Go Back

Savory French Toast

A delightful twist on the traditional French toast, this savory version is flavored with cheese, fresh herbs, and seasonings, creating a warm and cozy breakfast dish perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: French
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 slices thick slices (about 1-inch thick) of sturdy bread Brioche, Challah, Sourdough, or good quality white sandwich bread recommended.
  • 3 large eggs Whisk thoroughly for a smooth custard.
  • ½ cup whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream Adjust fat content for desired richness.
  • ½ cup grated hard or semi-hard cheese Parmesan, Gruyère, sharp Cheddar, or Pecorino Romano recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs Chives, parsley, thyme, or a mix works well.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil Combining both yields great flavor.
Seasonings
  • ½ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground recommended.
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder Optional.
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder Optional.
  • a pinch paprika or smoked paprika Optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
Cooking
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Carefully place the soaked bread into the skillet, cooking until golden brown (around 3-5 minutes per side).
  4. Flip the bread carefully and cook until the other side matches in color and the center is custardy but not raw.
  5. If cooking in batches, keep your French toast warm in a low oven.
Serving
  1. Serve warm, ideally with a light salad, fresh tomatoes, or avocado, and enjoy your Savory French Toast fresh out of the skillet.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze individually laid-out slices for up to a month. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or use a skillet with oil.