Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding

Transform your breakfast or brunch spread with this savory Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding, a rich and satisfying dish that combines hearty day-old bread, flavorful diced ham, and two kinds of cheese—sharp cheddar and savory parmesan—all baked to perfection in a creamy, seasoned custard. This recipe elevates simple ingredients into a golden, bubbly casserole that's crispy on the edges and tender in the center. Infused with sautéed onions, garlic powder, and a hint of ground mustard, every bite bursts with comforting flavor. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this make-ahead dish is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or fruit for a well-rounded meal. Whether for a holiday brunch or a casual family gathering, this ham and cheese bread pudding is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 cups day-old bread (such as French or sourdough)
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 5 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2

Cut the day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside. If the bread is not stale, toast the cubes on a baking sheet for 10 minutes to dry them out slightly.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 5

Add the bread cubes to the bowl with the custard mixture, gently pressing them down to soak in the liquid.

Step 6

Stir in the sautéed onions, diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Mix gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 7

Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 8

Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 9

Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3003.9 grams (3003.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6510

Total Fat 244.10g	313%
Saturated Fat 125.70g	629%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 1604mg	535%
Sodium 15266mg	664%
Total Carbohydrate 797.80g	290%
Dietary Fiber 27.60g	99%
Total Sugars 58.30g
Protein 285.50g	571%

Vitamin D 420IU	2099%
Calcium 2967mg	228%
Iron 45mg	248%
Potassium 3243mg	69%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.6%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 48.9%