French Toast Benedict with Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Crisp French toast topped with Canadian bacon, melted cheddar, and poached eggs bathed in a creamy cheese sauce for a comforting brunch classic. This american-inspired brunch ready in about 38 minutes pairs (1 inch thick) bread, milk, large eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 slices (1 inch thick) bread
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large eggs
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 slices Canadian bacon
- 1/2 cup, shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- pinch nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare French toast: Whisk 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish. Dip each bread slice for 1 minute to coat both sides.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook dipped bread for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Keep warm in a 200°F oven.
- Step 3: Make cheese sauce: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 1/4 cup milk and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar until smooth. Stir in a pinch of nutmeg and cook for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Poach eggs: Simmer 4 cups water with 1 tbsp vinegar. Create a whirlpool and slip in 2 large eggs. Cook for 3 minutes until whites are set and yolks runny.
- Step 5: Assemble: Place one French toast slice on a plate. Top with 2 Canadian bacon slices and 2 tbsp cheese sauce. Add one poached egg and drizzle with remaining sauce. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does French Toast Benedict with Cheddar Cheese Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 38 minutes (20 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover French Toast Benedict with Cheddar Cheese Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (1 inch thick) bread from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in French Toast Benedict with Cheddar Cheese Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale French Toast Benedict with Cheddar Cheese Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with French Toast Benedict with Cheddar Cheese Sauce?
American brunch like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easily the best brunch dish I've made in months. The sauce was spot-on.
- ★★★★★
My kids asked for seconds! The french toast was fluffy and the cheese sauce was creamy.
- ★★★★★
Loved the twist on traditional benedict. The cheddar sauce added a nice tang.