Ham-and-Cheese Brioche Pudding

Ham-and-Cheese Brioche Pudding

Bread pudding, an old-fashioned frugal dessert, usually contains day-old bread, milk, eggs and a bit of fruit, fresh or dried, baked in a sweet custard. This savory version, made with ham and cheese, employs tender buttery brioche. It is easier to make than a quiche, but has a similar delicacy, perfect for lunch or a light supper.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter

    for greasing the pan

  • 1 brioche loaf or smaller brioches

    cut into 1-inch cubes, 12-ounce

  • 6 eggs
  • 4 cups half-and-half or whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Pinch of cayenne
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
  • 6 ounces thinly sliced ham

    cut crosswise into matchsticks, about 1 1/2 cups

  • 8 ounces grated Gouda or Gruyère cheese

    about 4 cups

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter an 11-by-11-inch baking dish. Fill dish with brioche cubes and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, beat eggs well. Whisk in half-and-half, salt, pepper, nutmeg, cayenne and scallions. Pour mixture over cubes in baking dish.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle ham and cheese on top of mixture, and press down to make sure everything is submerged. Set baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet.

  4. 4

    Transfer baking dish and baking sheet to the middle shelf of the oven, and bake for 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle of the dish emerges dry. Let rest for 10 minutes or so before serving.

Ham-and-Cheese Brioche Pudding

Ham-and-Cheese Brioche Pudding

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, savory dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to prepare? This Ham-and-Cheese Brioche Pudding takes a beloved classic and transforms it into a delightful main course perfect for any time of day.

Why This Recipe Works

What sets this savory bread pudding apart is its use of tender, buttery brioche. Instead of relying on a traditional crust, this recipe creates a delicate, custardy dish that's even easier to make than a quiche. The rich brioche soaks up the savory custard, creating an irresistible texture and flavor profile.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly indulgent experience. You'll find a beautifully golden-brown top giving way to a rich, custardy interior filled with savory ham and melted cheese. Each bite offers the sweet richness of brioche balanced by the salty ham, sharp Gouda or Gruyère, and the gentle bite of scallions. This dish achieves a delicate balance, offering satisfying comfort without being overly heavy, making it perfect for a relaxed lunch or an elegant, light supper.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adapt this recipe to your pantry or preferences. While Gouda and Gruyère are excellent choices, you can experiment with other good melting cheeses like cheddar or Fontina. For the ham, consider thinly sliced prosciutto or even cooked, crumbled bacon if you're looking for a different smoky flavor. If you don't have scallions, a tablespoon of finely minced chives or a very small amount of finely diced red onion could offer a similar aromatic note.

Serving & Context

This savory brioche pudding shines as a standout dish for brunch, a cozy lunch with a simple green salad, or an elegant light supper. It's a truly versatile dish that feels both comforting and refined.

Frequently Asked Questions