Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Bake

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked ham, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 cups cubed bread (slightly stale works best)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Golden Crust Topping

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Preparing Your Ingredients

Start by cutting your ham into uniform cubes, roughly half an inch each. Consistency matters here—evenly sized pieces ensure each bite has the perfect ham-to-cheese ratio. If you’re using leftover holiday ham, this is the perfect way to transform it into something spectacular.

Cube your bread into similar-sized pieces. Day-old bread actually works better than fresh because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy. If you only have fresh bread, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them sit out for a few hours or toast them lightly in the oven.

Building the Base Layer

Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. In a skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about five minutes. This step brings out the onion’s natural sweetness and prevents any sharp, raw flavor in the finished dish.

Spread half of your bread cubes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the ham over the bread, followed by half of the shredded cheddar and Gruyère. Add the sautéed onions, then repeat the layers with the remaining bread, ham, and cheese.

Creating the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream until well combined. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, nutmeg, and salt. The mustard adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness, while the nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet undertone that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.

Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, making sure to cover everything. Use a spatula to press down gently, ensuring the bread absorbs the liquid. Let the dish rest for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight for an even better result.

Achieving That Golden Crust

The signature golden crust is what transforms this from a simple casserole into something extraordinary. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter—they should resemble wet sand.

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of your bake right before it goes into the oven. The combination of panko and Parmesan creates an incredibly crispy, flavorful topping that provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy interior….