Print

Irresistible Breakfast Bread Pudding Recipe for Perfect Brunch

breakfast bread pudding - featured image

A savory and hearty breakfast dish featuring ham, asparagus, and creamy custard-soaked bread, perfect for brunch gatherings or lazy weekend mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Day-old bread, cubed (sourdough or French bread recommended)
  • 6 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 cup Gruyere or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cooked ham, diced
  • 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
  • Optional: mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
  2. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Lightly blanch or sauté the asparagus for 2-3 minutes, then set aside.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
  5. Add the ham, asparagus, and shredded cheese to the bread cubes. Pour the custard mixture over the top and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Check at 30 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
  8. Let the bread pudding rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming overly soggy.’, ‘Pre-cook the asparagus to prevent excess moisture during baking.’, ‘Customize the cheese for different flavor profiles, such as Parmesan or goat cheese.’, ‘Cover the dish loosely with foil during the final 10 minutes of baking if the top browns too quickly.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast bread pudding, brunch recipe, ham and asparagus, savory bread pudding, easy breakfast recipe