Savory French Toast with Cheese and Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Discover the delightful twist on a breakfast classic with this savory French toast recipe. Packed with cheese, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, it offers a rich and satisfying flavor that’s perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 6 thick slices (about 1-inch thick) of sturdy bread (such as Brioche, Challah, Sourdough, or Thick-Cut White)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream
• ½ cup (about 50g) grated hard or semi-hard cheese (Parmesan, Gruyère, sharp Cheddar, or Pecorino Romano)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, thyme, or a mix) or 2 teaspoons dried herbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Pinch of paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil (or a combination) for cooking

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the bread by ensuring it is slightly stale or lightly toasted. This helps absorb the custard without becoming soggy. Set aside slices about 1 inch thick.
2. Step 2: In a wide shallow dish, crack the eggs and whisk thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined with no streaks.
3. Step 3: Pour in the milk (or cream/half-and-half) and whisk until smooth. Add grated cheese, fresh or dried herbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk again until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Step 4: Soak each bread slice gently in the custard mixture for 20-30 seconds per side, allowing it to absorb but not become soggy. Soak only one or two slices at a time before cooking.
5. Step 5: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter or oil and allow it to melt and warm until it sizzles gently.
6. Step 6: Place a soaked bread slice onto the hot skillet carefully. Cook without moving for 3-5 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Flip the toast and cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes until equally golden and the center feels firm but still custardy.
8. Step 8: Repeat soaking and cooking with remaining slices, adding more butter or oil as needed.
9. Step 9 (Optional): Keep cooked French toast warm on a wire rack in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) to maintain crispness until serving.
10. Step 10: Serve savory French toast warm and enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use slightly stale bread for better absorption without becoming soggy.
• Combine different cheeses for complex flavor and a gooey texture.
• Experiment with your favorite fresh or dried herbs to customize the aroma and taste.
• Mix butter and olive oil to achieve a flavorful crust with a higher smoke point.
• Add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top while cooking for an extra cheesy crust.

Storage

Store leftover savory French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a low oven to preserve crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the toast soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make savory French toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard and soak the bread slices shortly before cooking. Cook the toast fresh to maintain the best texture and flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated later.

What bread works best for savory French toast?

Sturdy breads like Brioche, Challah, Sourdough, or thick-cut white or country loaf slices work best. Slightly stale bread absorbs custard well without falling apart.

Savory French Toast with Cheese and Herbs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 109 reviews

This Savory French Toast recipe elevates the classic breakfast favorite with a rich custard infused with cheese, fresh herbs, and aromatic seasonings. Using thick slices of sturdy bread like brioche or sourdough, the custard soak creates a tender, flavorful interior with a crisp golden crust. Perfectly pan-fried to golden perfection, this savory twist on French toast offers a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous notes that make it a comforting yet sophisticated dish for any meal.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 6 slices 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• 6 thick slices (about 1-inch thick) of sturdy bread (Brioche, Challah, Sourdough, or thick white country bread)

Custard

• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream
• ½ cup (about 50g) grated hard or semi-hard cheese (Parmesan, Gruyère, sharp Cheddar, or Pecorino Romano)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, thyme, or a mix) or 2 teaspoons dried herbs
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Pinch of paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil, or a combination

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Ensure your bread slices are around 1 inch thick and slightly stale. If not stale, toast slices lightly or leave them on a wire rack for a couple of hours to dry slightly. This helps the bread absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
2. Make the Savory Custard: In a wide, shallow dish, crack the eggs and whisk thoroughly until yolks and whites are fully combined for a smooth custard base.
3. Incorporate Liquids and Seasonings: Add the milk or cream to the eggs and whisk again until smooth. Stir in grated cheese, fresh or dried herbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika if using. Whisk well to evenly distribute all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Soak the Bread: Dip each bread slice into the custard, soaking about 20-30 seconds per side. The bread should absorb enough custard to feel heavy but retain its shape. Avoid soaking all slices at once to prevent sogginess.
5. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or griddle on medium heat. Add butter or oil and let the butter foam or oil shimmer, indicating proper cooking temperature without burning.
6. Cook the French Toast: Place a soaked bread slice into the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until the bottom forms a deep golden brown crust.
7. Flip and Cook the Second Side: Carefully flip using a spatula and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the second side is equally golden brown and the center is set but custardy.
8. Keep Warm (Optional): If cooking multiple batches, keep finished French toast warm on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F / 90°C) without stacking to preserve crispness.
9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your savory French toast warm and crisp straight from the skillet for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use slightly stale bread for best soak without sogginess.
• Adjust salt carefully depending on the saltiness of your cheese.
• Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried herbs are a good substitute if rehydrated properly.
• Maintain medium heat to avoid burning butter and ensure thorough cooking of the custard center.
• Serve immediately for optimal texture—French toast tends to lose crispness as it cools.

Keywords: Savory French Toast, Cheese French Toast, Herb French Toast, Breakfast, Brunch, Pan-fried French Toast, Savory Breakfast