There are mornings when the sweet siren song of pancakes or waffles just doesn’t quite hit the spot. Sometimes, you crave something a little more substantial, a little more…savory. That’s when Ham Cheese French Toast steps into the breakfast (or brunch, or even dinner!) spotlight. In our house, this recipe is a weekend hero. The first time I made it, skeptical glances were thrown my way – “Savory French toast? Is that even a thing?” – but one bite was all it took to convert everyone. The crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy, ham-filled center that’s both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, and honestly, it’s become a requested dish for lazy Saturdays. Even my pickiest eater devours it, and the smiles around the table make the minimal effort completely worth it. If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s a little bit different, a whole lot delicious, and guaranteed to please, then look no further. This Ham Cheese French Toast recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of bread (Brioche, Challah, or Texas Toast work best)
• 4 slices of cooked ham (thick-cut preferred)
• 4 slices of cheese (Cheddar, Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are excellent choices)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (whole milk or 2% milk is recommended for richness)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds a subtle tang)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, for grilling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish or baking pan (large enough to dip bread slices), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and slightly frothy. This mixture is the heart of our French toast, infusing the bread with flavor and creating that signature custardy texture. Don’t be afraid to whisk vigorously to ensure everything is properly emulsified.
2. Assemble the Ham and Cheese Sandwiches: Lay out four slices of bread. On each slice, layer a slice of ham and a slice of cheese. Top with the remaining four slices of bread to create four sandwiches. Think of these as your blank canvases for savory French toast masterpieces. You can get creative with your cheese and ham combinations, but for a classic flavor, cheddar and ham are hard to beat. Ensure the ham and cheese are neatly placed within the bread slices to prevent them from oozing out too much during cooking.
3. Soak the Sandwiches in the Egg Mixture: One at a time, gently place each ham and cheese sandwich into the egg mixture. Let each sandwich soak for about 20-30 seconds per side, ensuring that both sides are well coated and the bread has absorbed some of the mixture. Don’t over-soak, or the bread might become too soggy and fall apart. The goal is to saturate the bread just enough so that it’s moist and flavorful without losing its structural integrity. This soaking process is crucial for the French toast to achieve its signature soft interior.
4. Grill the French Toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter or olive oil to the skillet and let it melt and coat the bottom of the pan. Carefully place the soaked ham and cheese sandwiches onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey inside. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning – you want a nice golden brown exterior without the bread becoming too dark too quickly. The sizzling sound and the aroma filling your kitchen are sure signs of deliciousness to come!
5. Serve Immediately: Once the Ham Cheese French Toast is golden brown and the cheese is melted, carefully remove them from the skillet and place them on plates. Serve immediately while they are hot, crispy, and the cheese is at its gooey best. Garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can add a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Servings: 4
• Calories Per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories

Estimated Breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 25-35g (depending on cheese and ham type)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This Ham Cheese French Toast is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or a last-minute brunch. The hands-on time is minimal, and the cooking process is straightforward, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful dish in just about half an hour.

How to Serve Ham Cheese French Toast

This savory French toast is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Classic Breakfast/Brunch:
  • Serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a heartier breakfast.
  • Pair with a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the French toast.
  • Offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a tangy contrast.
  • A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
• Lunch or Light Dinner:
  • Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
  • Tomato soup is a classic and comforting accompaniment to grilled cheese-style dishes.
  • A side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers adds nutritional value and flavor.
  • For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a side of potato salad or coleslaw.
• Dipping Sauces for Extra Flavor:
  • Maple Syrup: While savory, a touch of sweetness can be a delightful contrast. Try a drizzle of pure maple syrup for a sweet and savory experience.
  • Hot Sauce: For those who like a kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce adds heat and complexity.
  • Dijon Mustard or Honey Mustard: Enhance the mustard notes in the French toast with a side of Dijon or honey mustard for dipping.
  • Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing can be surprisingly delicious with savory French toast.
  • Ketchup: A classic and familiar option, especially for kids (and some adults!).
• Beverage Pairings:
  • Coffee or Tea: The classic breakfast beverages pair perfectly with the savory flavors.
  • Fresh Orange Juice or Grapefruit Juice: The acidity of citrus juice cuts through the richness of the French toast.
  • Bloody Mary or Mimosa: For a brunch occasion, these cocktails complement the savory dish beautifully.
  • Milk or Chocolate Milk: A comforting and kid-friendly option.

Additional Tips for Perfect Ham Cheese French Toast

To ensure your Ham Cheese French Toast turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

1. Choose the Right Bread: The type of bread you use significantly impacts the texture and flavor of your French toast. Brioche, Challah, and Texas Toast are excellent choices because they are sturdy enough to hold up to soaking and grilling, and they have a slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory filling. Avoid using very thin or delicate bread, as it may become too soggy and fall apart. Stale bread actually works best for French toast as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming mushy.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the French toast sandwiches in batches, ensuring that you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the pan, which can result in soggy French toast instead of crispy and golden brown. Give each sandwich enough space to cook properly and brown evenly.
3. Control the Heat: Maintain medium heat throughout the cooking process. If the heat is too high, the bread may brown too quickly on the outside before the cheese has a chance to melt in the center. If the heat is too low, the French toast may become soggy and greasy. Adjust the heat as needed to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust and gooey cheese interior.
4. Experiment with Cheese and Ham: While cheddar and ham are classic, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and ham to create your own signature Ham Cheese French Toast. Consider using Gruyere for a nutty flavor, Swiss for a mild and slightly sweet taste, Monterey Jack for a creamy melt, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. For the ham, try different varieties like Black Forest ham, smoked ham, or even prosciutto for a more refined flavor profile.
5. Make it Ahead (Partially): If you’re preparing for a brunch or have a busy morning, you can prepare the ham and cheese sandwiches and assemble them the night before. Store them in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. In the morning, simply dip them in the egg mixture and grill as directed. This can save you valuable time in the morning and make the cooking process even smoother. You can also whisk the egg mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, but it’s best to dip and cook the French toast relatively soon after making the mixture for optimal texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ham Cheese French Toast

Q1: Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! While Brioche, Challah, and Texas Toast are highly recommended for their texture and flavor, you can definitely experiment with other types of bread. Sourdough bread adds a tangy flavor, while Italian or French loaf slices can also work well. Just be mindful of the bread’s thickness and density. Thicker and denser breads tend to hold up better to the soaking process. Avoid very thin or soft breads like sandwich bread, as they can become too soggy.

Q2: What kind of cheese melts best in Ham Cheese French Toast?

A: Cheeses that melt well are ideal for this recipe. Cheddar, Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and provolone are all excellent choices. They melt smoothly and create that desirable gooey texture. Pre-shredded cheese blends designed for melting can also be convenient options. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, like feta or paneer, as they won’t give you the same satisfyingly cheesy result.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to my Ham Cheese French Toast?

A: Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to customize your Ham Cheese French Toast! Thinly sliced tomatoes, spinach, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers can all be delicious additions. Consider layering them with the ham and cheese in the sandwich before dipping and grilling. Make sure any vegetables you add are cooked or softened beforehand, especially if they are denser vegetables like onions or mushrooms, to ensure they are tender and flavorful in the finished French toast.

Q4: Is Ham Cheese French Toast suitable for meal prepping?

A: While Ham Cheese French Toast is best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can prepare components ahead of time for easier meal prepping. As mentioned in the tips, you can assemble the ham and cheese sandwiches the night before and store them in the refrigerator. You can also whisk the egg mixture in advance. However, fully cooked French toast doesn’t reheat as well as freshly made. It can become a bit soggy. If you want to meal prep, focus on prepping the components and then cooking it fresh when you are ready to eat.

Q5: Can I make Ham Cheese French Toast vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this recipe! Simply omit the ham and replace it with vegetarian-friendly fillings. Grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms are excellent options. You could also use vegetarian deli slices or even a layer of pesto or spinach and artichoke dip for a flavorful vegetarian filling. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so feel free to get creative with your fillings to suit your dietary preferences.

This Ham Cheese French Toast recipe is a delightful twist on classic French toast, offering a savory and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. With its crispy exterior, gooey cheesy center, and endless customization possibilities, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and unforgettable breakfast (or brunch, or lunch, or dinner!). The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a winner for both casual weekday mornings and more special weekend gatherings. Enjoy!

Print