This recipe combines two breakfast favorites: a savory ham and cheese sandwich and classic French toast. It’s a warm, satisfying meal that brings together salty ham, melted cheese, and rich, egg-soaked bread.
You can have this dish ready in about 15 minutes, making it a great option for a quick weekday breakfast or a relaxed weekend brunch. The simple ingredients and straightforward method deliver a delicious result.
Why You’ll Love French Toast Sandwich
- Pressing the sandwich firmly helps it hold together during cooking and ensures even browning.
- A brief dip in the egg mixture is all that’s needed. Soaking the bread too long can make the sandwich soggy and difficult to handle.
- Cooking over medium heat allows the cheese to melt completely by the time the outside is golden brown.
French Toast Sandwich Ingredients
- Bread: A sturdy, thick-sliced bread works best. Brioche, challah, or Texas toast are great choices as they absorb the egg batter without falling apart.
- Cheese: Gruyère has a nice nutty flavor that melts well. You can substitute with Swiss, sharp cheddar, or provolone.
- Ham: Use your favorite sliced deli ham. Sliced smoked turkey or even cooked, crisp bacon would also work well in this sandwich.
- Mayonnaise: A thin layer of mayonnaise adds a little richness and helps the outside of the sandwich brown nicely.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make French Toast Sandwich
Step 1: Assemble the Sandwiches
First, prepare the sandwiches. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of two bread slices. On top of the mayonnaise, layer two slices of ham and two slices of Gruyère cheese. Place the remaining bread slices on top to close the sandwiches and press down gently.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Batter
In a shallow dish or pie plate wide enough to fit a sandwich, whisk the egg, milk, and salt together. Continue whisking until the mixture is uniform and slightly frothy. This will be your dipping batter.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast Sandwiches
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, dip one sandwich into the egg mixture, coating each side for just a few seconds. Immediately place it in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the second sandwich and serve immediately.
Storage Tips for French Toast Sandwich
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat or in an air fryer until warmed through and crisp. Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become compromised.
Expert Tips for French Toast Sandwich
- Make sure your pan is not too hot. Medium heat is ideal for getting a golden crust while allowing the cheese inside to melt completely.
- A heavy-bottomed skillet will provide the most even heat for browning the sandwiches.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of black pepper to the egg mixture or spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard inside the sandwich.
- Food Safety: Egg dishes are safe to eat when cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
What to Serve with French Toast Sandwich?
Serve this savory sandwich on its own for a quick meal. It also pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or a small green salad.
French Toast Sandwich Recipe FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately after cooking. If you need to prepare ahead, you can assemble the sandwiches without the egg dip and store them wrapped in the fridge for a few hours. Cook just before serving.
What’s the best bread for a French toast sandwich?
Thick-cut, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or a good quality white sandwich bread works best. These types of bread can hold the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
My sandwich fell apart. What did I do wrong?
This can happen if the bread is soaked in the egg mixture for too long or if the bread itself is too thin. A very quick dip on each side is all that is needed. Also, be sure to press the sandwich together firmly before dipping.
French Toast Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices sturdy bread such as brioche or Texas toast
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk 15 ml
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise 10 g
- 4 slices Gruyère cheese about 4 oz / 113 g
- 4 slices deli ham about 4 oz / 113 g
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 28 g
Instructions
- Lay out the four slices of bread. Spread mayonnaise on one side of two of the slices.
- On the mayo-spread slices, layer the ham and then the Gruyère cheese. Top with the remaining two slices of bread to form two sandwiches. Press each one down firmly.
- In a shallow dish wide enough for a sandwich, whisk together the egg, milk, and salt until well combined.
- Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until it sizzles.
- Briefly dip one sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides for just a few seconds. Do not let it soak.
- Immediately transfer the egg-coated sandwich to the hot skillet.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down occasionally with a spatula, until the outside is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- To ensure the egg custard is cooked through, the sandwich's internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the skillet and repeat with the second sandwich. Serve hot.
