Madame Cristo - Grilled Ham and Cheese

In this Madame Cristo—grilled ham and cheese recipe, Chef John sandwiches honey ham and Havarti between custard-soaked French toast with a poached egg.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 903 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 4 slices white bread
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 8 thin slices Havarti cheese
• 4 ounces thinly sliced honey baked ham, halved
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoon champagne vinegar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine heavy cream, 2 eggs, lemon zest, salt, 1 pinch cayenne pepper, and nutmeg in a bowl until batter is thin and runny. (Add 2 tablespoons more cream if needed.)

Step 2

Toast bread until lightly browned; place on a flat surface. Divide and place Havarti cheese onto toast; divide and place ham onto cheese. Bring 2 pieces toast together to make 2 sandwiches. Place 1 sandwich into batter. Flip several times to coat evenly; place on a plate. Repeat with second sandwich.

Step 3

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sandwiches; cook until outside browned and cheese melted, about 4 minutes per side.

Step 4

Meanwhile, fill a large saucepan with 2 inches water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; add vinegar and keep water at a gentle simmer. Crack 1 egg into a small bowl, then gently slip it into the simmering water, holding the bowl just above the surface of the water. Repeat with remaining 1 egg. Cook until egg whites are firm and yolks are thickened but not hard, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5

Transfer sandwiches to plates; dust with 1 pinch cayenne pepper. Transfer eggs to a kitchen towel with a slotted spoon to remove excess water; place onto each sandwich. Dust with 1 pinch cayenne pepper.