Step 1

Position a rack in the upper third of an oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat 12 standard muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2

Line each prepared muffin cup with a slice of ham, folding and tucking it as needed to fit and leaving about 1/4 inch (6 mm) sticking out above the rim of the cup. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, cheese, mustard, 4 tsp. salt and 2 tsp. pepper. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the brioche. Let stand for 15 minutes.

Step 4

Divide the brioche mixture evenly among the ham-lined muffin cups. Bake until the tops are deeply golden and crusty, 15 to 18 minutes.

Step 5

Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool slightly. Top the brioche bites with a few grindings of pepper, garnish with chives and serve immediately. Makes

Step 6

Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen