Baked Ham and Cheese Savory Custard

3 eggs

1 C. milk

1 C. heavy whipping cream

Freshly grated nutmeg to taste

Salt

About 5 1/2 T. butter, softened (or less if you melt the butter first)

1 loaf white bread, crusts removed and cut into 1/2 thick slices

8 ounces thinly sliced ham

1 2/3 C. grated fontina, pecorino or something similar

2/3 C. crated parmesan cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 350, and lightly grease an ovenproof dish.  Whisk the eggs in a bowl and then add the cream and milk along with the nutmeg and a bit of salt.  Dip half of the bread slices in the melted butter and arrange them on the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly, so that the dish is completely covered.  Pour on half of the egg/milk mixture and allow to sit for 5 minutes of so to give the bread a chance to soak up the milky goodness.  Next, add a layer of half of the ham and top with a layer of half the cheese.  Repeat the process with one more layer of bread, milk, ham and cheese.  Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crusty.  When finished, allow the custard to cool a bit before serving.