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Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding: A Savory Slice of Comfort

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t much of a fancy cook. But she had a knack for transforming humble ingredients into something truly special. I remember Sunday mornings at her house, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the savory scent of something baking in the oven. It wasn’t always the same dish, but it was always comforting. Years later, while exploring my mother’s cookbook collection, I stumbled upon a recipe that brought those memories flooding back – a Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding. It’s a dish that speaks of simple pleasures, of family gatherings, and of the magic that happens when you slow down and savor each bite. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 baking dish
Dietary Type: Not specified, but contains dairy and gluten

Ingredients

8 ounces French bread
3 tablespoons butter, softened
8 ounces ham
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, mild to sharp according to taste
3 eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Equipment Needed

11×7-inch baking dish
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Begin by preparing your baking dish. Grease an 11×7-inch baking dish thoroughly. This will prevent the bread pudding from sticking and make it easier to serve.
Next, prepare the bread. Spread one side of each slice of French bread with softened butter. This adds richness and flavor to the pudding.
Cut the buttered bread into 1-inch cubes. Place the bread cubes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the fillings. Cut the ham into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle it evenly over the bread cubes.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the ham. The amount and sharpness of the cheese can be adjusted to your preference. A sharp cheddar will add a more pronounced flavor, while a mild cheddar will be more subtle.
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until they are well combined. This ensures a smooth and even custard.
Whisk in the milk, dry mustard, salt, and white pepper into the beaten eggs. The dry mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the ham and cheese.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese mixture in the baking dish. Make sure all the bread cubes are moistened with the custard.
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer and more flavorful bread pudding.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Bake the bread pudding, uncovered, for 45 to 50 minutes, or until it is puffed and golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the bread pudding. If the knife comes out clean, it is ready. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Garnish, if desired, with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Cut the bread pudding into squares and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Bread Selection: Stale bread works best for bread pudding, as it absorbs the custard better. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by leaving it out uncovered for a few hours or lightly toasting it in the oven.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Swiss, or even a smoked Gouda would all be delicious in this bread pudding.
Custard Consistency: If you prefer a richer custard, you can substitute some of the milk with cream or half-and-half.
Make-Ahead Magic: This bread pudding is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning. This makes it perfect for brunch or holiday gatherings.
Preventing a Soggy Bottom: To ensure the bottom of the bread pudding doesn’t become soggy, you can lightly toast the bread cubes before assembling the dish.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding is best served warm, straight from the oven. It makes a wonderful brunch dish, a satisfying lunch, or even a light dinner. Serve it with a side salad or a bowl of fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the bread pudding may change upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	340 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	183 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	20.4 g	31%
Saturated Fat	11.4 g	57%
Cholesterol	143.7 mg	47%
Sodium	1010 mg	42%
Total Carbohydrate	18.2 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	0.4 g	1%
Protein	20.4 g	40%

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk alternative such as almond milk or soy milk, and use dairy-free cheese.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the custard for a spicy twist.
Herby Delight: Mix in fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage for added flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of bread?
A: Absolutely! While French bread is a classic choice, you can use other types of bread such as challah, brioche, or even croissants.

Q: Can I skip the refrigeration step?
A: While you can bake the bread pudding without refrigerating it first, it’s highly recommended to allow it to chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer and more flavorful dish.

Q: How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
A: The bread pudding is done when it is puffed and golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely add vegetables! Sautéed mushrooms, onions, peppers, or spinach would all be great additions.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover bread pudding?
A: The best way to reheat leftover bread pudding is in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual brunch with friends to a special holiday gathering with family. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to create a dish that will warm your heart and nourish your soul. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own by experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, and vegetables. And please, share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Perhaps pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a truly delightful meal. Happy cooking!

Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe