Savory French Toast with Cheese and Herbs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
