Gourmet Ham and Egg Toast
How to Make a Deluxe Ham Cheese Egg Sandwich with French Jambon, and Sandwich Wrapping Tips
This is a delightful toast made with authentic French jambon, offering a sophisticated flavor profile. The addition of a creamy cheese sauce elevates its taste, making it a perfect choice for a special brunch or a satisfying meal.
Toast Ingredients- 4 slices of bread
- 2 slices of Jambon (or sliced ham)
- 50g salad greens (e.g., romaine, lettuce, iceberg)
- Butter, as needed
- 2 large eggs
- Pinch of herb salt
Cream Cheese Sauce- 3 Tbsp cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp honey
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp honey
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by understanding ‘Jambon,’ a key ingredient in this special toast. Jambon is a French ham made by roasting a whole pork leg in the oven. It’s typically about four times the size of a standard slice of ham and has a rich, deep flavor. If Jambon is unavailable, you can substitute it with high-quality sliced ham for a delicious result. Jambon is usually sliced very thinly, making it perfect for sandwiches.
Step 2
Prepare your fresh salad greens. Feel free to choose your favorites like romaine, lettuce, or iceberg. It’s crucial to wash the greens thoroughly. Rinse them twice in water mixed with 2 tablespoons of vinegar, then drain them well in a colander. Excess water can make the toast soggy.
Step 3
Now, let’s create the creamy cheese sauce that adds a wonderful dimension to the toast. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk gently with a fork or whisk until smooth and well combined. If the sauce seems too thin, add a little more cream cheese until you reach your desired consistency. You can adjust the ratio of lemon juice to honey to your preference.
Step 4
The foundation of a great toast is perfectly cooked bread. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the 4 slices of bread in the melted butter and toast them until golden brown and slightly crispy on one side. Flip the bread and toast the other side lightly without butter to achieve a pleasant contrast between crispiness and softness.
Step 5
Once toasted, stand the bread slices upright. This helps to maintain their crispiness as they cool down, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Step 6
Let’s make the fried eggs. Heat about 0.5 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Crack the 2 eggs into the pan. Before the yolks cook completely, gently poke them with the back of a spoon to break them. Sprinkle with herb salt for extra flavor. Flip the eggs carefully and immediately turn off the heat. The residual heat from the pan will cook the yolks to a perfect runny consistency, creating a luscious, semi-soft center.
Step 7
Now, let’s assemble the toast. Place the bread slices butter-side up. Layer the fresh salad greens generously on top of the bread. Cut the fried egg in half and place it on top of the greens. Then, cut the Jambon or sliced ham in half and arrange it artfully over the egg, creating a gentle wave pattern for visual appeal.
Step 8
Drizzle the prepared cream cheese sauce over the assembled ingredients. Cover lightly with more salad greens. Finally, place the second slice of bread on top, with the unbuttered side facing up. This means the butter-toasted side will be facing downwards, towards the fillings. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the toast in half.
Step 9
By spreading the cream cheese sauce in the center of the toast, we’ve ensured that when cut, the layers remain neat and presentable. This clean cut adds to the overall appeal and structure of the sandwich.
Step 10
Let’s wrap the finished toast for a neat presentation and easy handling. Wrap the cut half of the toast with parchment or wax paper, ensuring the cut surfaces are nicely enclosed. This packaging method not only keeps the fillings contained but also makes it look more appealing and is hygienic for transport.
Step 11
The peek of the fillings through the parchment paper makes the toast look even more appetizing! Jambon, with its tender and savory taste, is wonderful on its own, classically served with butter on a baguette (Jambon-beurre), but it’s also incredibly delicious transformed into a toast or sandwich like this. Enjoy this taste of authentic French cuisine made easily at home!
