If you're searching for a creative brunch or breakfast idea that goes beyond the usual sweet flavors, the Easy Savory French Toast Recipe is the perfect solution. French toast, or 'pain perdu,' has been a staple of European breakfasts for centuries.
Traditionally, it showcases stale bread revived in a rich egg custard before being pan-fried. However, the classic version is usually sweet, smothered in powdered sugar, syrups, or fruit.
Our Easy Savory French Toast Recipe puts a modern, flavorful twist on this beloved dish, introducing fresh herbs and aromatic spices, making it equally fitting for lunch or dinner.
With ingredients like challah or baguette, eggs, herbs, and a hint of garlic or onion powder, this savory version is hearty and satisfying. It's a wonderful way to reduce food waste, utilizing day-old bread to achieve the best texture.
Plus, this savory recipe provides flexibility for toppings—consider arugula, creamy avocado, or a perfectly cooked egg to round out your plate.
Whether you're hosting a lazy weekend brunch or planning a cozy breakfast at home, this Easy Savory French Toast Recipe is sure to impress, balancing traditional technique with fresh, contemporary flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of challah bread or a baguette (better if it's 1-2 days old)
- 1 cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk; use whatever milk you like)
- 6 eggs
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (or a combination of both)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil or preferred oil
- Optional toppings: arugula, sliced avocado, fried or soft-boiled eggs
Instructions
- Begin by preheating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chosen mild-flavored oil, butter, or margarine, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan. Allow the oil to become hot and just begin shimmering.
- In a wide bowl or shallow casserole dish, crack the eggs and pour in the milk. Add the chopped parsley, thyme, garlic powder and/or onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly using a fork or whisk until evenly combined, ensuring the herbs are well distributed for flavor in every bite.
- Before cooking, dip each slice of day-old challah bread or baguette into the savory egg mixture. Allow each slice to soak for 10 to 30 seconds—thicker or drier bread may benefit from a longer soak to fully absorb the custard mixture without falling apart.
- Transfer the soaked bread slices in batches to the hot skillet. Be careful to avoid overcrowding; leave space between slices for even browning. Once in the pan, reduce the heat slightly to medium-low. Fry the bread undisturbed until the bottom is deeply golden brown and crispy, typically about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently flip each slice using a spatula and cook the second side until also golden brown and evenly crisp, about 2-3 minutes more. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning; the goal is a crunchy exterior and a tender, custardy center.
- Once cooked, remove each piece and place on a serving platter. For best texture, serve immediately. For larger batches, keep cooked slices warm in a low oven while finishing the rest.
- To serve, top the warm savory French toast with fresh arugula or spinach, creamy slices of avocado, and your choice of fried or soft-boiled eggs for a complete and nourishing meal. Enjoy while hot for the ultimate experience.
Nutritional Information
This Easy Savory French Toast Recipe is not just loaded with robust flavor, but it also offers a nutritious way to start your day. Each serving provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein from eggs, aiding in muscle maintenance and keeping you satiated longer.
The use of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme adds vitamins such as vitamin K and C, along with beneficial antioxidants. Opting for unsweetened almond milk or your preferred milk can modify the calorie content based on preference and dietary needs.
Olive oil or avocado oil can be used as heart-healthy fat options for pan-frying. The recipe is naturally low in sugar, as it omits traditional sweeteners, and offers a balanced amount of complex carbohydrates from the bread.
Optional toppings like arugula and avocado contribute additional fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, while eggs on top further increase the meal's protein content. Overall, this savory take on French toast is well-rounded, suitable for vegetarians, and adaptable for various dietary styles.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Pair this Easy Savory French Toast Recipe with a refreshing sparkling white wine, such as Prosecco or Cava, which complements the herbal and savory flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, try a cold-brew herbal iced tea with hints of lemon or mint.
Classic brunch beverages like a light Bloody Mary or fresh orange juice also match well with the richness and herbs in the dish, rounding out your savory breakfast or brunch experience.
Cooking Tips and Variations
For optimal results with this Easy Savory French Toast Recipe, select bread that's one or two days old; fresh bread can get soggy and may fall apart during soaking. Challah offers a tender crumb and gentle sweetness that pairs well with herbs, while baguette provides a rustic, chewy base.
You can experiment with other sturdy breads, such as sourdough or whole grain, for varied texture and nutrition. When blending your egg mixture, fully whisk the eggs and milk so the resulting custard is smooth—this ensures every slice absorbs flavor evenly.
If using a cast iron skillet, ensure it's well-seasoned to prevent sticking. Adjust heat as needed; if slices brown too quickly, lower the temperature. Personalize the flavors by blending both garlic and onion powder for an extra savory dimension, or add a hint of smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
For added richness, sprinkle crumbled feta or grated parmesan over the finished toast. If you're serving a crowd, keep cooked toast warm in the oven (set to 200°F/95°C) on a wire rack while you finish the batch.
Finally, this dish refrigerates and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead brunches.
Serving Suggestions
When presenting your Easy Savory French Toast Recipe, arrange the golden-brown slices in overlapping layers on a large platter. Top with a generous handful of fresh arugula or baby spinach for a peppery, refreshing note.
For a touch of luxury and creaminess, fan out thin slices of ripe avocado across the toast. Add a final flourish with perfectly fried eggs or soft-boiled eggs, allowing the yolk to run slightly and enrich each bite. For visual appeal, sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the top.
You can also create a brunch bar setup: serve the savory French toast with a selection of toppings, such as roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or crumbled feta cheese, letting guests build their own plates.
Accompany the meal with small bowls of tangy yogurt, fresh fruit, or a simple green salad. A side of crispy potatoes or roasted asparagus further completes the plate.
This dish is best enjoyed warm and works beautifully at leisurely weekend breakfasts, holiday brunch buffets, or even as a comforting breakfast-for-dinner option.
Health Benefits
The Easy Savory French Toast Recipe is a smart, flavorful choice for health-conscious eaters. By using unsweetened almond milk or your preferred milk alternative, you can reduce sugar and dairy content as desired. Eggs deliver a powerful protein punch alongside essential nutrients like vitamin B12, choline, and healthy fats.
The inclusion of fresh herbs boosts antioxidant intake and supports immune function. Garlic and onion powders add depth of flavor while offering trace minerals and phytochemicals linked with heart health.
The recipe omits added sugars and sugary toppings, making it suitable for those managing blood sugar or seeking a balanced start to the day. Toppings like arugula add fiber and phytonutrients, while avocado offers monounsaturated fats that contribute to heart and brain health.
The dish is vegetarian and can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with minor ingredient swaps, making it adaptable for a variety of dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. While challah and baguette are recommended, other breads like sourdough, brioche, or whole grain work well. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale for best results.
Yes, you can prepare the French toast in advance and reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet. Toppings should be added just before serving for freshness.
Definitely. Substitute almond milk or any plant-based milk for dairy milk, and use oil or vegan butter for frying to keep the recipe plant-based.
Use slightly stale bread and do not oversoak slices in the egg mixture. Fry over medium-low heat to ensure the custard cooks through. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Yes. Let the cooked slices cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat directly in a toaster or oven for a quick, delicious meal.
Elevate your brunch or breakfast routine by trying this Easy Savory French Toast Recipe. With its blend of fresh herbs, quality bread, and customizable toppings, it offers a savory twist on a classic favorite. The step-by-step instructions make the preparation accessible even for novice cooks, while a variety of serving options allow you to cater to any palate or occasion. As a wholesome, adaptable, and crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is certain to become a new staple in your kitchen, perfect for everything from laid-back mornings to festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of challah bread or a baguette (better if it's 1-2 days old)
- 1 cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk; use whatever milk you like)
- 6 eggs
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (or a combination of both)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil or preferred oil
- Optional toppings: arugula, sliced avocado, fried or soft-boiled eggs
Instructions
-
1Begin by preheating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chosen mild-flavored oil, butter, or margarine, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan. Allow the oil to become hot and just begin shimmering.
-
2In a wide bowl or shallow casserole dish, crack the eggs and pour in the milk. Add the chopped parsley, thyme, garlic powder and/or onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly using a fork or whisk until evenly combined, ensuring the herbs are well distributed for flavor in every bite.
-
3Before cooking, dip each slice of day-old challah bread or baguette into the savory egg mixture. Allow each slice to soak for 10 to 30 seconds—thicker or drier bread may benefit from a longer soak to fully absorb the custard mixture without falling apart.
-
4Transfer the soaked bread slices in batches to the hot skillet. Be careful to avoid overcrowding; leave space between slices for even browning. Once in the pan, reduce the heat slightly to medium-low. Fry the bread undisturbed until the bottom is deeply golden brown and crispy, typically about 2-3 minutes.
-
5Gently flip each slice using a spatula and cook the second side until also golden brown and evenly crisp, about 2-3 minutes more. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning; the goal is a crunchy exterior and a tender, custardy center.
-
6Once cooked, remove each piece and place on a serving platter. For best texture, serve immediately. For larger batches, keep cooked slices warm in a low oven while finishing the rest.
-
7To serve, top the warm savory French toast with fresh arugula or spinach, creamy slices of avocado, and your choice of fried or soft-boiled eggs for a complete and nourishing meal. Enjoy while hot for the ultimate experience.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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