Ham and Cheese French Toast: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Ham and Cheese French Toast: Prepare to elevate your breakfast or brunch game with a savory twist on a classic favorite! Forget the syrup and powdered sugar; we’re diving headfirst into a world of cheesy, ham-filled goodness that will have your taste buds singing. This isn’t your grandma’s French toast, unless your grandma was secretly a culinary genius hiding a penchant for perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors.

The concept of French toast, or “pain perdu” (lost bread), has been around for centuries, a resourceful way to use up stale bread. While its exact origins are debated, variations exist across many cultures. Our Ham and Cheese French Toast takes that resourceful spirit and infuses it with the comforting flavors of a classic deli sandwich. Think of it as a warm, melty hug on a plate!

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures: the slightly crisp exterior of the French toast gives way to a soft, custardy interior, all wrapped around layers of salty ham and gooey, melted cheese. It’s quick, easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and breads, and satisfyingly filling. Whether you’re looking for a weekend brunch showstopper or a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this Ham and Cheese French Toast recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. So, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bread (I prefer brioche or challah for extra richness, but any sturdy bread will do)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk is best for flavor, but 2% works too)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, but adds a lovely smoothness)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt
• 8 slices of cooked ham
• 8 slices of cheese (I love Gruyere, Swiss, or cheddar, but use your favorite!)
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
• Optional toppings: maple syrup, hot sauce, powdered sugar

Preparing the Egg Mixture:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is whip up our delicious egg mixture. This is what’s going to give our French toast that custardy, flavorful goodness.

1. Crack the eggs: In a large bowl, crack all four eggs. Make sure you don’t get any shell fragments in there! Nobody wants crunchy French toast.
2. Whisk in the liquids: Add the milk and heavy cream (if you’re using it) to the bowl with the eggs. Now, whisk everything together really well until the eggs and milk are fully combined and you have a smooth, even mixture.
3. Add the flavor boosters: This is where the magic happens! Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture. The Dijon adds a subtle tang, the Worcestershire gives it a savory depth, and the garlic powder and pepper provide a little warmth. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these seasonings to your liking!
4. Whisk it all together: Now, whisk everything together again until all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture. Give it a quick taste (before it touches any raw bread, of course!) and adjust the seasonings if needed. Maybe you want a little more garlic powder, or a touch more pepper. It’s your French toast, so make it your own!

Assembling the Ham and Cheese Sandwiches:

Now that our egg mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble our ham and cheese sandwiches. This is a pretty straightforward process, but it’s important to do it carefully so that the sandwiches hold together well during cooking.

1. Lay out the bread: Take four slices of bread and lay them out on a clean work surface. These will be the bottom slices of our sandwiches.
2. Add the ham: On each of the four slices of bread, layer two slices of cooked ham. Make sure the ham covers the entire surface of the bread.
3. Add the cheese: Now, on top of the ham, layer two slices of cheese on each sandwich. Again, make sure the cheese covers the entire surface of the ham. If you’re using a cheese that melts really well, like Gruyere or Swiss, you might want to use a little extra!
4. Top with the remaining bread: Take the remaining four slices of bread and place them on top of the cheese, creating four complete ham and cheese sandwiches. Press down gently on each sandwich to help them stick together.

Soaking the Sandwiches:

This is a crucial step! We need to soak the sandwiches in the egg mixture so that they become nice and custardy. Don’t rush this process, as it’s important to allow the bread to fully absorb the mixture.

1. Prepare the soaking station: Place the bowl of egg mixture next to your work surface. You’ll also want a clean plate or baking sheet nearby to place the soaked sandwiches on.
2. Soak the first sandwich: Take one of the ham and cheese sandwiches and carefully place it into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 30-60 seconds per side, making sure that the bread is fully saturated. You can gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula to help it absorb the mixture.
3. Remove and drain: Carefully remove the soaked sandwich from the egg mixture and let any excess drip off. Place it on the clean plate or baking sheet.
4. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches: Repeat the soaking process for the remaining three ham and cheese sandwiches. Make sure each sandwich is thoroughly soaked in the egg mixture.

Cooking the French Toast:

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to cook our French toast to golden-brown perfection. This is where the magic really happens, and you’ll start to see (and smell!) the deliciousness coming together.

1. Heat the butter: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely. Swirl the butter around the pan to coat the entire surface.
2. Cook the first two sandwiches: Carefully place two of the soaked ham and cheese sandwiches into the hot skillet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this can lower the temperature of the pan and prevent them from browning properly.
3. Cook until golden brown: Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to carefully flip the sandwiches over.
4. Remove and keep warm: Once the sandwiches are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. You can keep them warm in a preheated oven (at around 200°F) while you cook the remaining sandwiches.
5. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, cook the remaining two ham and cheese sandwiches in the same way, until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serving and Enjoying:

Congratulations, you’ve made it! Your Ham and Cheese French Toast is ready to be served and enjoyed. This is the best part, so don’t be shy – dig in!

1. Plate the French toast: Place one or two slices of Ham and Cheese French Toast on each plate.
2. Add your favorite toppings: This is where you can get creative! Some popular toppings include maple syrup, hot sauce, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream. I personally love a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
3. Serve immediately: Serve the French toast immediately while it’s still hot and the cheese is melted and gooey.
4. Enjoy! Take a bite and savor the delicious combination of savory ham and cheese, sweet and custardy French toast, and your favorite toppings. This is a breakfast (or brunch, or lunch, or dinner!) that’s sure to satisfy.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to help you customize your Ham and Cheese French Toast:

• Use different cheeses: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese! Provolone, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack would all be delicious.
• Add some veggies: You can add some sliced tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms to the sandwiches for a little extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it vegetarian: If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute the ham with some sliced avocado or grilled vegetables.
• Use different breads: While I prefer brioche or challah, you can use any type of bread you like. Sourdough, whole wheat, or even croissants would all be great options.
• Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to soak them in the egg mixture right before cooking.

Enjoy your delicious Ham and Cheese French Toast! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your brunch game or simply want a satisfying and savory start to your day, this Ham and Cheese French Toast recipe is an absolute must-try. The combination of the sweet, eggy bread, the salty ham, and the gooey, melted cheese is pure comfort food perfection. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of bread. A crusty sourdough or a challah loaf would work beautifully, adding their own unique textures and flavors to the mix. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the cheese! Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar would all be fantastic alternatives to the classic mozzarella. For a little extra zing, try adding a thin layer of Dijon mustard to the bread before assembling the sandwich. It adds a subtle tang that really complements the ham and cheese.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Ham and Cheese French Toast is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple accompaniments. A side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced melon, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the French toast. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of maple syrup (yes, even with the ham and cheese!) can also add a delightful touch. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a green salad with a light vinaigrette. And if you’re feeling particularly decadent, why not top it with a fried egg? The runny yolk adds another layer of richness and flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Want to take it to the next level? Consider adding some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling for a boost of nutrients and flavor. Or, for a truly gourmet experience, try using prosciutto instead of ham and topping it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after cooking. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover ham, it’s a crowd-pleaser, and it’s just plain delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the magic of Ham and Cheese French Toast.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I can’t wait to see your creations!