Savory Ham & Cheese Breakfast Bread Pudding

Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 50–60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

• 8 cups day-old French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 cups diced ham

• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley

• Extra shredded cheese

• Hot honey or maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Custard

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs

• Milk

• Heavy cream

• Dijon mustard

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Thyme

• Smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper

Step 2 – Assemble

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Add:

• Bread cubes

• Diced ham

• Gruyère

• Mozzarella

Pour the custard evenly over the mixture.

Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the liquid.

Let stand for 15–20 minutes.

Step 3 – Bake

Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, until:

• The center is set

• The top is golden brown

• The cheese is bubbling

Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 4 – Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream.

Cook until thickened.

Stir in:

• Gruyère

• Parmesan

Season with salt and pepper.

Continue stirring until smooth.

Step 5 – Serve

Slice the bread pudding into squares.

Drizzle generously with the warm cheese sauce.

Finish with parsley and, if desired, a light drizzle of hot honey or maple syrup for a sweet-savory contrast.

Chef's Tips

• Day-old bread absorbs the custard best without becoming mushy.

• Gruyère can be replaced with Swiss, white cheddar, or Fontina.

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

• Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight for an easy breakfast.

• Let the dish rest before cutting for cleaner slices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Fresh fruit salad

• Roasted breakfast potatoes

• Crispy bacon or sausage

• Mixed greens with vinaigrette

• Fresh coffee or orange juice

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520 kcal

• Protein: 28 g

• Carbohydrates: 29 g

• Fat: 32 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Sodium: 880 mg

Serving Description

This rich and comforting breakfast bread pudding combines cubes of crusty bread, savory ham, and melted Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses in a creamy egg custard. Baked until golden and topped with a silky homemade cheese sauce, every bite is loaded with gooey cheese, tender bread, and smoky ham. It's an ideal make-ahead brunch casserole that's perfect for holiday mornings, family breakfasts, or weekend gatherings.