Savory Bread Pudding with Ham and Asparagus: A Brunch Sensation

There’s a certain charm to a lazy Sunday brunch, a leisurely meal that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. And what better way to elevate your brunch experience than with a warm, comforting Savory Bread Pudding? This dish is a delightful departure from traditional sweet bread puddings, offering a savory symphony of flavors with ham, asparagus, and melty Swiss cheese. I remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a spring morning, and I was looking for a dish that was both comforting and seasonal. The combination of ham and asparagus instantly caught my eye, and the result was a culinary masterpiece that was both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It’s straightforward, requires minimal kitchen skills, and can be easily customized to your liking. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are simple to follow. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread and deli ham, making it a budget-friendly and delicious brunch option. The hollandaise sauce adds a touch of decadence, making it a truly special treat.

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Ingredients and Preparation: The Building Blocks of Flavor

This recipe uses a combination of simple, readily available ingredients that, when combined, create a symphony of savory, creamy, and satisfying flavors. Here’s a detailed list with added tips and tricks to ensure success:

• French Bread: 1 (16-oz) loaf. French bread provides a sturdy and flavorful base for the bread pudding. You can use a day-old loaf or slightly stale bread for the best texture, as it will absorb the custard mixture more effectively.  
• Eggs: 7. Eggs are the binding agent in the custard mixture, providing structure and richness to the bread pudding. Use large eggs for consistent results.  
• Milk: 3/4 cup. Milk adds moisture and creaminess to the custard mixture. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup. Heavy cream adds richness and decadence to the custard mixture. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Use kosher salt for more even seasoning.
• Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Lawry’s seasoned salt adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the bread pudding. You can use your favorite seasoned salt or a blend of herbs and spices.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon. Black pepper adds a pungent and slightly spicy flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its superior flavor.
• Garlic Powder: 3/4 teaspoon. Garlic powder adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the bread pudding. Use a good quality garlic powder for the best taste.
• Fresh Asparagus: 1/2 pound, cut into 1-inch pieces. Asparagus adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the bread pudding. Cut the asparagus into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Deli Ham: 8 ounces, thinly sliced, chopped. Deli ham provides a savory and salty element to the bread pudding. You can use your favorite deli ham or leftover cooked ham.
• Shredded Swiss Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, divided. Swiss cheese adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the bread pudding. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality.
• 5 Minute Hollandaise Sauce: 1 recipe. Hollandaise sauce adds a rich and creamy finish to the bread pudding. You can use store-bought hollandaise sauce or make your own.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

• Bread: You can use other types of bread, such as sourdough, challah, or brioche. Different breads will create different textures and flavors in the bread pudding.  
• Milk: You can use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Heavy Cream: You can use half-and-half or light cream for a lighter option.
• Vegetables: You can use other vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms, instead of asparagus.
• Meat: You can use other types of meat, such as bacon, sausage, or turkey, instead of ham.
• Cheese: You can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella, instead of Swiss cheese.
• Hollandaise Sauce: You can use a store-bought hollandaise sauce or make your own using a blender or immersion blender.  

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Savory Bread Pudding Masterpiece

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Preheating the oven ensures that the bread pudding cooks evenly.  
2. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Greasing the dish prevents the bread pudding from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
3. Prepare the Bread: Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the bread into 1-inch pieces. You can also tear the bread with your hands. Place the bread in a large bowl. Making the bread pieces bite-sized ensures that they soak up the custard mixture evenly.
4. Make the Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisking the ingredients ensures that they are evenly combined and prevents lumps from forming.
5. Soak the Bread: Gently stir the custard mixture into the bread, ensuring that all the bread pieces are moistened. Soaking the bread ensures that it absorbs the custard mixture and becomes soft and custardy.  
6. Add the Fillings: Add the asparagus, ham, and 1 cup of Swiss cheese to the bread mixture and stir it all up. Distributing the fillings evenly ensures that every bite is flavorful.
7. Transfer to the Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and make sure the ham and asparagus are distributed evenly. Ensuring even distribution prevents some parts of the bread pudding from being too dense or lacking fillings.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese over the bread pudding. Topping with cheese adds a melty and flavorful crust.
9. Cover with Foil: Spray some aluminum foil with nonstick spray and cover the pan (so that the cheese doesn’t stick to the foil). Covering the pan with foil prevents the cheese from burning and ensures that the bread pudding cooks evenly.
10. Bake: Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Baking the bread pudding covered allows the custard to set and the bread to soften.
11. Remove Foil and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-22 minutes, until the bread is toasty and golden brown. Removing the foil allows the top of the bread pudding to brown and crisp up.
12. Serve: Serve warm with hollandaise sauce.

Beginner Tips and Notes: Mastering the Art of Savory Bread Pudding

• Troubleshooting: Bread pudding is soggy: If your bread pudding is soggy, you may have used bread that was too fresh or you may have added too much liquid. Make sure to use day-old or slightly stale bread and measure the liquid ingredients accurately.
• Troubleshooting: Bread pudding is dry: If your bread pudding is dry, you may have used too little liquid or you may have overbaked it. Make sure to measure the liquid ingredients accurately and check the bread pudding for doneness after 45 minutes of baking.
• Efficient Prep: You can prepare the bread pudding ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard mixture and the flavors to meld.  
• Bread Size: You can use a different sized casserole dish, but the baking time may need to be adjusted.

Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Savory Bread Pudding Feast

This Savory Bread Pudding is delicious on its own, but it can be even better when served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Hollandaise Sauce: Hollandaise sauce adds a rich and creamy finish to the bread pudding.
• Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes, adds a refreshing and sweet contrast to the savory bread pudding.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing and healthy side dish.
• Yogurt: Yogurt adds a tangy and creamy side dish that complements the bread pudding.
• Mimosas or Bloody Marys: These brunch cocktails are a classic pairing with Savory Bread Pudding.  

Storage Tips for Leftovers:

Store leftover Savory Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If reheating in the microwave, cover the bread pudding with a paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion: Share Your Culinary Creations!

This Savory Bread Pudding with Ham and Asparagus is a fantastic and easy way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying brunch. I highly encourage you to try this recipe out and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I genuinely love hearing about your cooking adventures and any modifications you make to the recipe. Did you try a different type of bread or cheese? Did you add any other fillings? Share your tips, tricks, and photos with other readers! Your feedback is invaluable and helps others who are trying the recipe for the first time. Let us know what sides you enjoyed most with the bread pudding. Did you serve it with hollandaise sauce, fresh fruit, or a green salad? Share your photos and tag me on social media so I can see your Savory Bread Pudding masterpieces! Use #SavoryBreadPudding and #EasyBrunchRecipes so I can find your creations. I also love seeing your variations on Instagram stories – tag me so I can see what you’re cooking up in your kitchen! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you!