Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the heavenly aroma of Cheesy Parmesan Bread Pudding with Broccoli & Ham. The cheese melts into a gooey embrace, while the broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, promising comfort with every bite.
This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. It brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where laughter mixed with the scent of baked goods. Spicy Italian Crescent Ring Trust me, each forkful will leave you craving more and reminiscing about those sweet moments shared around the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cheesy delight is a breeze to whip up, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs
- The flavor combination creates an explosion of cheesy goodness that everyone will love
- It looks stunning with its golden top and green broccoli peeking through, making it an eye-catching centerpiece
- You can easily modify it to include your favorite veggies or leftover meats for added versatility
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were amazed at how something so simple could taste so delicious!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Day-old Bread: Stale bread works best here as it absorbs all that cheesy goodness without getting soggy.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the pudding.
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Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets for vibrant color and nutrition; steam them lightly before adding.
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Diced Ham: Leftover ham adds a savory punch; opt for smoked ham for extra depth.
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Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together and add richness; whisk them well before mixing.
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Milk: Whole milk keeps it creamy; feel free to substitute unsweetened almond or oat milk if desired.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor; sprinkle generously on top before baking for that golden crust. For more inspiration, check out this creamy vegetable soup recipe.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning elevates all the flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Tomato Mozzarella Potato Gratin.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later.
Prepare Your Bread Base: Cut the day-old bread into cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Let them soak up all that deliciousness coming their way.
Mix the Cheesy Filling: In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until frothy. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, broccoli, diced ham, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
Add Bread to Mixture: Gently fold the bread cubes into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to crush the bread too much; we want some texture here.
Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that irresistible golden crust.
Bake Until Perfectly Set: Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and set in the center. Enjoy watching it puff up like it’s auditioning for a cooking show!
Serve warm and watch everyone swoon over this Cheesy Parmesan Bread Pudding with Broccoli & Ham! For more inspiration, check out this cheesy mushroom lasagna recipe.
You Must Know
- Cheesy Parmesan Bread Pudding with Broccoli & Ham is a delightful twist on traditional bread pudding
- This dish combines rich flavors and textures that will elevate your meal, making it an instant favorite for family gatherings or cozy dinners
- Don’t underestimate the power of simple ingredients to create magic!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the broccoli and ham first; this ensures they’re perfectly tender and flavorful. Then, whisk together the egg mixture while your bread cubes soak up all that cheesy goodness. Lastly, combine everything in a baking dish for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for spinach or kale for a different flavor profile. You can also add some spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to kick it up a notch. Experiment with various cheeses for an exciting twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or use the microwave for quicker results, keeping it moist. Quick English Muffin Pizzas.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor, let your bread sit out overnight to dry a bit
- This prevents sogginess and creates a wonderful texture
- Always taste your egg mixture before pouring it over the bread; adjust seasoning as needed for maximum deliciousness!
Making this dish reminds me of my college days when I tried impressing friends with my cooking skills. Nothing says “I’ve got my life together” like a cheesy casserole bubbling away in the oven!
FAQ
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Stale white bread or sourdough provides the perfect texture for soaking up flavors.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day before and bake just before serving.
Is there a vegetarian option available?
Yes! Simply omit the ham and add extra veggies or choose plant-based cheese alternatives.
Cheesy Parmesan Bread Pudding with Broccoli & Ham
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cheesy Parmesan Bread Pudding with Broccoli & Ham is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together gooey cheese, tender broccoli, and savory ham in a delightful pudding. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is not only easy to make but also allows for creative variations with your favorite vegetables. Each bite promises warmth and nostalgia, making it an instant favorite at any table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 1 cup diced ham (preferably smoked)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond/oat milk)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cubed bread and let it soak while preparing the filling.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until frothy. Add cheddar cheese, broccoli, ham, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Gently fold the bread cubes into the egg mixture until combined without crushing the bread.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
