Savory French Toast Recipe

The Best Savory French Toast Recipe You’ll Ever Make

I used to think French toast had to be sweet, covered in syrup and sugar. But one morning, I decided to experiment with cheese and herbs, and the result was incredible. The outside was perfectly crisp, and the inside was a cheesy, savory custard.

It completely changed my breakfast routine! If you enjoy exploring unique dishes, you might also like to try our guide for a Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe. This savory toast, however, is a new favorite in my house.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this savory French toast from good to great.

• I always recommend using slightly stale, thick-cut bread. If your loaf is fresh, just pop the slices in the toaster for a minute to dry them out. It makes a huge difference in preventing sogginess.
• Don’t be afraid to mix your cheeses! I love using a combination of sharp cheddar for its tang and Gruyère for its amazing meltiness.
• Control your heat. Medium heat is your best friend here. Too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too low, and it will get greasy.
• For an extra umami boost, I sometimes add a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce to the egg mixture. It deepens the savory flavor profile wonderfully.

Variations to Try

This recipe is a wonderful starting point for creativity. You can easily adapt it to different tastes and dietary needs.

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg custard for a fiery kick.
• Dairy-Free: Use your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Cook with olive oil instead of butter.
• Gluten-Free: Simply swap the bread for your preferred thick-cut gluten-free variety.
• Flavor Add-ins: Add finely diced sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions to the custard.

You can find more inspiration by exploring other dinner recipes to see what savory combinations you like.

Equipment You Need

You don’t need much to make this delicious recipe.

• Large Skillet or Griddle: For cooking the French toast evenly.
• Wide, Shallow Dish: For mixing the custard and soaking the bread.
• Whisk: To ensure the egg custard is smooth and well-combined.
• Spatula: For flipping the French toast without breaking it.
• Wire Rack: To keep cooked slices warm and crisp in the oven.

How to Serve Savory French Toast

Presentation can make this simple dish feel like a gourmet meal.

• Top it with a perfectly fried or poached egg for a runny yolk “sauce.”
• Serve alongside crispy bacon, prosciutto, or smoked salmon for a protein-packed meal.
• Add sliced avocado or sautéed spinach for a fresh, healthy element.
• For a truly beautiful presentation, stack two slices and garnish with fresh herbs. It’s a simple touch that elevates the dish; you can pair it with a Mango Mojito Recipe.

Calories Count

Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on your specific ingredients.

• Calories per slice: 250-350
• Protein: Sourced mainly from the eggs and cheese.
• Fat: Comes from egg yolks, dairy, cheese, and cooking oil or butter.
• Carbohydrates: Primarily from the bread.
• Sodium: Comes from the added salt and cheese.

How to Store Savory French Toast

Storing leftovers is simple, though the toast is always best when fresh.

• Refrigerating: Store cooked slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to make this your new go-to meal.

• Incredibly Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, a satisfying lunch, or even a quick weeknight dinner.
• Easy to Customize: You can easily swap herbs, cheeses, and toppings to suit your taste.
• Quick Preparation: It comes together in under 35 minutes, making it ideal for any day of the week.
• A Unique Twist: It’s a delightful and unexpected departure from the usual sweet French toast.
• Satisfying and Flavorful: The combination of cheesy, eggy bread and fresh herbs is deeply satisfying.

Ben Carraoli

Savory French Toast Recipe

I used to think French toast had to be sweet, covered in syrup and sugar. But one morning, I decided to experiment with cheese and herbs, and the result was incredible. The outside was perfectly crisp, and the inside was a cheesy, savory custard.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Breakfast

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 6 thick slices of sturdy bread like Brioche, Challah, or Sourdough – A strong bread is essential to soak up the custard without falling apart. Slightly stale bread works best.
• 3 large eggs – These create the rich custard base that gives the French toast its structure and flavor.
• ½ cup 120 ml whole milk or cream – This thins the eggs to create the soakable mixture. Cream will result in a richer, more decadent texture.
• ½ cup 50g grated hard cheese (Parmesan, Gruyère, or sharp Cheddar) – This is the star! Grating it fresh provides the best melt and a robust, salty flavor.
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs chives, parsley, or thyme – Fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic quality that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust this based on how salty your cheese is.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground – Freshly ground pepper adds a gentle, spicy kick.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional – Provides a deep, savory flavor without the texture of fresh garlic.
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder optional – Complements the garlic powder for a well-rounded aromatic base.
• Pinch of paprika optional – Adds a hint of warmth and beautiful color to the final dish.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil – For frying. Using a mix of both gives you the flavor of butter with the higher smoke point of oil.

Method

 

1. If your bread is fresh, let the slices sit out on a wire rack for an hour or two to dry out slightly. This step is crucial because drier bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively without becoming soggy, ensuring a better final texture.
2. In a shallow dish wide enough for a slice of bread, crack the eggs and whisk them until the yolks and whites are completely combined. Pour in the milk or cream and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Stir the grated cheese, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder into the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously to ensure all the savory ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a flavorful custard for soaking the bread.
4. Place one slice of bread into the custard, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. The bread should feel saturated but not be falling apart. Let any excess liquid drip off before moving to the pan.
5. Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully place the soaked bread slice in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown and crispy.
6. Flip the French toast and cook the second side for another 3-5 minutes. The center should feel firm to the touch but still have a custardy give. If the outside is browning too fast, reduce the heat to cook the inside through.