Name: Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz sourdough bread, day old; 10 eggs; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; pinch white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 shallots, minced; 4 oz thick-sliced cooked ham, diced; 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives

There’s something irresistibly comforting about creamy custard soaking into rustic bread, dotted with savory ham and melty cheese. This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is exactly that kind of cozy dish — perfect for brunch, a hearty lunch, or even a casual dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

A white rectangular pan holds a baked dish with three main visible layers. The bottom layer is made up of soft, toasted bread pieces that look golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. On top of the bread, there is a layer of small pink cubes of ham spread evenly. The top layer is melted bright orange cheddar cheese that covers the bread and ham, with some parts showing a shiny and slightly browned texture from baking. 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

This ham and cheese bread pudding has quickly become a favorite in my home because it balances rich, savory flavors with a tender, custardy texture that feels indulgent without being fussy. I love how easy it comes together and how crowd-pleasing it is.

Comfort Food Magic: Creamy eggs, melty cheddar, and hearty ham take bread pudding beyond the usual sweet fare to something deeply satisfying.
No Waste Winner: It's a fantastic way to use up day-old sourdough bread instead of tossing it.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it a day ahead for busy mornings or dinner plans.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite cheese or herbs, or add veggies for your own twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this ham and cheese bread pudding recipe has its job, contributing to that perfect mix of textures and flavors we all crave in a savory casserole. Here’s why each one matters and a few tips to nail the best results.

Flat lay of thick cubes of golden sourdough bread, diced pink ham, bright orange shredded sharp cheddar cheese, glossy shallots minced finely, fresh green thyme leaves sprinkled lightly, whole eggs with smooth shells, creamy whole milk poured in a small pool, fresh chopped chives adding a pop of green, and a small heap of grated nutmeg, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Sourdough Bread: Its tangy flavor and sturdy crumb absorb custard beautifully without turning to mush—day-old bread works best to soak up the liquid evenly.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften shallots, bringing out their sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
Shallots: Milder than onions, they add a delicate aroma and depth, sautéed just until soft.
Eggs: The binding agent that turns liquids into a silky custard, giving bread pudding that luscious, creamy texture.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: The rich combo adds creaminess without feeling too heavy—balance is key here.
Seasonings (Salt, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic Powder, Nutmeg): These create a nuanced savory flavor profile—don’t skip or oversimplify.
Cooked Ham: Offers smoky, salty bites—aim for thick slices diced to stand out in every forkful.
Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy, floral touch that brightens the richness without stealing focus.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts well with a bit of tang that complements ham perfectly—feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses.
Fresh Chives: Used as a finishing touch, they add a fresh, mild oniony note balancing the savory richness.

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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

I love mixing it up depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. This bread pudding is so forgiving that you can easily swap a few ingredients and still get a delicious outcome. Don’t be shy about making it fit your mood!

Variation: Sometimes, I swap cheddar for gruyere for a nuttier flavor, or add sautéed mushrooms to boost the umami and veggie goodness.
Dietary Mod: Use a lactose-free milk and a dairy-free cheese for an allergy-friendly version that still satisfies.
Seasonal Twist: In spring, I sprinkle fresh asparagus tips and swap thyme for tarragon for a bright, herbal note.

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

Step 1: Preparing the Bread

First off, cut your day-old sourdough into bite-sized cubes. If your bread feels a bit fresh, pop it in a 225˚F oven for about 30 minutes to dry it out—this ensures it won’t get soggy but will soak up the custard perfectly.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots

Heat olive oil over medium heat and gently cook the minced shallots for about 4 minutes, just until they’re soft and fragrant. This step adds subtle sweetness and depth to the dish, which I’ve found makes a huge flavor difference.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black and white pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg. Make sure it’s well combined so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Stir the cooled shallots, diced ham, and half of the shredded cheddar into your custard mix. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Let it sit for 5 minutes—this helps the bread soak up the custard evenly before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350˚F oven for 60 to 65 minutes. Watch the top—if it starts to brown too much, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the center finishes cooking. You’ll know it’s done when it’s set in the middle and golden on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Then slice into squares and serve warm for maximum gooey goodness.

Top Tip

After making this ham and cheese bread pudding recipe several times, I’ve learned a few key tricks that really elevate the dish and help avoid common pitfalls.

Use day-old bread: Fresh bread is too moist and will create mushy pudding; dryness is key for the perfect custardy texture.
Let it rest before baking: Sitting for 5 minutes after assembling allows the bread to soak up all the custard, so every bite is flavorful and tender.
Keep an eye on the top: Covering with foil if it browns too fast ensures a nicely cooked center without sacrificing appearance.
Choose good quality ham: Thick-sliced, flavorful ham really stands out in this dish—don’t settle for the thin stuff.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always love a sprinkle of fresh chives on top—something about that mild oniony freshness really balances the richness of cheese and ham. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of homemade mustard sauce for a tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

This bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For heartier meals, roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans bring color and crunch alongside it.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, I like to make this in a muffin tin for individual servings—super cute and great for portion control. Another fun idea is layering it with caramelized onions or adding a swirl of pesto for a special occasion twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap tightly with foil or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that the texture stays creamy but firm enough to reheat nicely without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze baked bread pudding wrapped well in freezer-safe wrap or a container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. I usually freeze individual slices to grab them quickly for meals.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350˚F oven, covered loosely with foil for about 15-20 minutes to warm through without drying out. Microwaving works too in a pinch, but I think the oven preserves that just-baked texture best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other sturdy breads like French baguette, ciabatta, or even rustic Italian bread. The key is that the bread should be firm and at least a day old to absorb the custard without turning mushy.

What cheese works best for Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it melts well and has a nice tang that complements the ham. However, gruyere, fontina, or a good-quality Swiss cheese are excellent alternatives depending on your taste preference.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s coming cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with this bread pudding for a balanced meal?

Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon or balsamic vinaigrette to brighten the plate. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables also complement the richness nicely for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this ham and cheese bread pudding recipe because it’s honest, satisfying, and brings people together around the table. It’s that perfect recipe to pull off last-minute for guests or when you want something cozy and easy. Trust me — once you make this, you’ll have a new favorite go-to comfort dish you’ll want to share with all your friends, too.