Stuffed French Bread Ham Egg and Cheese Sandwich
A hearty baked sandwich made by hollowing out French bread and stuffing it with layers of deli ham, fresh tomato, onion, scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch or lunch, this warm sandwich is wrapped in foil and baked until heated through. The crusty bread shell holds all the fillings together while staying crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, unsliced, 1 pound
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 8 slices deli ham, thin
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 8 eggs, lightly beaten
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and cut bread in half lengthwise, then hollow out top and bottom leaving shells
- 2
Spread butter and mayonnaise inside bread shells
- 3
Line bottom shell with ham, then layer tomato and onion on top
- 4
Melt remaining butter in large skillet and add eggs
- 5
Cook eggs over medium heat, stirring occasionally until edges are almost set
- 6
Spoon cooked eggs into bottom bread shell and top with cheese
- 7
Place remaining bread piece on top to form sandwich
- 8
Wrap sandwich in greased foil and bake until heated through
- 9
Cut loaf into serving-size pieces
Tips
Save the removed bread for making breadcrumbs or croutons instead of discarding it.
Make sure eggs are just barely set when removing from heat as they'll finish cooking in the oven.
Let the sandwich rest for 5 minutes after baking before cutting to help it hold together better.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Can assemble sandwich up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cold.
Cut into thick slices and serve warm. Great with chips or a side salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook eggs as they continue cooking in the oven.
Leave adequate bread shell thickness to prevent breaking through.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add extra baking time if starting from cold.
What if I don't have French bread?
Italian bread or a sturdy sourdough loaf work well. Choose something that can be hollowed out without breaking.
How long will leftovers keep?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.