Peach and Ham Stuffed French Toast: A Decadent Brunch Delight

There are few things as comforting and indulgent as a well-prepared French toast, but what if you could elevate this classic dish with a unique twist? Peach and Ham Stuffed French Toast is the ultimate indulgence that combines sweet, savory, and creamy elements in every bite. This dish is perfect for a special weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simply whenever you want to enjoy a decadent meal that will leave you craving more.

Print

Imagine fluffy slices of egg bread soaked in a custard made of eggs, milk, cream, and spices, then stuffed with savory slices of ham and rich brie cheese. As the French toast cooks to golden perfection, the cheese melts inside, creating a creamy, gooey filling that complements the sweetness of peach jam. Topped with a luscious peach syrup made from caramelized peach slices, butter, brandy, and lemon juice, this dish is truly a breakfast masterpiece. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress both seasoned chefs and novice cooks alike.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to something special, this Peach and Ham Stuffed French Toast will elevate any meal to the next level. The rich, indulgent flavors and mouthwatering aromas will make your kitchen feel like a high-end bistro, and your guests will be blown away by the flavor-packed layers in every bite.

The Appeal of Peach and Ham Stuffed French Toast

French toast is a timeless breakfast dish that appeals to a wide variety of tastes. It’s a comforting choice, with crispy, golden bread on the outside and a soft, custardy interior. But what truly makes this version of French toast stand out is the exciting combination of flavors packed inside and on top.

Stuffed French toast offers a unique twist on the classic, turning a simple dish into a showstopper. Peach and Ham Stuffed French Toast combines savory ham, creamy brie cheese, and sweet peach jam in the center, creating a complex flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy both sweet and savory cravings. The addition of the peach syrup topping, made with fresh peach slices, brandy, lemon juice, and vanilla, brings the dish to life, adding sweetness and depth to each bite.

The contrast of textures is another highlight of this dish. The exterior of the French toast becomes beautifully crisp and golden as it cooks, while the inside stays soft, slightly sweet, and oozing with melted cheese. The peach topping provides a juicy, syrupy finish that enhances the overall experience, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you serve it for a holiday breakfast, a family brunch, or a lazy Sunday morning, this Peach and Ham Stuffed French Toast is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients Breakdown

To create this mouthwatering Peach and Ham Stuffed French Toast, you will need the following ingredients for both the stuffed French toast and the peach topping.

For the Peach and Ham Stuffed French Toast:

• Eggs: You’ll need 4 large eggs, lightly beaten. Eggs are the key to the custard mixture that soaks into the bread and gives it that luscious, golden texture when cooked.
• 2% Milk: The milk adds creaminess and helps the bread absorb the custard. You can substitute whole milk or even a dairy-free alternative, such as almond or oat milk.
• Heavy Cream: The addition of heavy cream (1/2 cup) ensures a rich and silky custard base that makes the French toast extra indulgent.
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon of brown sugar provides a subtle sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peaches and brie.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the custard, enhancing the overall sweetness and richness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) is a classic spice for French toast, offering a cozy, fragrant flavor that pairs perfectly with the peaches and the ham.
• Ground Ginger: A pinch of ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon) brings a touch of warmth and slight heat to the custard, balancing the sweetness of the jam and peaches.
• Ground Cloves: A pinch of ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon) adds a deep, earthy flavor that complements the spices and enhances the richness of the dish.
• Salt: Salt (1/4 teaspoon) helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors in the custard mixture.
• Peach Jam: 1/2 cup of peach jam provides the perfect fruity sweetness to stuff between the slices of bread, creating a beautiful contrast with the savory ham and brie.
• Day-Old Egg Bread: 12 slices of day-old egg bread, about 1/2-inch thick. The bread is key to the texture of the French toast. Day-old bread holds up better to soaking in the custard and ensures that the French toast remains sturdy while cooking.
• Kentucky Legend Quarter Sliced Ham: 6 thick slices of ham with brown sugar. The smoky, slightly sweet flavor of the ham contrasts beautifully with the creamy brie and the peach jam, making it a perfect match for the other ingredients.
• Brie Cheese: 6 oz of brie cheese, sliced. The creamy, soft texture of brie cheese melts perfectly into the French toast, adding richness and luxury to the dish.

For the Peach Topping:

• Peach Slices: 2 cans (15.25 oz each) of peach slices in light syrup. The peaches serve as the foundation for the topping. You can also use fresh peaches when they’re in season for a fresher flavor, but canned peaches work perfectly well here.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter is used to caramelize the peaches and add richness to the syrup.
• Brandy: 1/4 cup of brandy adds depth and a warm, slightly boozy flavor to the peach syrup. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can easily substitute the brandy with orange juice or apple cider for a more kid-friendly version.
• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice brings brightness and acidity to the syrup, cutting through the sweetness of the peaches and making the topping more balanced.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the peach topping, adding an aromatic richness that pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the French toast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Custard Mixture:

Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and cloves in a shallow bowl. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened, with the sugars and spices fully dissolved. The egg and cream mixture will help create that rich, custard-like texture when it soaks into the bread. The cinnamon, ginger, and cloves add a warm, comforting aroma, making the mixture inviting and delicious.

2. Assemble the French Toast Sandwiches:

Spread the peach jam evenly over 6 slices of the day-old egg bread. The peach jam adds a fruity sweetness and a tangy note that will contrast with the savory ingredients. Next, layer the ham slices and brie cheese over the jam. The ham’s saltiness and the creamy brie provide a perfect balance to the sweetness of the jam. Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread to form the stuffed French toast.

3. Soak the Sandwiches:

Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Allow the sandwiches to soak for about 5 minutes, ensuring the bread absorbs all the flavors of the custard. This soaking process is essential for creating the perfect French toast texture—crispy on the outside and soft and custardy on the inside.

4. Cook the French Toast:

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the soaked sandwiches into the skillet. Cook the French toast in batches, turning each sandwich after 3 to 5 minutes, or until the outside is golden brown and the inside is perfectly cooked. The cheese should be melted, creating a gooey, creamy filling in the center. Be sure to wipe out the pan with a paper towel between batches and add more butter as needed for the best crisp.

5. Prepare the Peach Topping:

While the French toast is cooking, drain the canned peaches and set them aside. In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the peaches and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing them to heat through and start to caramelize slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the brandy, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Return the pan to the stovetop and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the syrup thickens and reaches the consistency of maple syrup.

6. Serve:

Once the French toast is golden and crispy, remove it from the skillet and slice each sandwich in half. Spoon the warm peach topping over the French toast, allowing the syrup to soak into the bread and add an extra layer of sweetness and fruitiness.

Tips and Variations

• Alcohol-Free Version: If you prefer not to use brandy, substitute it with orange juice or apple cider. These alternatives provide a similar fruity depth without the alcohol.
• Add Whipped Cream: For a luxurious touch, garnish the French toast with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy topping adds an extra layer of indulgence that complements the peach syrup perfectly.
• Fruit Variations: While peaches are the star of this dish, feel free to experiment with other fruits like fresh berries, apples, or even a combination of fruits for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the French toast and peach topping ahead of time. Store the cooked French toast in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven, while the peach topping can be stored and reheated in a saucepan.

Final Thoughts

Peach and Ham Stuffed French Toast is a true indulgence, combining the best elements of sweet and savory in one delicious dish. From the creamy brie and salty ham to the rich custard-soaked bread and the luscious peach syrup, every bite is a mouthwatering experience. This recipe is perfect for special occasions, but it’s also easy enough to make for a weekend brunch or holiday breakfast. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire. Try it out, and let your taste buds enjoy this decadent twist on a classic French toast.