Description
This Easy Savory French Toast recipe uses challah or baguette bread soaked in a flavorful egg and herb mixture, then pan-fried to a golden, crispy perfection. Infused with fresh parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper, it makes a delicious and elegant meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Optional toppings like arugula, avocado slices, and fried or soft-boiled eggs add a fresh and creamy contrast to the toast’s savory richness.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 slices of challah bread (or a baguette, preferably 1-2 days old)
- 1 cup milk (unsweetened almond milk or any milk of choice)
- 6 large eggs
Seasonings & Herbs
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or onion powder, or a combination)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fat
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil (or preferred cooking oil, butter, or margarine)
Optional Toppings
- Arugula or spinach
- Sliced avocado
- Fried eggs or soft-boiled eggs
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add a mild-flavored oil, butter, or margarine. Allow the oil to shimmer indicating it is hot enough for cooking.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl or casserole dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, chopped parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for 10 to 30 seconds depending on the bread’s thickness and dryness. Ensure the bread absorbs the mixture but does not become too soggy.
- Start cooking the toast: Once the oil is shimmering again, transfer the soaked bread slices to the skillet without overcrowding. Reduce the heat to medium-low to avoid burning.
- Cook each side to golden brown: Cook the bread 2-3 minutes on the first side until a nice golden crust forms, then carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until equally golden and crispy.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the cooked French toast to a serving platter. Top with fresh arugula or spinach, sliced avocado, and optionally, fried or soft-boiled eggs for an added protein boost and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to achieve the best texture; fresh bread may become too soggy.
- Adjust soaking time based on bread thickness and dryness to prevent breakage during cooking.
- You may substitute different herbs like chives or oregano based on preference.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk.
- Cook on medium-low heat after adding bread to avoid burning while allowing even cooking.
- Optional toppings can be mixed and matched or omitted according to taste.
