Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Ham & Cheese Toasted Baguettes?
They are a delightful fusion of French toast and a Monte Cristo sandwich, featuring egg-soaked baguette slices topped with savory ham and melted cheese.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients required, including eggs, milk, seasonings, baguette, butter, ham, and cheese.
What kind of bread is used?
The recipe calls for 12 diagonal slices of baguette, cut about 1 inch thick.
How many eggs are used in the mixture?
The recipe requires 3 whisked eggs.
How much milk is needed for the egg mixture?
You will need 1/4 cup of milk to combine with the eggs.
What seasoning is used for the bread?
The egg mixture is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What type of ham is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 4 ounces of shaved black forest ham.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shaved parmesan cheese, though Swiss cheese is mentioned as a suitable alternative.
How much butter is used for frying?
One tablespoon of butter is used, divided into two parts for frying the baguette slices in batches.
What is the first step in preparing the baguettes?
The first step is to whisk together the eggs, milk, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
How do you prepare the baguette slices before frying?
Each slice of baguette should be dipped into the egg mixture until both sides are well-soaked.
How long should the baguette slices be fried?
They should be fried for approximately 5 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown, turning once during the process.
What temperature should the skillet be?
The skillet should be set to medium heat for melting the butter and frying the bread.
What is the final cooking step?
The final step is to broil the ham and cheese topped baguettes for about 2 minutes.
How do you know when the broiling is finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden.
What are the total calories per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 12 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 8 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the baguettes?
The dish contains 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for a lunch that impresses.
Can this be served for dinner?
Yes, it makes for a fulfilling light dinner option.
What should I serve with Savory Ham & Cheese Toasted Baguettes?
It is recommended to serve them alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, the recipe is noted for being quick to prepare and easy to adapt.
What texture can I expect?
The baguettes have an irresistible crispy texture from being both fried and broiled.
Do I need a special pan for this recipe?
You will need a large non-stick skillet for frying and a rimmed baking sheet for broiling.
Can I substitute the dried basil?
While the recipe calls for dried basil, you could likely use other dried herbs like oregano or thyme if preferred.
Is the ham cooked before adding it to the bread?
The recipe uses shaved black forest ham which is distributed over the toasted baguettes before broiling.
How thick are the baguette slices?
The slices should be cut diagonally and be 1 inch thick.
What makes this similar to a Monte Cristo?
The combination of egg-dipped bread, savory ham, and melted cheese mimics the classic Monte Cristo flavors.
Can I use Swiss cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, Swiss cheese is explicitly suggested as an alternative to parmesan.