French 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
Scale
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
