Savory French toast: Forget everything you thought you knew about French toast! Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will redefine your breakfast (or brunch, or even dinner!) expectations. This isn’t your grandma’s sweet, syrup-drenched morning treat. We’re talking about a sophisticated, flavorful experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

While the origins of French toast, or “pain perdu” (lost bread) as it’s known in France, are debated, its roots can be traced back to ancient Rome. The idea of soaking stale bread in milk and eggs to revive it is a testament to resourceful cooking. But the savory twist? That’s where the real magic happens. It elevates a humble dish to something truly special.

So, why is savory French toast such a hit? It’s all about the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Imagine the soft, custardy interior of the bread, infused with herbs and spices, contrasted by a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior. The possibilities are endless! Top it with a fried egg, some crumbled bacon, a dollop of creamy avocado, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It’s a versatile dish that’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to impress. Get ready to ditch the syrup and discover your new favorite way to enjoy French toast!

Ingredients:

8 slices of brioche bread, about 1 inch thick
6 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons butter
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped

Preparing the Egg Mixture

Alright, let’s get started! The key to amazing savory French toast is a flavorful egg mixture. This is where we build the foundation of deliciousness.

In a large bowl, crack all 6 eggs. Don’t be shy! We need that eggy goodness to coat our brioche.
Add the whole milk and heavy cream to the bowl. The combination of milk and cream creates a rich and decadent base for our French toast.
Now, for the flavor boosters! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh chives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty note, while the chives bring a fresh, herbaceous element. The Dijon mustard provides a subtle tang, and the garlic and onion powders add depth of flavor. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking!
Whisk everything together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You want to make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk or cream. A smooth mixture will coat the bread evenly.

Soaking the Brioche

Next up, we’re going to soak the brioche slices in our flavorful egg mixture. This is where the magic happens, transforming the bread into something truly special.

Pour half of the egg mixture into a shallow dish or baking pan. Make sure the dish is large enough to accommodate the brioche slices without overcrowding them.
Place 4 slices of brioche bread into the egg mixture, making sure they are submerged. Let them soak for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are saturated but not falling apart. You want the bread to absorb as much of the egg mixture as possible without becoming soggy.
Remove the soaked brioche slices from the dish and set them aside on a plate.
Repeat the process with the remaining egg mixture and brioche slices.

Cooking the Savory French Toast

Now for the fun part cooking the French toast! This is where we transform the soaked brioche into golden-brown perfection.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. The combination of olive oil and butter provides a nice flavor and prevents the French toast from sticking to the pan.
Once the oil and butter are melted and the skillet is hot, carefully place two slices of soaked brioche into the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the French toast from browning properly.
Cook the French toast for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bread and the heat of your skillet.
While the first side is cooking, top each slice with half of the prosciutto and half of the Gruyere cheese. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully as the French toast cooks.
Once the first side is golden brown, carefully flip the French toast and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Repeat the process with the remaining olive oil, butter, and soaked brioche slices.

Assembling and Serving

Almost there! Now it’s time to assemble our savory French toast and get ready to enjoy this culinary masterpiece.

Cut each slice of savory French toast in half diagonally. This makes it easier to eat and also looks more appealing.
Arrange the French toast halves on plates.
Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Serve immediately and enjoy! This savory French toast is best enjoyed hot, when the cheese is melted and the bread is still crispy.

Tips and Variations

Want to take your savory French toast to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

Use different types of bread: While brioche is my favorite for this recipe, you can also use challah, sourdough, or even a good-quality white bread. Just be sure to adjust the soaking time accordingly, as different types of bread will absorb the egg mixture at different rates.
Experiment with different cheeses: Gruyere is a classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or even goat cheese.
Add vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or onions would be delicious additions to this savory French toast. Simply sauté the vegetables before adding them to the egg mixture or topping the French toast.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little bit of heat.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the egg mixture and soak the brioche slices ahead of time. Store the soaked brioche slices in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
Serve with a side: This savory French toast is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or even a fried egg.

Detailed Ingredient Notes

Let’s dive a little deeper into why each ingredient is important and how to choose the best ones.

Brioche Bread: The star of the show! Brioche is an enriched bread, meaning it’s made with butter and eggs, giving it a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a tender crumb. This makes it perfect for soaking up the egg mixture without becoming soggy. Look for brioche that’s about 1 inch thick for the best results. If you can’t find brioche, challah is a good substitute.
Eggs: Use large eggs for this recipe. They provide the structure and richness to the egg mixture.
Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: The combination of milk and cream creates a luxurious and decadent base for the French toast. The heavy cream adds richness and helps to create a custardy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Fresh Chives: Bring a fresh, herbaceous element to the dish. If you don’t have fresh chives, you can substitute dried chives, but use about half the amount.
Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Add depth of flavor to the egg mixture.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste! Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
Olive Oil and Butter: The combination of olive oil and butter provides a nice flavor and prevents the French toast from sticking to the pan.
Prosciutto: A salty, savory cured ham that adds a delicious layer of flavor to the French toast. Use thinly sliced prosciutto for the best results.
Gruyere Cheese: A nutty, slightly sweet cheese that melts beautifully. You can substitute other cheeses like Swiss or cheddar if you prefer.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you out:

French toast is too soggy: Make sure you’re not soaking the bread for too long. The bread should be saturated but not falling apart. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the French toast.
French toast is burning: Lower the heat and cook the French toast for a longer period of time.
Cheese isn’t melting: Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to help the cheese melt.
Conclusion:

This isn’t your grandma’s French toast unless your grandma was a culinary genius secretly whipping up savory delights! Seriously though, this Savory French Toast recipe is a game-changer. It’s the perfect brunch centerpiece, a satisfying lunch option, or even a surprisingly elegant light dinner. The combination of the rich, eggy bread, the salty bacon (or your favorite protein!), and the creamy, tangy goat cheese is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more, guaranteed.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly versatile, surprisingly easy to make, and delivers a flavor punch that will impress even the most discerning palates. Forget sugary syrups and fruit toppings; this is French toast for grown-ups, a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover bread, transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s customizable to your liking!

Looking for serving suggestions? I love to serve this with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, adds a pop of color and freshness. For a heartier meal, consider adding a fried egg on top the runny yolk adds another layer of deliciousness.

And speaking of customization, the possibilities are endless!

Variations to Explore:

* Cheese Swap: Not a fan of goat cheese? Try using Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
* Protein Power: Bacon is a classic, but feel free to experiment with other proteins. Diced ham, crumbled sausage, or even smoked salmon would be fantastic additions. For a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms or spinach would be delicious.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little kick. Or, try using different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Garlic powder, onion powder, or even a touch of smoked paprika would be great additions.
* Bread Choice: While I recommend a sturdy bread like sourdough or brioche, you can experiment with other types. Challah bread would be particularly delicious, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
* Vegetable Boost: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables into the egg mixture for added nutrients and flavor. Bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini would work well.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I know it will become one in yours too. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to create your own signature Savory French Toast masterpiece.

Once you’ve given it a try, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and variations on social media using #SavoryFrenchToast and tag me so I can see your creations. Let me know what you thought of the recipe and what changes you made to make it your own. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I can’t wait to see what you come up with! This recipe is truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Savory French Toast: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Recipes

Savory French toast featuring brioche bread, prosciutto, and Gruyere cheese. A decadent breakfast or brunch.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time35 minutes

Category: Breakfast

Yield: 4 servings

Save This Recipe

Ingredients
- 8 slices brioche bread, about 1 inch thick
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, crack the eggs. Add milk, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
2. Soak the Brioche: Pour half of the egg mixture into a shallow dish. Place 4 brioche slices in the mixture, ensuring they are submerged. Soak for 2-3 minutes per side, until saturated but not falling apart. Repeat with remaining mixture and bread.
3. Cook the Savory French Toast: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place two soaked brioche slices in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
4. Add Prosciutto and Cheese: While the first side is cooking, top each slice with half of the prosciutto and half of the Gruyere cheese.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the French toast and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Repeat: Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining olive oil, butter, and soaked brioche slices.
7. Assemble and Serve: Cut each slice in half diagonally. Arrange on plates. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use brioche, challah, or sourdough bread.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or goat cheese.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or onions.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prepare the egg mixture and soak the brioche slices ahead of time.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or a fried egg.
- If French toast is too soggy: Make sure you’re not soaking the bread for too long. The bread should be saturated but not falling apart. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the French toast.
- If French toast is burning: Lower the heat and cook the French toast for a longer period of time.
- If cheese isn’t melting: Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to help the cheese melt.

Savory French Toast: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Recipes