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Savory French Toast with Herbs and Parmesan

savory french toast - featured image

A savory twist on classic French toast featuring fresh herbs and a crispy Parmesan crust, perfect for a cozy brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 thick slices (about 1-inch thick) day-old country bread or sourdough
  • 4 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or 2%
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, Parmesan, thyme, and rosemary; mix well.
  2. Slice bread into 6 thick pieces (about 1-inch thick).
  3. Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture, soaking about 10 seconds per side. Let excess drip off.
  4. Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil; wait until butter foams and sizzles.
  5. Cook soaked bread slices in the hot pan for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Transfer cooked French toast to a plate, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired, season lightly with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess. Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the Parmesan. Keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven if making for a crowd. Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for best crust texture. Variations include swapping Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Gruyère, or adding sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: savory French toast, herbs, Parmesan, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, cozy brunch, herb French toast