Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C) and place a baking sheet on the middle rack.

Step 2

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg together in a shallow bowl or pie plate. Place two pieces of bread into the custard mixture and allow them to soak for about 30 seconds on each side.

Step 4

Add 2 teaspoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of oil to the pan and swirl to combine. Add in four slices of custard-soaked bread and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer to the oven to keep warm. Soak the remaining bread and cook the French toast in the remaining butter and oil.

Step 5

In the same skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat, if using, until crisp, flipping as needed, about 4 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the French toast from the oven and sprinkle each piece with about 1/4 cup of grated cheese. Return to the oven, turn the broiler on to high and broil until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 7

Top each piece with a couple of pieces of crispy pancetta, if using, and serve two slices of French toast per person, drizzled with maple syrup.