Weekend Comfort Treat: Ham & Cheese-Stuffed French Toast

When most people think of French toast, it’s usually accompanied with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream and a heavy pour of maple syrup. But what if you left off the sweet toppings, and instead stuffed it with ham and cheese and served it with a fried egg? It’s a surprising combination, but one that will have your friends and family talking about for a long time.

While this stuffed French toast could certainly be prepared on the stovetop like traditional French toast, I prefer to bake it in the oven. It makes breakfast (or brunch) so much easier! Simply pop it in the oven and forget about it while you get the rest of the meal ready. No slaving over the stove, flipping pieces of individual in the skillet.

To prepare this French toast, all you’ll need is a loaf of French bread, ham, cheddar cheese, eggs, milk and salt and pepper.

First slice the bread into 1 1/2-inch wide slices. Then cut a slit into each slice, almost down to the bottom but not cutting all the way through.

Stuff each slice with ham and cheese. Be generous!

Whisk together the eggs and milk and add the salt and pepper.

Pour the egg mixture into a greased 13-by-9 inch casserole dish and place the prepared stuffed bread on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then turn over, top with more cheddar cheese and bake.

After it’s baked 20 to 25 minutes, set it under the broiler for a few minutes until cheese is bubbling and edges of bread have turned golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. And in the meantime, fry up four eggs according to your preferences.

Serve stuffed French toast topped with a fried egg, and for those that like a sweet and savory combo, a drizzle of maple syrup. Get ready to dish up seconds!