French Ham and Egg Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Introduction
French Eggs is a comforting and savory dish combining crusty bread, rich ham, creamy eggs, and melted gruyere cheese. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread (crusty and cubed)
- 6 slices ham (cubed, jambon de Paris recommended)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup gruyere (grated)
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Chives (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a pan on high for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and the cubed bread. Toast the bread in the pan for about 5 minutes until it’s golden and crispy.
- Step 2: Add the cubed ham to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Create a well in the center of the pan, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the nutmeg. Let it caramelize for about 3 minutes. Then, sprinkle the grated gruyere around the edges of the pan and carefully crack the eggs into the center.
- Step 3: Cover the pan and cook until the eggs are set to your liking. Season with salt, black pepper, and finish with a generous amount of chopped chives on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a good quality crusty bread for the best texture—sourdough works great.
- Swap gruyere for other melting cheeses like fontina or cheddar if preferred.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes while cooking.
- If you don’t have jambon de Paris, any good-quality ham will do.
Storage
French Eggs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to preserve the texture of the eggs and bread.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the bread and ham mixture in advance, but it’s best to add the eggs and cook just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
What can I substitute for gruyere cheese?
Cheeses like fontina, Emmental, or cheddar are good alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors of the dish.
PrintFrench Ham and Egg Breakfast Skillet Recipe
French Eggs is a comforting, savory skillet dish featuring toasted crusty bread, sautéed ham, creamy nutmeg-spiced sauce, melted Gruyere cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs topped with fresh chives. It’s a delicious, rustic brunch or light dinner option that’s quick to prepare on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Bread and Base
- 2 cups crusty bread, cubed
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Meat and Dairy
- 6 slices ham, cubed (preferably jambon de Paris)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
Eggs and Seasoning
- 4 large eggs
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Chives, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the bread: Preheat a pan on high heat for 2 minutes, then reduce to medium. Add butter and cubed bread to the pan. Toast the bread pieces, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Sauté the ham and prepare the cream mixture: Add the cubed ham to the pan with the toasted bread and continue sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the ham is heated through and slightly browned. Create a well in the center of the pan and pour in the heavy cream along with a pinch of nutmeg. Allow this mixture to caramelize gently in the pan for about 3 minutes.
- Add cheese and eggs: Spread the grated Gruyere cheese around the edges of the pan. Carefully crack the eggs into the center well formed by the bread and ham mixture.
- Cook covered until set: Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium-low heat until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny, approximately 4-6 minutes depending on your stove and preference.
- Finish and garnish: Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a generous amount of chopped chives. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a crispier bread base, use day-old crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough.
- Gruyere can be substituted with other melting cheeses like Swiss or Emmental if unavailable.
- Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust cooking time under the lid for firmer or runnier egg yolks according to preference.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated in a skillet or microwave.
Keywords: French Eggs, brunch recipe, skillet eggs, Gruyere cheese, toasted bread eggs, ham and eggs skillet
