Imagine a dish that combines the rustic charm of bread pudding with the sophistication of gourmet ingredients - this Ham and Asparagus Bread Pudding is about to become your new obsession! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty dinner, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this easy-to-make dish promises to elevate your meal game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread, cubed
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps absorb the custard mixture better.
- Prepare the asparagus by trimming the tough woody ends and chopping into 1-inch pieces. If using fresh asparagus, quickly blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Add the diced ham and chopped asparagus to the bread cubes. Gently toss to distribute evenly throughout the bread.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread, ham, and asparagus. Gently fold and press to ensure all bread cubes are moistened and absorbing the liquid.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Press down gently to compact the ingredients.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The pudding should be slightly puffy and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the pudding to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for the best texture. Crusty artisan bread or sourdough works wonderfully, as they absorb the custard mixture more effectively.
- Asparagus Prep: For the freshest taste, choose bright green, firm asparagus. Blanching quickly helps maintain its vibrant color and prevents overcooking during baking.
- Custard Consistency: Whisk the egg and milk mixture thoroughly to ensure a smooth, even distribution of flavors throughout the pudding.
- Seasoning Hack: Don't be afraid to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to add depth to the dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the bread pudding rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this dish the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 322kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 224mg
