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; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 shallots, minced; 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; 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 incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish bubbling fresh from the oven, and this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is exactly that kind of soul-satisfying meal. It combines hearty bread, savory ham, and melty cheddar into a custardy bake that’s perfect any time you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.

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

I love this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe because it’s both simple and elegant—a down-home comfort food that comes together with basic ingredients but tastes like a special occasion. You can make it ahead or whip it up for brunch when you have guests, and it still feels special every single time.

Flavor-packed layers: Combining sharp cheddar, savory ham, and fresh herbs makes every bite rich and satisfying.
Easy make-ahead: It’s wonderful prep-once, enjoy-later breakfast or dinner, which I always appreciate on busy mornings.
Comfort food at its best: Creamy custard soaking into crusty bread delivers that melt-in-your-mouth goodness you’re craving.
Super versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to match what you have on hand or to suit your taste buds.

The image shows a close-up view of a baked casserole in a white ceramic dish with blue handles. The casserole has a top layer of melted yellow-orange cheese scattered with small cubes of pink ham. Beneath this, there are large pieces of golden toasted bread that look soft and slightly browned on the edges. The texture of the bread is uneven, with some parts puffed up. The casserole appears creamy with bits of egg mixture visibly soaking the bread. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the warm colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s magic comes from the perfect balance between creamy custard, hearty bread, melted cheese, and savory ham. Each ingredient plays a special role, so choosing the right ones helps you nail a ham and cheese bread pudding that’s flavorful and satisfying.

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: The sturdy, slightly sour bread soaks up custard beautifully without turning mushy—day-old is best for texture.
Olive Oil: Used to soften shallots and add subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
Shallots: Their mild, sweet onion flavor adds depth without sharpness, perfect in custard dishes.
Eggs: The backbone of the custard, giving structure and richness to the pudding.
Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: Together, these create a luxuriously creamy custard that keeps the pudding moist.
Seasonings (salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, nutmeg): These add layers of warmth and subtle spice, enhancing the savory elements.
Cooked Ham: Adds meaty, salty savoriness; thick-sliced ham diced for that lovely bite in every forkful.
Fresh Thyme: A little herbal brightness that cuts through richness nicely.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gives the perfect balance of tangy meltiness; the sharpness pairs wonderfully with the ham.
Fresh Chives: Sprinkled on top for a fresh, mild onion finish and a burst of color.

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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 often like to tweak this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s pretty forgiving and invites creativity, so don’t hesitate to mix it up with your favorite add-ins or cheese types.

Vegetable Boost: I’ve tossed in sautéed spinach or mushrooms before—adds a lovely earthiness and some green goodness.
Cheese Swap: Gruyère or fontina work beautifully if sharp cheddar isn’t nearby for a different flair.
Make it dairy-free: Substitute milk and cream with coconut milk or your favorite plant milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for a little heat if you like bold flavors.

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

Step 1: Get Your Bread Just Right

I always cut my sourdough into bite-sized cubes, then dry them out in a low-heat oven if the bread’s fresh. This step is key! It prevents that soggy texture and helps the custard soak in just right. I usually pop the bread in the oven at 225˚F for about 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Prep Your Custard

While the bread cools, I sauté minced shallots in olive oil until soft and fragrant—about 4 minutes on medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and all those flavorful seasonings like salt, black and white pepper, garlic powder, plus a hint of nutmeg. Adding ground nutmeg is one of my favorite tricks for extra warmth.

Step 3: Mix It All Up

I gently stir the cooled shallots, diced ham, and half the shredded cheddar cheese into the custard mixture. Then I fold in the cubed bread, making sure each piece is coated well. Pour everything into a greased 9”x13” baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheddar evenly on top, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the bread soak through.

Step 4: Bake and Watch Closely

Bake your Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe at 350˚F for about 60-65 minutes. Around halfway, check if the top is getting too browned; if so, tent with foil to avoid burning while the inside finishes cooking. Look for a golden top and a custard that’s set but still soft in the center.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once out of the oven, I love to sprinkle fresh chopped chives on top for a pop of color and a mild oniony kick. Then slice it into squares and get ready to enjoy that warm, cheesy comfort food glow.

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe many times, and a few key tips always help me get the best results. These little insights will save you from common pitfalls and bring out the most comforting textures and flavors.

Dry the Bread Well: Make sure your bread cubes are sufficiently stale or oven-dried so they absorb custard correctly without turning mushy.
Let It Rest: After assembling, letting the mix sit for 5–10 minutes before baking gives the bread time to soak up the custard fully.
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary, so use a toothpick or knife to test the custard’s center — it should come out clean but feel soft.
Cover if Needed: If the top is browning too quickly, don’t hesitate to tent foil over it partway through baking to prevent burning.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with fresh chopped chives or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for brightness. Sometimes, a light drizzle of Dijon mustard on the side adds a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the ham and cheese.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a quick side of roasted asparagus. For brunch, I may add fruit salad or pickled veggies on the side to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this at gatherings, I like to cut it into petite squares and arrange them on a wooden board with little bowls of mustard, chutneys, or even a dollop of sour cream. It makes for a lovely, shareable spread that’s both rustic and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ham and cheese bread pudding stores well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep it airtight to preserve moisture, and it tastes just as cozy the next day.

Freezing

Freezing works too! I portion out leftovers into airtight containers or wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

I reheat slices covered loosely with foil in a 350˚F oven for about 15-20 minutes, which helps warm it through without drying it out. You can finish with a short broil if you want that crisp golden top back.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sourdough is great for its tang and sturdiness, you can use other sturdy breads like French baguette or country white bread. Just make sure the bread is dry or day-old to prevent sogginess.

How long does the bread pudding keep in the fridge?

You can store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, reheat soon after that.

Can I add vegetables or other proteins?

Definitely! Adding cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers works well and adds nutrients. You can also swap ham for cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey to suit your preference.

What should I look for to know when the pudding is done baking?

You want the custard to be just set – it should no longer be jiggly in the center but still soft. The top should be golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen repertoire because it turns simple pantry ingredients into pure comfort. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—it’s such a warm, satisfying dish to share with family or friends, and it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and again.