Savory French Toast Recipe

Savory French Toast Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish, perfect for brunches, cozy mornings, or even as a quick dinner option. This recipe brings together rich flavors from cheese and herbs, creating a savory experience that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s versatile enough to impress guests or satisfy your cravings with minimal effort and ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Savory French Toast can be whipped up in no time.
• Customizable Flavors: Mix and match different cheeses and herbs to create a version that suits your palate.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
• Flavorful and Filling: The combination of eggs, milk, and cheese makes this dish rich and satisfying without being overly heavy.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and reheat for a quick weekday meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools that will help you achieve the perfect Savory French Toast.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or griddle
• Wide shallow dish (like a pie plate)
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Wire rack (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or griddle: Essential for cooking multiple slices at once while achieving that golden-brown crust.
• Wide shallow dish: Allows for easy soaking of the bread in the custard mixture without spilling.
• Whisk: Ensures all ingredients are well combined for an even custard mixture.

Ingredients

For the Bread

• Bread: 6 thick slices (about 1-inch thick) of sturdy bread (such as Brioche, Challah, Sourdough, or good quality white sandwich bread).

For the Custard Base

• Eggs: 3 large eggs.
• Milk or Cream: ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream.

For Flavor

• Cheese: ½ cup (about 50g) grated hard or semi-hard cheese (Parmesan, Gruyère, sharp Cheddar, Pecorino Romano recommended).
• Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, thyme).
• Seasonings:
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Pinch of paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

For Cooking

• Butter or Oil: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil (or a combination).

How to Make Savory French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. If your bread isn’t slightly stale, lightly toast the slices in a toaster or let them sit on a wire rack for an hour to dry slightly. This helps them absorb the custard without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

1. In a wide shallow dish, crack the 3 large eggs. Whisk until fully combined.
2. Pour in the milk or cream and whisk again until smooth.
3. Add grated cheese, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), onion powder (if using), and paprika. Whisk vigorously until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Slices

1. Gently place one slice of bread into the custard mixture.
2. Let it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side until saturated but not falling apart.
3. Repeat with remaining slices just before cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Savory French Toast

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil.
2. Once hot enough to sizzle when water hits it, lift soaked bread slices from custard and place them gently in the skillet.
3. Cook each side for approximately 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve Warm

1. If cooking in batches, keep cooked toast warm on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a low oven until all slices are ready.
2. Serve immediately while warm and crisp!

Enjoy this Savory French Toast Recipe at any time of day for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Savory French Toast Recipe

Savory French Toast is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a hearty breakfast or a delightful brunch option, there are numerous toppings and sides that can enhance its flavor and presentation.

Fresh Greens

• Arugula or Spinach Salad: A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery contrast to the rich toast.
• Herbed Greens: Toss mixed greens with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing accompaniment.

Avocado

• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices provide richness and balance the savory flavors perfectly.
• Guacamole: A dollop of guacamole adds creaminess and a zesty kick to each bite.

Sauces & Condiments

• Chili Sauce: A splash of chili sauce introduces spice, making the dish more exciting.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A spoonful of either adds tanginess and creaminess that complements the savory elements.

Tomatoes

• Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, roasted tomatoes bring brightness and an additional layer of flavor.
• Sliced Fresh Tomatoes: Simple yet effective, fresh tomato slices add freshness and juiciness.

How to Perfect Savory French Toast Recipe

For the ultimate Savory French Toast experience, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish comes out deliciously every time.

• Use Sturdy Bread: Opt for thick slices of bread like brioche or sourdough, which hold up well during soaking.
• Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure your egg mixture is well-whisked for a smooth custard that coats the bread evenly.
• Soak Carefully: Don’t soak the bread for too long; just enough to absorb the custard without falling apart.
• Moderate Heat Is Key: Cook on medium heat to achieve a crispy exterior while ensuring the inside is cooked through.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices and herbs according to your preferences for added flavor complexity.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve your Savory French Toast hot off the skillet.

Best Side Dishes for Savory French Toast Recipe

Pairing your Savory French Toast with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mixed Berry Salad: A vibrant combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries drizzled with honey.
2. Crispy Potato Hash: Diced potatoes sautéed until golden brown add texture and heartiness to your plate.
3. Fruit Compote: A sweet-tart fruit compote made from seasonal fruits enhances sweetness against the savory toast.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus spears provide crunch and freshness that pairs beautifully.
5. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters add a savory element while introducing extra veggies into your meal.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles or pickled onions introduce acidity that cuts through richness nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Savory French Toast can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using fresh bread: Fresh bread can become soggy and fail to hold its shape. Opt for slightly stale or toasted bread to absorb the custard without falling apart.
• Over-soaking the bread: Soaking the bread for too long can lead to mushy toast. Aim for about 20-30 seconds per side, ensuring it absorbs enough custard without disintegrating.
• Not seasoning adequately: Skipping or skimping on seasonings can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you season the custard well with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic or onion powder.
• Cooking at too high a temperature: High heat can burn the outside while leaving the center uncooked. Keep your skillet at medium heat for even cooking and a golden crust.
• Crowding the pan: Overcrowding prevents proper browning and cooking. Cook in batches to allow each slice enough space in the skillet.
• Serving it cold: Savory French Toast is best enjoyed warm and crisp. Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Savory French Toast Recipe

• Allow the cooked slices to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Savory French Toast Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or oil until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding this Savory French Toast Recipe:

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with various cheeses. Just ensure they are hard or semi-hard varieties that melt well.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can omit any meat-based elements and focus on using vegetables or additional cheeses for flavor.

What is the best bread for this Savory French Toast Recipe?

Thick slices of sturdy bread like Brioche, Challah, Sourdough, or thick-cut white sandwich bread work best due to their ability to hold up during soaking.

Can I add vegetables to my Savory French Toast?

Absolutely! Adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can enhance both flavor and nutrition.

How do I customize my Savory French Toast Recipe?

You can change herbs, cheeses, or spices according to your taste preferences. Consider adding different toppings like avocado or fresh tomatoes!

Final Thoughts

This Savory French Toast Recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various cheeses and herbs, making it suitable for any palate. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with your favorite ingredients, it’s sure to impress. Give it a try!