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Ah, Savory French Toast! It holds a special place in my heart and my kitchen. It was one chilly autumn morning when I lazily rummaged through my fridge, searching for breakfast inspiration. The golden hues of fallen leaves danced outside as I nestled in my cozy kitchen, the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg lingering from the previous night’s baking. As I spotted a loaf of sturdy bread resting atop my counter, ideas began to swirl in my mind. Why not treat that bread to a scrumptious savory twist? A cascade of eggs, some cheese, and fresh herbs later, I found myself flipping the most delectable Savory French Toast in a warm, sizzling skillet. With each bite, the toast sang with rich flavors—a crunchy crust encasing a soft, custardy center that made my taste buds dance with joy.
This recipe quickly became a beloved breakfast staple—not just for me, but for all who gather around my table. Its comforting aromas, hearty flavors, and delightful textures evoke a wave of coziness, making any morning feel extra special. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this savory spin on the classic is adored by so many!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: Whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for any day of the week.
- Wholesome & Filling: Packed with protein and flavor, it’s satisfying enough to keep you energized.
- Customizable: Tailor the recipe to suit your tastes with different cheeses, herbs, and spices.
- Impress Friends & Family: Whether it’s brunch or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to wow your guests.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Make a double batch and enjoy it on busy mornings or as a quick snack!
Ingredients
Bread: 6 thick slices (about 1-inch thick) of sturdy bread (such as Brioche, Challah, Sourdough, or a good quality white sandwich bread).
- Tip: Choose a robust bread that can soak up the custard—slightly stale works wonders!
Eggs: 3 large eggs.
- Tip: A thorough whisking produces a smooth custard that coats the bread beautifully.
Milk or Cream: ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream.
- Tip: Adjust fat content for desired richness; heavy cream offers decadence, while whole milk is a solid choice.
Cheese: ½ cup (about 50g) grated hard or semi-hard cheese (Parmesan, Gruyère, sharp Cheddar, Pecorino Romano recommended).
- Tip: A combination of cheeses can create delicious depth—get creative!
Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, thyme, or a mix).
- Tip: Fresh herbs brighten the dish, while dried herbs can easily stand in if needed.
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste),
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground,
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional),
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional),
- A pinch of paprika or smoked paprika (optional).
- Tip: Fine-tuning seasonings enhances flavors—don’t be shy to taste as you go!
Butter or Oil: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil (or a combination) for cooking.
- Tip: Combining both yields great flavor and helps achieve a perfectly golden crust.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Bread
If your bread isn’t a tad stale, no worries! Lightly toast the slices or leave them out for an hour to soak up that custardy goodness without turning mushy. Aim for around 1-inch thickness for uniform soaking.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a wide, shallow dish, crack those lovely eggs and whisk them until they’re perfectly combined, no streaks in sight! Then, pour in the milk or cream. Give it a good whisk until smooth, and then add the cheese, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Taste a little! It should feel like a flavor party in your mouth.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Gently place a slice of bread into your luscious egg mixture. Let it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. You want it to feel heavy yet still hold its shape. Repeat for the remaining slices (one or two at a time, so they don’t get too soggy).
Step 4: Get Cooking
Heat a skillet or griddle to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil. Wait for the butter to melt and foam, or the oil to shimmer—this means it’s ready! Carefully place the soaked bread into the skillet, letting it sizzle to the perfect golden brown (around 3-5 minutes per side).
Step 5: Flipping Great!
Once the underside is dreamy and golden, flip it carefully with a spatula. Cook until the other side matches, and the center feels custardy (but not raw!) If things are browning too fast, just lower that heat.
Step 6: Keep it Cozy
If you’re cooking in batches, keep your French toast warm by placing it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C).
Step 7: Serve Warm
Enjoy your Savory French Toast fresh out of the skillet while it’s still hot and crispy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Stale Bread: Day-old bread works wonders for soaking. The sturdier, the better!
- Whisk Well: A well-mixed custard ensures even coating and flavor distribution.
- Don’t Rush: Patience pays off! Let it develop that beautiful crust instead of moving it around too much.
- Low and Slow: Adjust heat as needed; medium heat is your best friend for a perfect cook.
- Stack Wisely: Serve immediately, or keep them warm in the oven to maintain that crispy texture.
Flavor Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try adding goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist!
- Herbs: Experiment with basil or dill for a fresh summer flavor.
- Spices: A dash of cayenne or chili flakes for a kick or swap garlic powder with a dash of curry powder for an exotic spin.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a light salad, fresh tomatoes, or avocado for balance. A sprinkling of extra cheese on top before serving adds sophistication, and don’t forget a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Pair it with your favorite brunch cocktail or a piping hot cup of coffee for the ultimate experience!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the custard mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just soak the bread right before cooking! Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Leftovers
Transform leftover Savory French Toast into a delicious sandwich! Layer it with sliced tomatoes, avocados, or even some crispy bacon for a filling lunch option.
Freezing
Absolutely! Freeze individually laid-out slices between parchment paper. Wrap them well, and they’ll last about a month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring it back to life, the oven is your best friend! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain that glorious crisp. If you’re in a hurry, a skillet with a drizzle of oil can work wonders too!
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! Sturdy bread is key. Brioche or Sourdough works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding sautéed spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the custard for an extra gourmet touch!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the optional meats and load up on the herbs and cheese for all that wonderful flavor.
How do I adjust the recipe for more servings?
Simply scale up the ingredients—just ensure your skillet can accommodate the number of slices you plan to cook simultaneously!
Final Thoughts
Cooking should always feel like a warm hug, and this Savory French Toast embodies that sentiment! I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and brings warmth to your table. Gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and let the cozy vibes wash over you! Remember, the best part about cooking is sharing those moments together. Happy cooking, friends!
Savory French Toast
Ingredients
Method
- If your bread isn’t a tad stale, lightly toast the slices or leave them out for an hour to soak up the custard without turning mushy.
- In a wide, shallow dish, crack the eggs and whisk them until combined. Pour in the milk or cream and whisk until smooth, then add the cheese, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Taste to ensure a flavorful custard.
- Gently place a slice of bread into the egg mixture and let it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. Ensure it feels heavy but still holds its shape.
- Heat a skillet or griddle to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil. Wait for the butter to melt or the oil to shimmer.
- Carefully place the soaked bread into the skillet, cooking until golden brown (around 3-5 minutes per side).
- Flip the bread carefully and cook until the other side matches in color and the center is custardy but not raw.
- If cooking in batches, keep your French toast warm in a low oven.
- Serve warm, ideally with a light salad, fresh tomatoes, or avocado, and enjoy your Savory French Toast fresh out of the skillet.