What Can I Make with Bread, Cheese, and Egg?
The best recipe using bread, cheese, and egg is the Monte Cristo Sandwich—a sweet and savory classic that combines egg-dipped bread with melted cheese and optional ham. Other great options include Uitsmijter, Stuffed French Toast, and Fonduta Piemontese, all showcasing how these three simple ingredients create satisfying, restaurant-quality dishes.
Top recipeMonte Cristo Sandwich
A sweet and savory ham-and-turkey sandwich dipped in egg custard, pan-fried until golden, then dusted with powdered sugar. Served warm with jam on the side for dipping.
Ingredients
- •sandwich bread, white or brioche
- •deli ham, sliced
- •deli turkey, sliced
- •Swiss cheese, sliced
- •eggs
- •butter
Steps
- 1Lay 2 bread slices flat on a cutting board and place 1 ounce of ham, 1 ounce of turkey, and 1 ounce of Swiss cheese on each slice in a single stack.
- 2Top each sandwich with a second bread slice and press gently so the layers stick together.
- 3Crack both eggs into a shallow bowl or wide dish and pour in 2 tablespoons of milk, then whisk vigorously with a fork for 30 seconds until the mixture is uniform yellow with no streaks of white.
- 4Place a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, tilting the pan so the melted butter coats the bottom evenly.
- 5Working with one sandwich at a time, dip both sides into the egg mixture for 2 seconds per side — the bread should be moistened but not soggy — then place it into the hot skillet.
- 6Cook the sandwich over medium-high heat until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese just begins to ooze from the edges, about 3 minutes, then carefully flip it with a wide spatula.
- 7Cook the second side until golden brown, about 2 minutes, then slide the sandwich onto a plate.
- 8Repeat the dipping and frying process with the remaining tablespoon of butter and the second sandwich.
- 9Dust both finished sandwiches generously with powdered sugar from a small sifter or sieve held 6 inches above the bread.
Why this works
Bread, cheese, and egg form a trifecta of complementary flavors and textures that have been celebrated in cuisines worldwide for generations. The egg acts as both a binder and a richness agent, coating the bread with a custardy exterior that crisps beautifully when cooked, while the cheese melts into creamy pockets of umami that elevate the entire dish. This combination works because eggs provide structure and moisture, bread offers the perfect canvas for absorption and texture, and cheese adds depth and satiety. From a cooking perspective, these ingredients work together through basic kitchen chemistry. When eggs are beaten and the bread is dipped into the mixture, the proteins in the egg set during cooking, creating a golden, custard-like coating. The cheese melts at a lower temperature than the bread toasts, allowing it to integrate seamlessly without burning. Whether you're making a Monte Cristo with its sweet undertones or a savory Uitsmijter, the ratios remain intuitive: one egg and a handful of cheese per slice of bread creates the perfect balance of richness without heaviness.
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Open the recipe finder →Frequently asked
Can I make these recipes without ham or other meats?
Absolutely! All of these recipes are delicious without ham or additional proteins. The Monte Cristo Sandwich is wonderful with just cheese, and Stuffed French Toast can be made with extra cheese and fresh fruit instead. The egg and cheese provide plenty of protein and richness on their own.
What type of bread works best for these recipes?
Thick-cut bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy. White bread, sourdough, or even day-old bread can work well too. Avoid thin sliced bread as it may fall apart during cooking.
What cheese should I use?
Any melting cheese works great—cheddar, Swiss, gruyere, or mozzarella are popular choices. For Fonduta Piemontese, use fontina cheese for the most authentic flavor. Avoid hard cheeses like parmesan for the main filling, though they work well as toppings.
Can I prepare these recipes ahead of time?
You can assemble stuffed sandwiches a few hours ahead and refrigerate them, which helps the flavors meld. However, it's best to cook them fresh. You can also prep ingredients the night before—beat eggs, slice cheese, and cut bread so everything is ready to go in the morning.
What other dishes can I make with just bread, cheese, and egg?
Beyond Monte Cristo and French Toast variations, try making a simple cheese omelet served on toasted bread, a breakfast strata (baked bread and cheese custard), or even savory bread pudding. These three ingredients are incredibly versatile for both sweet and savory cooking.
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