Gratinated Gruyere and Ham Toast with Fried Egg

A rustic toasted country bread layered with ham and melted Gruyere cheese, topped with extra gratinated cheese and a perfectly fried egg. Finished with fresh chives and black pepper for a hearty, flavorful dish.

Steps

1. Toast the slice of country bread until golden and crisp.
2. Place the toasted bread on a flat plate, add the ham slices evenly over it.
3. Sprinkle half of the grated Gruyere cheese over the ham.
4. Top with another piece of toasted bread (or the other half if using a split piece) and heat gently until the cheese inside melts completely.
5. Sprinkle the remaining grated Gruyere cheese over the top piece of bread and let it gratinate slightly from the residual heat.
6. In a small pan, fry the egg to your preferred doneness.
7. Carefully place the fried egg on top of the gratinated bread.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh chives and a generous grind of black pepper.
9. Serve immediately while warm.