Are you ready to transform ordinary bread into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at your dinner table begging for seconds? This Savoury Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, comforting flavors of buttery bread, savory ham, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying dinner, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that looks like it came straight from a five-star restaurant kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread, cubed
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup cheese, shredded (cheddar or Swiss)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread pudding cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, diced cooked ham, and shredded cheese. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, crack the four large eggs and whisk them until well blended. Add the milk, mustard, salt, and pepper to the eggs, and whisk again until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring that the bread is well coated and absorbs the liquid.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up the egg and milk mixture, resulting in a richer texture.
- While the mixture is soaking, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- After the soaking time, pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the pudding to set slightly.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired. Enjoy your Savoury Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding!
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively and prevents a soggy result.
- Choose high-quality cheese like sharp cheddar or Gruyère for maximum flavor impact.
- Allow the bread mixture to soak for at least 10 minutes before baking to ensure rich, custardy consistency.
- For extra crispiness, sprinkle some additional cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Don't rush the cooling process—letting the pudding rest helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Experiment with add-ins like caramelized onions, spinach, or different herbs to customize your bread pudding.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 180mg
