Description
This Savory Bread Pudding with Ham and Asparagus is a comforting, hearty casserole perfect for brunch or a satisfying dinner. Combining tender chunks of French bread soaked in a rich egg mixture with fresh asparagus, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Topped with a golden crust of cheese and served alongside a luscious Hollandaise sauce, this dish elevates traditional bread pudding into a savory masterpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz) loaf French Bread
- 7 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetables and Meat
- 1/2 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces deli ham, thinly sliced and chopped
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (for topping)
Sauce
- 1 recipe for 5 Minute Hollandaise Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut the Bread: Using a sharp serrated knife or your hands, cut or tear the French bread into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Place the bread pieces into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Seasoning: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, Lawry’s seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the egg mixture over the bread pieces and gently stir to ensure all the bread is moistened. Add the chopped asparagus, ham, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese and mix evenly.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to distribute the ham and asparagus throughout.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover with Foil: Spray the underside of a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick spray to prevent cheese from sticking, then cover the casserole dish tightly with the foil.
- Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-22 minutes until the bread pudding is golden brown and the top is toasty.
- Serve: Serve the bread pudding warm, accompanied by the 5 Minute Hollandaise Sauce for a rich, creamy complement.
Notes
- Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps it absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.
- Make sure to spray the foil to prevent the cheese from sticking and ruining the topping.
- This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated; bake when ready.
- Substitute ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh asparagus can be replaced with frozen, just thaw and drain well before adding.
