Custard French Toast Cheese (Printable)

Golden custard-soaked bread filled with melted cheese, pan-seared to creamy, savory delight.

# What You'll Need:

→ Custard Mixture

01 - 3 large eggs
02 - 3/4 cup whole milk
03 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

→ Bread

08 - 8 slices brioche or challah bread (approximately 1/2-inch thick)

→ Cheese Filling

09 - 8 slices Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese, or a blend

→ For Cooking

10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as canola)

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard in a shallow bowl until fully combined.
02 - Arrange 4 slices of bread on a clean surface, layering each with 2 slices of cheese, then cover with remaining bread slices to create sandwiches.
03 - Warm a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat; add 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 tablespoon oil, swirling to evenly coat the surface.
04 - Briefly dip each sandwich in the custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly without oversaturating.
05 - Place custard-coated sandwiches onto the skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until golden brown and cheese is melted; cook in batches if necessary, adding more butter and oil as needed.
06 - Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board; allow to rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Its French toast and grilled cheese combined in one glorious bite
  • The custard keeps the bread creamy while the outside gets perfectly crisp
  • Ready in 30 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy brunch spot
02 -
  • Do not oversoak the bread or it will become soggy and fall apart during cooking
  • Medium heat is crucial because high heat burns the outside before the cheese melts
  • Letting the sandwiches rest prevents the cheese from oozing out immediately when sliced
03 -
  • Add a thin layer of fig jam or caramelized onions inside for sweet and savory magic
  • Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt right after cooking for restaurant quality presentation
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