#2. Breakfast Special Recipe

Name: Newtown Road Italian Deli & Pizzas #2. Breakfast Special Recipe
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices thick-sliced French bread or brioche; 3 large eggs; 3 tbs whole milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 pinch salt; 2 tbs unsalted butter; 6 slices deli-style ham (thinly sliced); 6 slices cheddar cheese (or American), sliced; 6 tbs maple syrup (pure or table syrup); 1 tsp powdered sugar (optional, for garnish); 1 tbs fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish); 1 tsp black pepper; 0.5 tsp salt for seasoning (optional)

Inspired by Newtown Road Italian Deli & Pizza

Time25m

Serves3

Ham, egg.. cheese on french toast with drizzled maple syrup.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

French Toast & Assembly

6 slices thick-sliced French bread or brioche

3 Large eggs

3 tbs whole milk

1 tsp Watkins vanilla extract

1 tsp Ground cinnamon

1 pinch Celtic sea salt

2 tbs Unsalted butter

6 slices deli-style ham (thinly sliced)

6 slices cheddar cheese (or American), sliced

6 tbs maple syrup (pure or table syrup)

1 tsp powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

1 tbs fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Seasoning & Serving

1 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt for seasoning (optional)

Method

French Toast & Assembly

Prepare custard

In a shallow wide bowl or pie dish, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 3 tablespoons whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt until fully combined and slightly frothy. This is your dipping custard.

Preheat pan

Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter and let it melt, coating the surface.

Soak bread

Working 1–2 slices at a time, lay a slice of bread into the custard and let it soak 10–15 seconds per side (longer for very thick slices, up to 30 seconds) until the bread is saturated but not falling apart. Lift and let excess drip back into the bowl.

Cook French toast

Place the soaked slice into the preheated skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the pan as needed between batches to prevent sticking. Repeat for all 6 slices and transfer cooked slices to a warm plate or oven set to 200°F (95°C) to keep warm.

Assemble ham & cheese

After the second flip (while the second side is finishing) or immediately after cooking each slice, place one slice of deli ham and one slice of cheddar cheese on 3 of the French toast slices. Stack each ham+cheese-topped toast with a matching plain toast slice to form 3 sandwiches (ham and cheese enclosed between two French-toast slices). If you prefer the cheese melted more thoroughly, briefly return the assembled sandwich to the skillet (low heat) or oven for 1–2 minutes until cheese softens.

Season

Lightly season the assembled sandwiches with a pinch of salt and a small grind of black pepper to taste.

Plate and syrup

Place each assembled French-toast sandwich on a serving plate. Drizzle approximately 2 tablespoons maple syrup over each sandwich, letting some run down the sides for a sweet-savory balance. If desired, dust lightly with powdered sugar and sprinkle chopped chives or parsley for a touch of color.

Finishing & Serving

Serve immediately while warm. Provide extra maple syrup at the table. Leftovers can be kept wrapped in foil and reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted.

Optional variations: swap cheddar for Swiss or Gruyère for nuttier flavor, or add a thin smear of Dijon mustard on the ham before assembling for a savory contrast to the syrup.