There’s something so comforting about a warm, savory custard baked with bread and gooey cheese. This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe hits all the right notes—rich, flavorful, and perfect for any time you want a hearty and satisfying dish that feels like a hug in food form.

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’m really excited to share this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe because it’s one of those recipes that fits every occasion—whether it’s a weekend brunch with friends or a cozy dinner when you don’t feel like fussing too much. It’s elegant but totally doable.

Comfort Food Classic: It’s warm, cheesy, and full of the kind of flavors that make you feel instantly satisfied.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, making it super easy to whip up without extra trips to the store.
Versatile and Forgiving: You can tweak the types of cheese or ham, and it still turns out delicious every time.
Great for Feed-a-Crowd Meals: This recipe is perfect for making ahead and serving a group, saving you stress on large meal days.

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 recipe is straightforward in its ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of creamy custard, salty ham, and melty cheese combined with rustic bread. Using day-old sourdough bread is key for texture—fresh bread is too moist and won’t hold up well.

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: A sturdy, tangy bread that crisps on the edges but soaks up the custard beautifully.
Olive Oil: For sautéing shallots gently without overpowering the dish.
Shallots: Add a subtle sweetness and depth when softened, balancing the richness.
Eggs: The foundation of the custard that holds everything together.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy custard—less cream or low-fat milk will change the texture.
Salt, Black & White Pepper, Garlic Powder, Nutmeg: Seasoning layers that bring out the savory, warmth, and complexity.
Cooked Ham: Adds smoky, salty bites without needing extra seasoning.
Fresh Thyme Leaves: Offers an herbal brightness that freshens up this hearty dish.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly with a bold flavor that stands up to the ham.
Fresh Chives: Added as a garnish to bring a mild oniony note and color contrast.

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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 that this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is a great canvas for swapping in your favorite mix-ins or adjusting flavors. Don’t hesitate to get creative or adapt it for your family’s preferences.

Variation: I once added sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a veggie boost—it worked beautifully and made the dish even more special for brunch.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap whole milk and cream for unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese; just expect a slightly different texture but still tasty.
Cheese Swaps: Gruyère or Swiss cheese make a lovely alternative to cheddar if you want a nuttier, less sharp bite.
Herb Variations: Experiment with rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different herbal twist that complements the ham.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Preheat Oven

Start by cutting your day-old sourdough into bite-sized cubes. If you only have fresh bread, no worries—just spread it out on a baking sheet and dry it in the oven at 225˚F for about 30 minutes. This ensures it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. When that’s ready, preheat your oven to 350˚F.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced shallots. Cook gently for about 4 minutes until they soften and get sweet, but before they brown. Once done, remove from heat so they can cool slightly. This step adds subtle depth and sweetness that makes the custard more flavorful.

Step 3: Make the Custard Base

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, cream, salt, black and white pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of grated nutmeg. The nutmeg is a little trick I learned—it brings out the savory notes beautifully without tasting like dessert.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Stir the cooled shallots, diced ham, and half of your shredded cheddar into the custard mixture. Then fold in the bread cubes gently to coat everything evenly. Pour this into a greased 9”x13” baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top—you want that gorgeous cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Bake your bread pudding for 60-65 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes cooking. After baking, let it rest for about 5 minutes to set up nicely, then sprinkle fresh chopped chives on top for brightness and color.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe a dozen times, and a few keys help it shine every time. Don’t rush drying your bread or preheating the oven—it makes all the difference for that perfect texture and custard setting.

Dry Your Bread Well: It soaks up the custard better and prevents sogginess.
Don’t Skip Resting Time: Allowing it to sit after baking helps the custard fully set and makes slicing cleaner.
Watch The Cheese Topping: Cover with foil if edges get too brown—keeps the whole top from burning while still finishing the bake.
Use Sharp Cheddar: A good sharp cheese cuts through the richness for a balanced flavor.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

ham and cheese bread pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with fresh chopped chives—the subtle onion flavor and fresh green color add a fresh pop that lifts the whole dish. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra thyme if I want an herbal boost, especially for brunch.

Side Dishes

This bread pudding stands up well with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. For brunch, pairing it with sliced fresh fruit or a light tomato and cucumber salad balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

I like to make this in individual ramekins for a fancy twist when hosting. It’s charming to serve a personal-sized bread pudding topped with an extra bit of fresh herbs and a drizzle of hot sauce on the side for those who want some heat. It always impresses guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bread pudding keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually slice it into portions before storing so it’s easy to grab and reheat. Reheating in the oven or toaster oven keeps the top a bit crispier than microwave reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover portions successfully by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up. It doesn’t lose much quality and is a lifesaver when you want a quick meal later.

Reheating

To reheat, I place slices in a 350˚F oven for 10-15 minutes to warm through and restore that slightly crispy top edge. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works but may make it a bit softer overall.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

You can, but day-old sourdough works best because it has a sturdy crust and the right density to hold the custard without getting soggy. If using softer bread, consider drying it out in the oven first to avoid mushiness.

How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?

The top should be golden brown and set without a jiggly center - a slight wobble is okay but if it’s liquidy, it needs more time. You can insert a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean or with just moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bread pudding a few hours ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Then bake it directly from the fridge; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What can I serve with Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding?

It pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads, roasted veggies, or even a light tomato and cucumber salad. For brunch, fresh fruit or a tangy vinaigrette-dressed side complements the richness nicely. The savory, cheesy main dish makes these simple sides shine.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s comforting and always impresses without being complicated. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something wonderful and hearty, this recipe has your back. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your go-to for easy, delicious meals that warm both heart and belly.