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Ham and Gruyère Bread Pudding

Source of Recipe

From "One Good Dish" by David Tanis


Recipe Introduction

"A traditional bread-and-butter pudding made with milk, egg, sugar, and spice is for some the ultimate use of an old loaf. Like French toast, it is a frugal way to make a delicious dessert. I usually prefer a savory version with ham and cheese. It’s sort of like a quiche, but easier. Adding briefly cooked spinach or chard makes a lovely green version, or sprinkle in a handful of freshly chopped herbs along with the scallions."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 4 tablespoons butter, softened
â—¦ 1 day-old French baguette, cut into ¼-inch slices
â—¦ ¼ pound good-quality smoked ham, diced
â—¦ 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
â—¦ 3 large eggs
â—¦ 2 ½ cups half-and-half
â—¦ Salt and pepper
â—¦ Grated nutmeg
â—¦ 6 scallions, finely slivered


Recipe

Heat the oven to 375° F. Lightly butter a shallow 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Spread the remaining butter thinly on the slices of baguette. Line the baking dish with half the baguette slices, butter side down. Arrange the ham and half the cheese over the bread. Top with the remaining baguette slices, butter side up, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Beat together the eggs and half-and-half, adding ½ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Grate in a little nutmeg, add the scallions, and whisk again. Pour the mixture into the baking dish, pushing down to submerge the bread if necessary.

Bake for about 45 minutes, until the custard is set but still a bit wiggly and the top is nicely browned.

Serves 4