ham and gruyere stuffed french toast

loaf of rustic bread, such as pane Pugliese or Italian, cut into 1½-inch thick slices - You want to use a wider bread here, not a thin loaf of bread.

ham, thinly sliced

gruyere cheese, thinly sliced, plus more for topping

large eggs

whole milk - you could try 1%, 2% or skim here.

Coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper

maple syrup - optional but tasty, and a must for the kiddos