Sweet and salty, this is the perfect breakfast or brunch french toast. Made with egg-based bread, it can be made with any combination of ham and cheese that you like.
If I ever were to celebrate Christmas with a breakfast or brunch, which I don't, something like this ham and cheese stuffed french toast would surely be on the menu.
French toast is for me a very rare occasion kind of thing. It seems like an overload, but in the end, it's all a matter of making a small sandwich and eating a normal portion. Moderation people.
I had this wonderful pulla that was going a bit stale. I knew this was a great bread, but it exceeded my expectations. It is easy to make, absolutely delicious with a wonderful crumb, and can be used for so many things, from cinnamon or orange rolls to little sandwich breads, to french toast or bread pudding.
I especially like the combination of a slightly sweet dough filled with ham and cheese. It just works. This Pizza Rustica, which is not a pizza but a pie, is a good example too.
So this french toast was born, drizzled with a lot of maple syrup, just because I like it that way.
To everyone celebrating today, have a wonderful and merry Christmas in the company of your loved ones. My thoughts are with those who won't have a happy day, not today or tomorrow. May peace find you and ease the pain.
Ham and Cheese Stuffed French Toast
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices sweet egg bread (such as pulla or challah)
- 4 slices smoked ham
- 2 thick slices mozzarella
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbs whole milk
- Salt
- 1 Tbs butter
- Maple syrup (to serve)
Instructions
- Put bread on a cutting board.
- Top one slice with 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of cheese.
- Top with another slice and press down a bit. Repeat with the rest of the bread, ham and cheese.
- In a shallow bowl, lightly beat egg with milk. Season with some salt.
- Add sandwiches to the egg mixture, 1 minute on each side, so they soak up the egg and milk.
- Preheat skillet and add 1 Tbs butter.
- Add both sandwiches and cook over low heat until golden and cheese is beginning to melt.
- Serve with maple syrup.
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
OH EM GEE!!! Paula, can I move in with you? I think I might die in the scorching heat but it would be worth it if I could eat your insanely delicious food. This sandwich is so decadent and gorgeous, all crispy on the outside but gooey on the inside with that melted cheese, and that perfect salty sweet combo. I'm drooling - it's 9am and I'm salivating all over my keyboard 😉
Medeja says
This would be perfect breakfast for cold winter morning 🙂 my mom used to make something similar when I was little.
Deb says
A most lovely recipe for an indulgent brunch! (Could this pass for a quick weeknight dinner? LOL ) Good bread should not be wasted and your recipe for ham and cheese stuffed French Toast is a most splendid idea! Wishing you a delicious holiday season!
Sara says
This looks fantastic...I LOVE sweet-and-savory combinations...this one looks so delicious!
Laura Dembowski says
All of that melty cheese has my mouth watering. Looks like a worthwhile indulgence for sure!
Talaia says
Very cool recipe. I like what you said about small portions and moderation lol. Definitely not easy to do during the holidays 🙂