Name: Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 4 min
Total time: 1 h 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz sourdough bread, day old; 3 shallots, minced; 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives; 10 eggs; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 4 oz thick-sliced cooked ham, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Warm, cozy, and packed with savory goodness, this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is a delightful twist on classic comfort food. It’s the perfect dish for brunch, lunch, or a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

A close-up view of a baked dish in a white ceramic rectangular casserole dish with blue handles, filled with large chunks of toasted bread that form the base layer, appearing golden brown and slightly crispy. Scattered throughout are medium-sized pieces of pink ham, adding a colorful contrast. The top layer is covered with melted bright orange cheddar cheese that blends with the bread and ham, showing some spots that are slightly browned and bubbly from baking. The edges of the bread are crispier and darker, while the cheese has a smooth, shiny texture. The casserole dish sits 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 Recipe countless times because it hits all the right notes — creamy, cheesy, with a touch of savory ham that just makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s super forgiving and easy to customize.

Comfort food classic with a savory twist: The combination of ham and sharp cheddar cheese makes it satisfyingly rich but never heavy.
Perfect for using leftover bread: It gives day-old sourdough a second chance instead of wasting it.
Hands-off baking: Once it’s in the oven, you can relax and let the magic happen.
Versatile meal idea: Great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish in a white casserole dish with a teal handle, resting on a white marbled surface. The top layer is melted bright orange cheddar cheese with a slightly browned, bubbly texture. Underneath the cheese, there are chunks of light golden brown toasted bread and small pink cubes of ham scattered evenly across the dish. The bread pieces have a crusty texture with a soft interior, and the ham cubes are moist and cooked. The mixture looks creamy and rich beneath the toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here works in harmony to create a savory, creamy, and hearty dish. Using sourdough gives structure and a bit of tang, while the sharp cheddar cheese brings that perfect melty gooeyness. The ham adds a smoky, salty kick that jazzes up the pudding beautifully.

Flat lay of thick slices of cooked ham diced into cubes, sharp cheddar cheese shredded into fine strands, golden cubes of sourdough bread, whole eggs with smooth shells, fresh green thyme leaves, bright green chopped chives, pale shallots finely minced, and a small pile 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 absorbs custard perfectly without turning to mush, and sourdough adds a subtle tang you’ll appreciate.
Olive oil: Used to soften shallots nicely without overpowering flavors.
Shallots: They add gentle sweetness and depth; don’t skip them if you can help it.
Eggs: The protein that binds everything to create that rich custard texture.
Whole milk and heavy cream: These combine for the perfect creamy base without being too heavy or too light.
Salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, nutmeg: The seasoning ensures layers of subtle warmth and balance.
Cooked ham: I love using thick-sliced ham diced up for hearty bites of smoky flavor throughout.
Fresh thyme leaves: Give a wonderful herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with ham and cheese.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides melty, tangy goodness and lots of savory depth.
Fresh chives: Used as a fresh, oniony garnish to brighten every bite.

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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

What I really love about this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe is how forgiving it is. I often switch up the cheese or add different herbs depending on what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap cheddar for Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, and friends always love the twist.
Vegetarian option: You can easily omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious meatless version.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the custard works wonders to liven things up.
Make it gluten-free: Use sturdy gluten-free bread and it bakes up just as well. Just keep the drying time in mind if using fresh bread.

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

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Shallots

I start by cutting my sourdough into cubes—about 1-inch pieces work best. If your bread isn’t a day or two old, pop it in a low oven (225˚F) for about 30 minutes to dry it out so it soaks up the custard instead of getting soggy. While that’s happening, I quickly sauté minced shallots in some olive oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes. This step adds subtle sweetness and depth that really elevates the dish.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard and Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, I whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black and white pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of fresh nutmeg. When the shallots are cool enough, I add them along with diced ham and half of the shredded cheddar. Stir it all up until the bread cubes are ready for their bath.

Step 3: Assemble and Let It Rest

I pour the custard and bread mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. This little layer of extra cheese on top turns golden and bubbly in the oven, which is a treat. I let it sit for about 5 minutes at room temperature — this waiting time helps the bread soak evenly and ensures every bite is custardy and moist.

Step 4: Bake and Watch Closely

Slide the dish into the oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. If you notice the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil halfway through to keep it from burning. You'll know it’s done when the edges pull away slightly from the dish, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool a bit before slicing to allow the custard to set perfectly.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe, a few tricks really make a difference — here's what I’ve learned so you can skip the hiccups and enjoy every savory bite.

Dry the bread well: Fresh bread can make the pudding too wet and mushy, so either use day-old bread or dry it in a low oven before assembling.
Don’t skip resting time: That 5-minute wait after pouring in the custard lets the bread absorb moisture evenly—this step made my first attempts much better.
Watch the baking time: If you bake too long, the pudding will dry out; too short, and it’s too custardy and runny. Check around the 60-minute mark and test doneness with a knife.
Cover if browning too fast: Baking foil halfway through saves your top from burning while the inside cooks through beautifully.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe

ham and cheese bread pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this bread pudding with fresh chopped chives for a pop of bright color and a gentle onion flavor that balances the richness nicely. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of extra thyme or a dash of hot sauce if I’m feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete, cozy meal. It goes surprisingly well with fresh fruit salad too, especially for a brunch setting.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can even add a drizzle of warm hollandaise or mustard sauce for a fancy brunch vibe. It’s always a conversation starter when I bring this one to potlucks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools to room temperature, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bread pudding successfully by cutting it into individual portions, wrapping them tightly, and storing in freezer bags. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat – it really helps when you want a quick meal without the prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the crust crispy and custard creamy, unlike microwaving which can get a bit rubbery or soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different bread for this recipe?

Yes! While sourdough works wonderfully because of its tang and sturdy texture, you can substitute with other hearty breads like French bread, ciabatta, or even country white bread. Just make sure it’s a day or two old or dry it in the oven to avoid sogginess.

How long can I store leftover bread pudding?

Leftover Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped. Be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I prepare the bread pudding in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble this dish up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed—adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold straight from the fridge.

What can I substitute for ham if I want a vegetarian option?

For a vegetarian version, swap the ham with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spinach. This keeps the savory flavor while making it suitable for vegetarians without losing that classic bread pudding texture.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both simple and impressively cozy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this dish will deliver on comfort and flavor. Give it a try—you'll love the way it comes together and keeps everyone happy around the table.