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; 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 warm, cheesy, and savory dishes, and this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe hits all those cozy notes perfectly. It’s a wonderful mix of rich eggs, creamy cheese, and tender ham nestled in cubes of bread—a total crowd-pleaser any time of day.

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’ve made this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress. Whether it’s for a family brunch, a cozy dinner, or an easy meal prep, it always brings a smile to the table.

Simple yet impressive: It looks and tastes fancy but comes together with straightforward steps—perfect for any home cook.
Flexible and forgiving: You can swap out the ham or cheese without losing its soul, making it adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
Deep flavors: The combination of shallots, nutmeg, and thyme gives it an unexpected depth that feels gourmet.
Great make-ahead option: It holds up wonderfully if you prepare it ahead or warm up leftovers later.

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

Each ingredient in this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe has a role in creating that rich, balanced flavor that sticks with you. From the sturdy sourdough bread to the combination of creamy dairy and savory ham, here’s the lowdown on why these work so well together.

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: Its tangy flavor and firm texture hold up perfectly soaked in egg custard without turning mushy.
Olive oil: Used to soften the shallots, it adds a subtle fruity undertone that complements the richness.
Shallots: Mellow and sweet, they bring a gentle onion flavor that cuts through the creamy custard.
Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together, creating that luscious custardy texture.
Whole milk and heavy cream: These add richness and creaminess, making each bite silky smooth.
Salt and peppers: Essential for seasoning; I love the touch of white pepper and nutmeg for warmth and subtle spice.
Cooked ham: Adds hearty, smoky savory bites. Thick slices diced into chunks give great texture.
Fresh thyme: Brightens the dish with a hint of earthiness and herbaceousness.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star cheese—its sharpness and meltiness create gooey pockets of flavor.
Fresh chives: A simple garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh 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

I love customizing this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe depending on what’s in season or who I’m cooking for. You can easily tweak the protein, cheese, or herbs to create a personal twist that suits your taste buds.

Variation: When I want something lighter, I swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or just use whole milk, and it’s still ultra creamy but with fewer calories.
Vegetarian option: Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for a meatless version everyone enjoys.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or toss in diced jalapeño for those who love a little heat.
Cheese swap: Try gruyère or fontina instead of cheddar for a more nutty or melty texture.

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

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Oven

First things first, cut your day-old sourdough into cubes. If your bread is fresh, pop it in a low oven (225˚F) for about 30 minutes to dry it out—this helps prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to assemble, preheat your oven to 350˚F so it’s perfectly heated for baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced shallots. Cook them gently for about 4 minutes until softened and fragrant but not browned. This brings out their natural sweetness and builds layers of flavor in the custard.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, black and white pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of nutmeg. Then fold in the cooled shallots, diced ham, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture is the rich base that will soak into the bread cubes and bring everything together.

Step 4: Assemble and Let It Rest

Grease your baking dish well, then pour in the custard mixture with the bread cubes. Spread it evenly, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Let it rest for about 5 minutes so the bread absorbs some of the custard — this little wait makes a big difference in texture.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 60-65 minutes at 350˚F. Keep an eye on it—if the top starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning. You want the inside set and custardy but still soft, with a crisp golden crust on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for a burst of color and a subtle onion-y bite. Slice into squares and serve warm. Watch how quickly these disappear!

Top Tip

After making this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make it foolproof every single time. They’ve saved me from soggy or overcooked results—and I’m happy to share them with you.

Use day-old bread: Fresher bread will soak up too much custard and get mushy, so dry it out in the oven if needed.
Cook shallots gently: Don’t rush this step; properly softened shallots add sweetness and prevent harsh onion bites.
Rest before baking: Let the assembled pudding sit for 5-10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard evenly for consistent texture.
Cover if browning too fast: Tenting with foil during baking prevents burnt tops while the inside finishes cooking through.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

ham and cheese bread pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always keep it simple here — a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives adds freshness and just a little crunch. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of Dijon mustard on the side for a tangy bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy pudding.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for balance. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli make an easy nutritious side, or a bowl of tomato soup if you want cozy comfort food vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked it in individual ramekins for personal servings that look charming on the table. You can also sprinkle extra fresh herbs on top or serve alongside a variety of mustards and chutneys for a brunch board feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, tasting just as delicious when reheated gently.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully too. I divide it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the custardy texture creamy without drying out, I reheat leftovers in a 325˚F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch but can dry it out a bit—oven reheating is best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread in this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe?

Yes! While sourdough adds great flavor and texture, you can use French bread, baguette, or even a hearty white bread. Just make sure it’s a day or two old or dried out, so it soaks the custard properly without getting soggy.

How long does the bread pudding keep in the fridge?

It keeps well for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped. For best texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.

Can I make this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it cold from the fridge.

What’s the best way to ensure the top doesn’t burn during baking?

If you see the top getting too brown halfway through baking, loosely cover the bread pudding with foil. This prevents burning while allowing the inside to finish cooking evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or even a comforting dinner, it’s simple to make yet full of sophisticated flavor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it becomes a go-to in your kitchen for those moments when you want something delicious and satisfying with minimal fuss.