French Toasted Brunchwiches

French Toasted Brunchwiches Recipe with Peaches and Ham

Region / culture: France, Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

French Toasted Brunchwiches are a delicious and indulgent brunch option that combines the flavors of sweet peaches, savory ham, and gooey cheese all sandwiched between slices of Italian bread. This recipe is perfect for a special weekend brunch or a leisurely breakfast treat.

History

French Toasted Brunchwiches are a modern twist on the classic French toast recipe. By adding savory elements like ham and cheese, as well as a sweet peach topping, this recipe takes traditional French toast to a whole new level of flavor and indulgence.

Ingredients

Topping

0.5 cup butter
2 tbsp light brown sugar
3 fresh peaches, sliced
3 tbsp peach schnapps

Sandwich

16 slices italian bread, cut 0.5" thick
8 slices ham
8 slices muenster cheese
3 large eggs
0.5 cup peach schnapps
0.5 cup milk
0.25 tsp salt
4 tbsp butter, divided

How to prepare

Topping

In a medium skillet, melt the butter and stir in the sugar.
Add the peaches and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the peaches are just tender.
Stir in the schnapps and simmer for 1 minute.

Sandwich

Prepare each sandwich using 2 slices of bread, 1 slice of ham, and 1 slice of cheese.
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with schnapps, milk, and salt.
Soak each sandwich in the egg mixture until the bread is saturated.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter and sauté the sandwiches over medium heat for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Remove the sandwiches to a heated platter.
Melt the remaining butter and repeat the process with the remaining sandwiches.
Serve with the prepared topping.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the ham for cooked bacon or turkey bacon for a different twist on the recipe.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for a warm and cozy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use thick slices of Italian bread to ensure that the sandwiches hold up well during cooking.

- Be sure to fully saturate the bread in the egg mixture to ensure a moist and flavorful end result.

- Cooking the sandwiches over medium heat will help them cook evenly and develop a nice golden brown crust.

- Serve the sandwiches immediately after cooking to ensure they are warm and gooey.

Serving Suggestions

French Toasted Brunchwiches can be served with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect French Toasted Brunchwiches is to fully saturate the bread in the egg mixture and cook them over medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have peach schnapps on hand, you can substitute with peach juice or water in the topping.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the peach topping and egg mixture the night before to save time in the morning. Simply assemble the sandwiches and cook them when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve French Toasted Brunchwiches on a platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

French Toasted Brunchwiches pair well with a glass of sparkling wine, a mimosa, or a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover French Toasted Brunchwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place in a toaster oven or skillet until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of French Toasted Brunchwiches contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of French Toasted Brunchwiches contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of French Toasted Brunchwiches contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of French Toasted Brunchwiches contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

French Toasted Brunchwiches are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C due to the cheese and peaches used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, butter, milk) and wheat (bread), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

French Toasted Brunchwiches are a delicious and indulgent brunch option that is high in carbohydrates and fats, moderate in protein, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend, Margaret, at her cozy little cottage by the lake. Margaret was an incredible cook and always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve.

As we sat in her sunlit kitchen sipping on iced tea, Margaret suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. She emerged with an old, tattered recipe book in hand and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have something special to show you," she said, flipping through the pages until she landed on a recipe titled "French Toasted Brunchwiches."

I was immediately intrigued. The name alone sounded so decadent and indulgent. Margaret explained that she had learned this recipe from a French chef during her travels in Paris many years ago. It was a twist on the classic French toast, but with a savory twist that made it perfect for brunch.

Margaret and I spent the rest of the afternoon making these French Toasted Brunchwiches together. The aroma of butter, cinnamon, and eggs filled the kitchen as we dipped thick slices of bread into a rich custard mixture and fried them until golden brown. We then layered the French toast with slices of ham, cheese, and a dollop of homemade raspberry jam before sandwiching them all together.

The moment I took my first bite of the French Toasted Brunchwich, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. The combination of sweet and savory flavors was simply divine, and the crispy, golden crust of the French toast added the perfect crunch to each bite.

I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me, and she gladly obliged. I made sure to write it down in my own recipe book, along with a note reminding me of that special day with my dear friend by the lake.

Over the years, I have made these French Toasted Brunchwiches countless times for my family and friends. Each time I serve them, they are met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I love passing on this special dish to the next generation, knowing that it will continue to bring joy and comfort to those I love.

As I sit here now, flipping through my recipe book and reminiscing about that sunny day with Margaret, I can't help but smile. The French Toasted Brunchwiches will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of good food and good friends coming together to create something truly magical. And for that, I am forever grateful.