Garlic Butter Bread with Ham, Eggs & Cheese
Introduction
Garlic Butter Bread with Ham, Eggs & Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together the wonderful flavors of garlic, butter, and cheese with the satisfaction of ham and eggs. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying lunch, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please everyone at your table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Garlic Butter Bread with Ham, Eggs & Cheese. First, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings. Second, it uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Lastly, it’s a versatile dish—you can adjust the toppings to suit your preferences and enjoy it any time of day!
How to Make Garlic Butter Bread with Ham, Eggs & Cheese
Making this delightful dish is straightforward and fun! Follow these easy steps to serve up a tasty meal.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (like French bread, ciabatta, or a baguette)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 cup diced ham (cooked ham or leftover ham)
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil, for cooking eggs
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise or into thick slices.
- Spread a generous layer of garlic butter on the cut sides of the bread.
- Sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the garlic buttered bread. Top with shredded cheese.
- Place the bread halves or slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook them to your preferred doneness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the garlic butter bread from the oven and top each slice or half with a cooked egg. Garnish with more chopped parsley or extra cheese if desired.
- Serve warm as a hearty breakfast, brunch, or satisfying lunch.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Bread with Ham, Eggs & Cheese
This dish is best served warm. You can cut it into slices for easy sharing. Pair it with a fresh salad or fruit for a balanced meal. A drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick if you enjoy some heat!
How to Store Garlic Butter Bread with Ham, Eggs & Cheese
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bread can stay fresh for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melted.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Bread with Ham, Eggs & Cheese
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite cheeses or add veggies like spinach or tomatoes.
- If you’d like a stronger garlic flavor, add more minced garlic to the butter mixture.
- For a fun twist, try using flavored butter or adding a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ham or using a plant-based ham alternative. Additionally, you could also add sautéed mushrooms or peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bread. Make sure to thaw it completely before spreading the garlic butter.
2. What other cheeses can I use?
You can use any cheese you like. Provolone, gouda, or even pepper jack can give a unique taste.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter and ham topping ahead of time. Just assemble your dish and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe for Garlic Butter Bread with Ham, Eggs & Cheese! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
