There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm, cheesy bake that brings people together around the table. This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is exactly that—a hearty, savory twist on traditional bread pudding that’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or even a cozy weekend meal.

A white rectangular pan holds a baked dish with three main visible layers. The bottom layer is made up of soft, toasted bread pieces that look golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. On top of the bread, there is a layer of small pink cubes of ham spread evenly. The top layer is melted bright orange cheddar cheese that covers the bread and ham, with some parts showing a shiny and slightly browned texture from baking. 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

This ham and cheese bread pudding holds a special place in my recipe rotation—it’s an effortless way to turn leftover bread and ham into something that feels indulgent and just a little bit fancy. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to pull together, which always wins in my book!

Savory Comfort Food: The creamy custard soaked into sourdough cubes with sharp cheddar and ham makes for an incredibly satisfying meal.
Perfect for Leftovers: Using day-old bread and leftover ham makes this a clever way to reduce waste and save money.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance and bake it fresh when you’re ready, which is a lifesaver on busy mornings or casual get-togethers.
Customizable Flavors: Switch up the cheese or herbs to suit your taste—this bread pudding is a great blank canvas.

The image shows a close-up view of a baked casserole in a white ceramic dish with blue handles. The casserole has a top layer of melted yellow-orange cheese scattered with small cubes of pink ham. Beneath this, there are large pieces of golden toasted bread that look soft and slightly browned on the edges. The texture of the bread is uneven, with some parts puffed up. The casserole appears creamy with bits of egg mixture visibly soaking the bread. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the warm colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe plays a role in building rich, layered flavors that balance creaminess, savory meat, and sharp tang from the cheese. Using quality sourdough bread helps the custard absorb perfectly without turning soggy.

Flat lay of thick cubes of golden sourdough bread, diced pink ham, bright orange shredded sharp cheddar cheese, glossy shallots minced finely, fresh green thyme leaves sprinkled lightly, whole eggs with smooth shells, creamy whole milk poured in a small pool, fresh chopped chives adding a pop of green, and a small heap of grated nutmeg, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Sourdough Bread: Day-old bread is key because it soaks up the custard without falling apart; I like sourdough for its tangy depth.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness when cooking the shallots, boosting their flavor.
Shallots: Their gentle sweetness mellows beautifully when softened, creating a lovely base note.
Eggs: The backbone of the custard, binding everything into that luscious, set texture.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: The combo adds creaminess without being overly heavy or watery.
Seasonings (Salt, black & white pepper, garlic powder, nutmeg): These build subtle warmth and balance, enhancing but not overpowering the other flavors.
Cooked Ham: Adds smoky, salty meatiness; diced thick-sliced ham works great for texture.
Fresh Thyme: Brightens the dish with a herbal note that cuts through richness.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers that melty, sharp punch that makes it unmistakably comforting.
Fresh Chives: A fresh, oniony garnish that brightens each bite at the end.

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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 to tweak this recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or the season—it's a great base for experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, or even adding sautéed vegetables. You should definitely make it your own and see what you like best!

Variation: I once swapped cheddar for Gruyère and added caramelized onions—such a lovely, nutty twist you'll adore.
Vegetarian Option: Leave out the ham and add mushrooms or spinach; it’s still rich and satisfying.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use your favorite gluten-free bread and adjust soaking time slightly—just watch for the custard consistency.
Herbal Twists: Fresh rosemary or parsley can substitute thyme for a different herbal note.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Cubes

Start by cutting your day-old sourdough into bite-sized cubes. If your bread is still fresh, I always recommend drying it out in the oven at 225°F for about 30 minutes; this prevents the pudding from becoming too soggy later. Got your cubes? Great—preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced shallots. Cook them gently for around 4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant but not browned. Let them cool a bit before mixing—they add a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the ham perfectly.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together 10 eggs with 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Add ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, a pinch of white pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg. It sounds like a lot, but this combination ensures the custard is seasoned just right—rich, flavorful, and aromatic.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Stir your cooled shallots, diced ham, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the custard mixture. Pour this heavenly mix into a greased 9”x13” baking dish, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly over the top. I like to let it sit for 5 minutes so the bread soaks up the custard—this little wait makes a big difference!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for about 60 to 65 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the custard is set. If you notice the top browning too quickly, just tent it loosely with foil to avoid burning. Let it cool for a few minutes before topping with freshly chopped chives and slicing into squares.

Top Tip

From making this ham and cheese bread pudding recipe many times, I’ve learned exactly how to balance texture and flavor for the best results. These tips might save you some trial-and-error moments!

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread tends to soak up too much liquid, making the pudding mushy. Drying it beforehand gives you that perfect custardy but textured finish.
Taste the Custard: Before mixing, whisk the custard and taste it slightly seasoned—it should taste a little stronger than you expect because it mellows as it cooks.
Don’t Rush the Soak: Letting the mixture rest for 5 minutes before baking helps the bread absorb the custard thoroughly, resulting in even cooking.
Watch the Top: If it’s deep golden early on, loosely cover with foil to avoid overbaking while the inside finishes setting.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

ham and cheese bread pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I sprinkle fresh chives on top—not only do they add a pop of color, but their mild onion flavor cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I add a light drizzle of Dijon mustard or a dollop of sour cream on the side for an extra tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this recipe, keeping the meal feeling balanced. Roasted asparagus or simple steamed green beans are also favorites of mine for a fresh, vibrant side.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch, I like serving individual portions in mini ramekins topped with a sprinkle of chives and a side of mixed fruit. For dinner parties, slicing it into squares on a wooden board alongside pickles and a cheese platter makes for a delicious and approachable spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your leftover bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, which is great for quick reheats throughout the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pudding twice without a hitch—just cut into portions, wrap individually, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays surprisingly close to fresh, which is always a win.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, uncovered, to retain that crispy top texture. Microwaving is faster but can make the edges a little soft, so if you have the time, oven reheating makes perfect leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While sourdough adds a nice tang and texture, you can use French bread, challah, or even a rustic country loaf. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale or toast it lightly to prevent sogginess.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to assembling it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, just bake as directed. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests.

What cheese works best in this bread pudding?

Sharp cheddar gives this recipe a great bite and meltiness, but you can also mix in Gruyère, Swiss, or even fontina for different flavor profiles. Try to choose cheeses that melt well and have distinct character.

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

The top should be golden brown, and the custard should be set without any jiggle in the center when gently shaken. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating it's fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe has become a go-to for those times when I want something cozy but feel like putting in just a bit of love into the kitchen. It’s a welcoming dish that feels both familiar and special, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—it might just become one of your favorites too!