SAVOURY CHEESE & HAM BREAD PUDDING
INGREDIENTS (Serves 4) ◆ 25g butter ◆ 1 small onion or 4-5 spring
onions, finely chopped ◆ 6 thin slices bread from a
large loaf, cut into triangles ◆ 75g cooked ham, chopped ◆ 100g mature Cheddar
cheese, grated ◆ 3 eggs ◆ 400ml milk ◆ 2-3tbsp single cream (or use
extra milk) ◆ 6 cherry tomatoes, halved ◆ Ground black pepper ◆ Basil leaves, to garnish
(optional) 1 grease a 1.5 litre baking dish with 1tsp butter. Melt the remaining butter in a frying pan and gently cook the onion or spring onions for 3-4min, until softened. 2 Put a layer of bread in the base of the baking dish. Scatter most of the onion on top, then sprinkle with the ham and half the cheese. arrange the remaining bread triangles over the top, followed by the rest of the onions. 3 Beat the eggs, milk and cream together and season with some pepper. Pour evenly over the bread, then tuck in the tomatoes and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. leave to stand for 20-30min. 4 Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan oven 170°C, gas Mark 5. Bake the pudding in the centre of the oven for 3035min, until puffed-up and golden brown. Serve at once, scattered with the basil leaves (if using).
Cook’s Tip: Bread is so often wasted, so make this easy, economical pudding – best made with slightly stale bread, as its drier texture soaks up the liquid like a sponge.