the bread texture right is the game changer. Too fresh and the pudding turns soupy; too stale and it dries out. Here’s what I’ve learned for the perfect balance.

Use Day-Old or Slightly Dried Bread: I usually cut my sourdough the night before and let it air dry overnight or bake it gently if fresh.
Let the Custard Soak In: Don’t skip the 5 minutes resting after assembling—it allows the custard to penetrate the bread nicely.
Watch the Browning: Cover with foil if needed to keep the top from getting too dark while the inside sets.
Use Sharp Cheese: A sharper cheddar adds great flavor that stands up to the creaminess.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

ham and cheese bread pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always top the finished pudding with freshly chopped chives—it adds a lovely fresh bite that cuts through the richness. If you want to get fancy, a little dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of a tangy mustard sauce also works wonders in my book.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this bread pudding with a crisp green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette for contrast. Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato soup also make the meal feel complete and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I baked this in individual ramekins for a brunch party. Everyone loved having their own portion, and it made the presentation feel extra special. You could even top each with a fried or poached egg if you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover left bread pudding covered tightly in the fridge. It keeps nicely for up to 3 days, though I usually find it disappears much quicker around my house!

Freezing

This bread pudding freezes well if you want to make it in advance. I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, I like using a 350˚F oven to warm the slices until heated through and the edges are crisp again—usually about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but you lose that nice texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bread other than sourdough in this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe?

Absolutely! While sourdough adds great flavor and texture, feel free to use French bread, Italian loaf, or even a rustic country white bread. Just make sure it’s a sturdy bread that’s at least a day old to absorb the custard without getting too soggy.

Can I prepare the Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. This actually helps the bread soak up the custard even better. Just bake it fresh in the morning or before serving—it might need a few extra minutes in the oven if chilled.

Is this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just keep reheating tips in mind to maintain its creamy texture and crisp edges.

What substitutions can I make for dietary restrictions?

For gluten-free, choose a gluten-free bread and be sure to check your ingredients for hidden gluten. For dairy-free, you can swap milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk and use a dairy-free cheese. There are many tasty ways to adapt this recipe to meet your needs.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is a beloved classic in my kitchen—it’s warm, cheesy, and just a little bit nostalgic, all wrapped into one dish. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, whether for a special brunch or a cozy family dinner. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become one of your go-to recipes too!