The Ultimate Make-Ahead Savory Breakfast Bread Pudding with Ham & Cheese
Forget everything you thought you knew about bread pudding. While often associated with sweet, decadent desserts, bread pudding has a savory side that’s absolutely irresistible, especially for breakfast or brunch. This particular Savory Breakfast Bread Pudding is a magnificent strata, generously layered with rich ham and delicious cheese, all nestled in a creamy, herbed custard. What makes it even better? You can prepare it the night before, making your morning routines or special occasion brunches wonderfully stress-free. It’s truly a win-win in the culinary world.
This delightful recipe, which yields fantastic results every time, was originally discovered at Healthy World Cuisine. We’ve followed it closely, finding its foundation to be perfect, but the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. More on how you can customize it to your heart’s content will be shared later in this guide.
Why You’ll Love This Ham & Cheese Strata
This savory bread pudding isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe collection:
- Make-Ahead Convenience: The biggest advantage! Assemble it the evening before, refrigerate, and simply bake it off in the morning. Perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend brunches.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich, comforting flavors appeal to almost everyone, making it ideal for family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or brunch parties.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the proteins, cheeses, and herbs to suit dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with protein and satisfying ingredients, it’s a substantial meal that will keep you feeling full and energized.
- Delicious Blend of Flavors: The subtle sweetness of brioche perfectly complements the salty ham, tangy Dijon, aromatic thyme, and rich, melted cheese.
Essential Ingredients for Your Savory Breakfast Bread Pudding
Crafting this delightful savory strata requires a few key components. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays an important role:
- Butter or Oil: Essential for greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking and for sautéing the ham, adding a layer of flavor. Salted butter is generally convenient and works perfectly here.
- Brioche Bread: The star of the show! Stale bread is preferred as it excels at soaking up the rich custard base without becoming mushy. The inherent slight sweetness of brioche offers a beautiful contrast to the savory ham and cheese, elevating the dish beyond a simple breakfast casserole. If you’re a baking enthusiast, consider using a Homemade Rich Brioche Bread for truly exceptional results.
- Eggs: Large eggs form the foundation of our creamy custard. Whether chilled or at room temperature, they will bind all the savory elements together beautifully.
- Whole Milk: The fat content in whole milk is crucial for achieving the best flavor, a wonderfully tender texture, and a sturdy structure in your final bread pudding. For those with dietary restrictions, a full-fat non-dairy alternative can also be used.
- Heavy Cream: Adding heavy cream further enriches the custard, contributing to an incredibly luxurious and velvety mouthfeel. While whipping cream can be substituted, heavy cream is recommended for its slightly higher fat content, which enhances richness.
- Dijon Mustard: This ingredient is a game-changer, providing a subtle tang, acidity, and brightness that cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese. Dijon offers a more complex and intense flavor profile compared to regular yellow mustard, making it the preferred choice.
- Garlic Powder: A convenient and effective way to infuse a concentrated garlic flavor throughout the dish without the need for mincing fresh cloves.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: Fresh herbs are key to vibrant flavor. Fresh thyme delivers a brighter, more aromatic essence than its dried counterpart. If fresh is unavailable, you can substitute with about one-third the amount of dried thyme.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, these seasonings are vital for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the savory bread pudding.
- Cooked Ham: Diced cooked ham provides a hearty, savory element. For variety, consider swapping it with cooked breakfast sausage or crispy cooked bacon. For a delightful vegetarian version, thinly sliced and sautéed mushrooms make an excellent substitute.
- Grated Gruyere and Cheddar Cheese: This combination offers a perfect balance of nutty, pungent Gruyere and sharp, familiar cheddar. If Gruyere’s assertive flavor isn’t to your liking, feel free to adjust the ratio by using less Gruyere and more cheddar, or simply use all cheddar cheese.
Savory Breakfast Bread Pudding
A delightful ham & cheese strata made with brioche bread. The perfect blend of savory & sweet, it can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for an impressive brunch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Soak Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 generous servings
Author: Rosemary Stelmach
Ingredients
- Butter or oil, to grease the baking dish & sauté the ham
- 17.6 ounces (approx. 500g) brioche bread, preferably stale (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (dairy or non-dairy of choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or non-dairy creamer)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper (to your preference)
- 2 cups cooked ham, cut into bite-size pieces (about 9.5 ounces / 270g) – or cooked bacon or cooked sausage
- 2 1/2 cups grated cheese – combination of Gruyere & cheddar (8 ounces / 225g total)
Instructions
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Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter or oil and set it aside. If you plan to bake the bread pudding immediately, preheat your oven to 375℉ (190°C). Position the baking rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even cooking and a perfectly golden top.
The baking dish is greased and ready for layering. -
Cube the Bread and Prepare the Custard: Slice your brioche bread into approximately 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the large eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme leaves, and garlic powder until well combined and smooth. Season the custard mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste preferences. This custard is the heart of your savory bread pudding, so ensure it’s thoroughly mixed.
Whisking together the rich, savory custard base. 
All the liquid ingredients for the custard, ready to be combined. -
Soak the Bread and Sauté the Ham: Pour the prepared savory custard evenly over the bread cubes in the large bowl. Gently mix to ensure all bread pieces are coated. Let the bread soak for at least 15 minutes. This soaking time is crucial for the bread to absorb the liquid, ensuring a tender, custardy texture after baking. While the bread is soaking, heat a little butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized cooked ham pieces and sauté them until they are lightly caramelized and slightly crisp. Set the sautéed ham aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Perfectly sautéed ham, adding depth of flavor. -
Assemble the Layers: Begin assembling your strata in the greased baking dish. Place half of the soaked bread cubes in an even layer across the bottom. Next, evenly distribute the sautéed ham over this first layer of bread. Sprinkle half of the grated Gruyere and cheddar cheese mixture over the ham. Add the remaining soaked bread cubes as the second layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top, creating a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
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Bake Now or Make-Ahead: At this stage, you have two convenient options. You can either bake your savory bread pudding immediately or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. If refrigerating, remember to remove the bread pudding from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. This helps ensure even baking. While the dish rests, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
The first layer of bread and ham, ready for cheese. 
All layers assembled, topped with cheese, awaiting the oven. 
A close-up of the assembled strata, ready for baking or overnight refrigeration. -
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the ham and cheese bread pudding uncovered for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye out for visual cues indicating doneness: the casserole should be puffed up, the top a beautiful golden-brown, and the edges should be pulling away slightly from the sides of the dish. To confirm it’s fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean with no liquid custard at the bottom. If the top begins to brown too quickly before the center is cooked through, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
The beautifully baked savory bread pudding, golden and puffed. -
Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the savory bread pudding from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the custard to set further, making it easier to serve and ensuring each piece holds its shape. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful breakfast sensation!
A delicious slice of savory bread pudding, ready to be enjoyed.
Flavor Profile and Serving Suggestions
The taste and texture of this savory bread pudding often evoke the comforting familiarity of a classic French Croque Monsieur or even a rich Monte Cristo sandwich, but in casserole form. The crispy bread edges, the tender custardy interior, and the harmonious blend of ham and cheese create a truly satisfying experience.
While this dish is savory, some palates might enjoy a hint of sweetness to complement the richness. Offering a small pitcher of pure maple syrup on the side allows everyone to customize their serving to their preference. It’s also fantastic served with a fresh green salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or a simple fruit salad for a complete brunch spread. Don’t forget a hot cup of coffee or tea to complete the meal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Breakfast Bread Pudding
What if my brioche bread isn’t stale?
Stale bread is ideal because its drier texture absorbs the custard better, leading to a firmer, less soggy pudding. If your brioche bread is fresh, don’t worry! Simply slice and cube it as directed, then spread the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Leave them out on the counter, uncovered, for a couple of hours. This will allow them to dry out sufficiently, preparing them perfectly for the custard soak.
Can I use different types of bread for this savory strata?
Absolutely! While brioche offers a unique richness and subtle sweetness, other breads can work well too. Challah, sourdough, or even a sturdy white bread can be excellent alternatives. The key is to use bread that is a day or two old or has been lightly dried out, as fresh, soft bread might turn too mushy when soaked in the custard.
How do I prevent my savory bread pudding from becoming soggy?
Several factors contribute to a perfect, non-soggy bread pudding:
- Stale or Dried Bread: As mentioned, this is crucial for absorption.
- Adequate Soaking Time: Don’t rush the 15-minute soak. It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard before baking.
- Proper Baking Temperature: Baking at 375°F (190°C) allows the custard to set and the bread to toast slightly.
- Don’t Over-Saturate: Ensure the bread cubes are coated but not swimming in excess liquid.
How do I store my leftover Savory Breakfast Bread Pudding?
Ensure the bread pudding has cooled completely to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to three days. This allows you to enjoy the delicious leftovers for multiple breakfasts or quick snacks.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze individual portions or the entire dish. While freezing can slightly alter the texture, making it a little softer upon reheating, it will still be enjoyable. For best results, wrap individual slices or the whole cooled bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm gently in the oven or microwave.
Customizing Your Savory Bread Pudding
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to easily experiment with different flavors and ingredients:
- Proteins: Beyond ham, bacon, and sausage, consider adding cooked chicken, shredded turkey, or even spicy chorizo for a kick.
- Cheeses: Explore other cheese varieties like Swiss, Monterey Jack, sharp provolone, or a smoky gouda for different flavor profiles. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top can add extra savory depth.
- Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content and flavor with sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted asparagus. Just make sure any vegetables are cooked and drained of excess moisture before adding them.
- Herbs & Spices: Swap thyme for rosemary, sage, chives, or a blend of Italian herbs. A pinch of nutmeg in the custard can also add a delightful warmth. For a touch of heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes.
The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a unique savory bread pudding every time!
More Delicious Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
If you loved this savory bread pudding, be sure to check out these other crowd-pleasing breakfast and brunch ideas:
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