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French Ham and Gruyere Egg Skillet with Toasted Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 124 reviews

French Eggs is a comforting skillet dish featuring toasted crusty bread, sautéed ham, creamy nutmeg-infused cream, melted Gruyere cheese, and gently cooked eggs. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch, this recipe combines rich flavors and textures all cooked in one pan for easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cups bread, crusty and cubed
  • 6 slices ham, cubed (e.g., jambon de paris)

Dairy and Seasonings

  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Chives, to taste

Eggs

  • 4 eggs

Instructions

  1. Toast the Bread: Preheat a pan on high heat for 2 minutes, then reduce to medium heat. Add butter and bread cubes to the pan, toasting them for about 5 minutes until they turn golden and slightly crispy.
  2. Sauté Ham and Prepare Cream Mixture: Add the cubed ham to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes to warm and slightly brown. Create a well in the center of the pan, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg. Let this mixture caramelize gently for about 3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  3. Add Cheese and Eggs: Sprinkle grated Gruyere cheese around the edges of the pan. Crack the eggs carefully into the center well reserved for them.
  4. Cook Eggs Covered: Cover the pan and cook on medium heat until the eggs have set to your desired doneness. Once cooked, season generously with black pepper, salt, and a topping of fresh chives before serving.

Notes

  • Use crusty bread like a baguette or country loaf for best texture when toasted.
  • Gruyere cheese melts well and adds a rich, nutty flavor; you can substitute with Swiss cheese if needed.
  • Adjust cooking time for eggs depending on preferred yolk firmness—less time for runny yolks, more for fully set.
  • Chives add fresh, mild onion flavor; parsley or green onions can be alternatives.
  • For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though richness will lessen.

Keywords: French eggs, breakfast skillet, ham and eggs, Gruyere cheese, creamy eggs, brunch recipe, easy breakfast

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/french-ham-and-gruyere-egg-skillet-with-toasted-bread-recipe/