Ham, Egg And Cheese Bake (With A French Twist!)

Recreate the flavors of a French style 'croque monsieur' (that's a toasted ham and cheese sandwich to you and I) in this delicious ham, egg and cheese bake. It's just perfect for using up holiday ham and cheese and easy to prep ahead - ideal for a lazy weekend brunch for your family, or a special treat for your guests.

📝 Ingredients

• 8 slices white bread
• 8 ounces cooked ham ((rough amount - enough to make 4 sandwiches))
• 5 ounces cheese (sliced (gruyère is perfect, but use any tasty cheese you like – enough for 4 sandwiches))
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or wholegrain both work well, but any works)
• 1/2 small onion (chopped finely)
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt ((suggested amount since the cheese and ham are already quite salty))
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 5 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 3/4 cup grated cheese (e.g. mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan (for sprinkling))
• 1 handful fresh parsley (chopped (optional - for the garnish))

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven.: Preheat the oven to 350℉/175℃ (320℉/160℃ fan/convection oven).
2. 2Make ham and cheese sandwiches.: Make 4 ham and cheese sandwiches with the bread, ham and cheese. Cut each in half diagonally so that you have 8 sandwich halves.
3. 3Make egg custard mixture.: Whisk the eggs together with the milk, mustard and salt and pepper in a jug. Add the chopped onion and garlic.
4. 4Dip sandwiches in egg, then arrange in baking dish.: Dip each sandwich half in the egg and milk mixture. Then arrange in a medium-sized baking dish in two rows (9 X 9 inches, 8 X 10 inches or 7 X 11 inches will all work well). The two rows can be overlapping a little (the sandwiches should be standing up with the pointy part facing upwards).
5. 5Pour remaining egg mixture over the dish and top with cheese and tomatoes.: Pour the rest of the egg mixture over the sandwiches, then top with grated cheese and the tomatoes. Leave to stand for at least 10 minutes so that the egg mixture can soak into the bread.
6. 6Bake for 40 to 50 minutes.: Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes or until the top of the bake is golden and crisp. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve (with a fresh salad if you like!).