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 a warm, savory custard soaking into cubes of crusty bread, especially when it's loaded with melty cheese and savory ham. This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe strikes that perfect balance between cozy and fancy, making it one of my go-to dishes for brunch or a casual dinner that feels a little special.

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 love sharing this recipe because it’s both decadent and approachable. Whether you’re putting it together for a crowd or just treating yourself, it feels like a celebration of simple ingredients done right.

Comfort in every bite: The combination of eggs, cream, and bread creates this silky custard texture that's downright irresistible.
Easy to prep ahead: You can assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Customizable and forgiving: Swap out cheeses, add herbs, or use your leftover ham—little tweaks make it uniquely yours.
Feeds a crowd: It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or when you want easy leftovers that feel homemade.

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 Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is all about combining rich dairy, savory meat, aromatic shallots, and hearty bread to create layers of flavor and texture. Picking good-quality bread and cheese really makes the difference here.

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 rustic crust and tangy flavor give the pudding structure and a subtle zing. Day-old or dried bread soaks up the custard without getting mushy.
Olive oil: Adds a gentle fruitiness when sautéing shallots, enriching the flavor base.
Shallots: Softer and sweeter than onions, they give a delicate, savory depth that's less harsh.
Eggs: The custard backbone that binds everything together and provides that luscious texture.
Whole milk & heavy cream: The cream adds richness while the milk lightens it so it’s not too heavy.
Seasonings (salt, black & white pepper, garlic powder, nutmeg): These subtle spices balance and elevate the savory elements.
Cooked ham: Adds savory saltiness and meaty bites — thick-cut is best for texture.
Fresh thyme leaves: The herbal note cuts through the richness beautifully.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly and adds bold flavor; I love the bite it brings.
Fresh chives: Tossed on top at the end for a mild oniony brightness and a pop of green.

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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 like to think of this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe as a blank canvas. You can switch up the cheeses, add veggies like sautéed mushrooms or spinach, or even swap ham for bacon or sausage depending on what you have on hand.

Vegetarian variation: Skip the ham and toss in your favorite roasted veggies with a little extra cheese for a meatless option I’ve made more than a few times.
Spicy twist: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or diced jalapeños for a subtle kick that wakes up the creamy base.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread cubes — I’ve tried this and it still turns out wonderfully satisfying.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Shallots

First things first: cube your day-old sourdough bread. If your bread is fresh, no worries—just spread the cubes on a baking sheet and dry them out at 225˚F for about 30 minutes. This helps the bread hold up without turning to mush later. Then mince your shallots and sauté them gently in olive oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes until soft but not browned. Let them cool while you move on.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a very large bowl, beat together your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of grated nutmeg. The spices might seem small but they make a huge difference in elevating the custard’s flavor. Stir in the cooled shallots too — this adds that depth of sweetness.

Step 3: Assemble Your Pudding

Gently fold in the bread cubes, diced ham, and half the shredded cheddar cheese into the custard mixture. Pour everything into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Let it rest for about 5 minutes so the bread soaks up the custard evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop it in the oven preheated to 350˚F and bake uncovered for 60-65 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil. You'll know it’s done when the custard is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. When it’s ready, scatter chopped fresh chives over the top for a fresh pop.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret to a beautifully textured bread pudding is giving the bread a good soak but not letting it get soggy. Allowing it to rest in the custard, and gently cooking at a moderate temperature, prevents it from drying out or turning into mush.

Quality bread matters: Day-old sourdough holds its shape best and adds tangy complexity.
Don’t skip resting time: Letting the bread absorb the custard before baking ensures even moistness.
Watch the bake: If you see too much browning around 40 minutes in, cover loosely with foil.
Add freshness: Chives or fresh herbs on top finish it with color and a bright note.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

ham cheese bread pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped chives on top — they bring a subtle onion flavor and a pop of color. Sometimes I add a little extra thyme or cracked black pepper after baking for an earthy, aromatic finish.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus or a fresh tomato salad also complement the hearty and cheesy flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, I like to bake this in individual ramekins. It feels extra special and makes serving a breeze. You can also top each portion with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of tangy chutney for something unexpected.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover bread pudding tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, which means no such thing as wasted cheesy goodness around here.

Freezing

I've frozen this recipe a few times by cutting it into squares and wrapping them individually or keeping the whole dish covered tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.

Reheating

To keep that crispy cheese top, I warm slices in a 350˚F oven for 15-20 minutes instead of microwaving. It brings back that fresh-baked texture without sacrificing moisture inside.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While sourdough is my favorite for its texture and tang, you can use French bread, brioche, or even a rustic Italian loaf. Just make sure the bread isn’t too soft or fresh — drying it out slightly helps it soak the custard without turning mushy.

Do I have to use heavy cream, or can I substitute it?

Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess that’s hard to replicate exactly, but you can substitute with half-and-half or additional whole milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind the texture will be less indulgent but still tasty.

How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?

I recommend keeping leftovers for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container. Beyond that, the texture and flavor start to degrade, but it still may freeze well if you want to keep it longer.

Can I prepare this the night before and bake it in the morning?

Yes! One of the best parts of this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is how well it holds up to being made ahead. Just assemble it, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that I always come back to, especially when I want something that feels like a hug from the inside out. Once you make it a couple of times, you’ll find your favorite tweaks and share it as easily as I share it with friends. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll love the way it transforms humble ingredients into something truly special.