Baked Gratin Toasts are a delightful twist on traditional toast dishes that pack a flavor punch in every bite. These golden toasts, layered with gooey cheese and savory cooked ham, are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a cozy dinner. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, they make a great comfort food that can quickly become a family favorite. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re sharing a comforting meal or hosting a gathering, Baked Gratin Toasts are sure to impress!
What You’ll Need for Baked Gratin Toasts
Here’s what you need to create these delicious toasts:
- 12 slices of sandwich bread
- 6 slices of sweet scamorza or emmental cheese
- 6 slices of cooked chicken or 3 large ones cut in half
- 180 g (about 6.3 oz) mozzarella, julienne or shredded
- 2 eggs
- 300 ml (about 1.27 cups) milk
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Make Baked Gratin Toasts
Follow these simple steps to whip up your own Baked Gratin Toasts:
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Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to season the mixture.
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Soak the Bread: Take one slice of bread at a time and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well soaked. This helps the bread absorb all the flavors.
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First Layer: Arrange the soaked bread slices at the bottom of your baking dish to form a solid base.
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Add Cheese and Ham: Place the slices of cheese over the first layer of bread. Next, add the cooked chicken pieces on top of the cheese.
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Top with More Bread: Dip more slices of bread into the batter and layer them on top of the chicken.
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Finish with Mozzarella: Spread the julienne mozzarella on top of your layered toasts. This will create that lovely, gooey, gratin finish.
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Bake: Preheat your fan oven to 200 degrees C (about 392 degrees F) and bake the gratin for approximately 15 minutes, or until the surface is golden and slightly crispy. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 190 degrees C (about 374 degrees F) for about 12 minutes for a deliciously gooey texture.
Serve & Enjoy Baked Gratin Toasts
The beauty of Baked Gratin Toasts is how wonderfully they can be served. Once baked to a perfect golden brown, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a minute. Cut into squares or rectangles for easy serving. You can sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Pair these toasts with a simple salad for a fresh contrast or enjoy them on their own for a rich and satisfying meal. A light tomato soup would also make a delightful accompaniment, turning dinner into a cozy affair.
Recipe Tips & Variations
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Mix It Up: Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. Spinach or mushrooms would be great additions.
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Cheese Choices: While scamorza or emmental cheese works beautifully, don’t hesitate to try other cheeses like gouda or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
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Herb Flavors: Add dried herbs such as oregano or thyme into the egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Baked Gratin Toasts FAQs
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the layers ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours. Just bake them right before serving.
What if I don’t have mozzarella?
If you don’t have mozzarella, any melty cheese like Gouda or Cheddar will work just fine.
Can I adjust the number of servings?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily halved or doubled depending on how many guests you have.
These Baked Gratin Toasts are a must-try for anyone looking for a cheesy, comforting treat. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the wonderful flavors in every bite!