This savory French toast is a delicious, cheesy twist on the classic sweet version. Perfect for those mornings when you’re craving something hearty and salty, this dish is flavored with parmesan, garlic powder, herbs, and a hint of smoked paprika. It’s an excellent way to use up stale bread and makes a quick, satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 Egg

• ¼ Cup Milk

• 2 slices Bread (sourdough or any type)

• 1 pinch Salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (or roasted garlic)

• 1 teaspoon Dried herbs (or fresh chopped herbs like thyme or oregano)

• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon Salted Butter (or garlic herb butter)

• 1 teaspoon Hot honey (optional)

• 1 teaspoon Chives or cilantro stems (chopped)

Directions

1. Make the custard mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, salt, garlic powder, herbs, and parmesan cheese.

2. Soak the bread: Lay the bread slices in the mixture and let soak for about 10 seconds on each side. If using sourdough, soak for about 5 minutes per side.

3. Heat the pan: Place a nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron pan over medium heat. Add butter and swirl it to coat the pan.

4. Cook the toast: Cook the soaked bread for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

5. Serve: Top with herb butter, hot honey, or your favorite garnish like chives, roasted tomatoes, or even a fried egg.

Nutrients

• Calories: 383 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 16g

• Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 205mg

• Sodium: 473mg

• Potassium: 278mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 6g

• Vitamin A: 770 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 236mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Rise of Savory Breakfast Options

Breakfast is no longer confined to the binary of sweet versus bland. In recent years, savory breakfasts have gained significant traction, thanks to global culinary influences and a desire for more balanced, protein-rich morning meals. From avocado toast and shakshuka to breakfast burritos and egg-laden grain bowls, savory dishes now dominate brunch menus and home kitchens alike.

Savory French toast fits perfectly within this modern breakfast revolution. It’s a dish that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Instead of sugar and cinnamon, you get umami-rich cheese, aromatic herbs, and golden, buttery crusts. It’s the kind of food that makes you slow down and savor each bite—and that’s exactly what a good breakfast should do.

A Solution for Stale Bread

One of the most underrated virtues of this dish is its practicality. We’ve all had those loaves of bread sitting on the counter that have lost their soft, fresh texture. Rather than tossing them, savory French toast transforms them into something entirely new—crispy on the outside, tender within, and bursting with flavor. In fact, slightly stale bread is ideal for soaking up the egg-and-milk custard without falling apart, making it perfect for this recipe.

Sourdough is an excellent choice, thanks to its natural tang and chewy texture. However, you can use any bread you have on hand—whole wheat, ciabatta, rye, or even brioche if you’re in the mood for a rich base. The versatility of bread options allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

The Flavor Profile: Bold, Comforting, and Balanced

What sets this recipe apart is its carefully balanced flavor profile. Garlic powder or roasted garlic adds a deep, savory base. Dried or fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or chives bring freshness and complexity. A pinch of smoked paprika (if you choose to include it) adds a subtle warmth and a slightly smoky depth that ties all the flavors together.

Then there’s the parmesan cheese—salty, nutty, and sharp—mixed into the custard to create a savory crust as the toast cooks. The egg and milk custard binds all these flavors into a cohesive, silky mixture that soaks into the bread without making it soggy.

When cooked in butter—especially a compound garlic herb butter—the toast develops a rich, golden-brown crust that’s both crunchy and custardy, reminiscent of the best grilled cheese sandwiches but with more nuance.

Customizable Garnishes for Personal Flair

What makes savory French toast even more exciting is how easy it is to personalize. You can top it with almost anything to match your taste or elevate it for a brunch-worthy presentation.

Herb butter or garlic-infused butter enhances the richness while amplifying the toast’s savory elements. A drizzle of hot honey offers a surprising twist, adding a tiny kick of heat and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the saltiness of the parmesan. Chopped chives or cilantro stems lend brightness and color, and for an extra treat, a runny fried egg or some roasted tomatoes take the dish to another level.

You can also incorporate different cheeses—like gruyère, sharp cheddar, or feta—for new dimensions of taste. Craving spice? Add a few chili flakes to the custard. Want more texture? Sprinkle toasted seeds or crushed nuts on top. The options are endless and adaptable to every palate.

An Easy Brunch Star

One of the best things about this dish is how effortlessly impressive it is. Despite its gourmet appeal, it requires minimal effort and comes together in under 15 minutes. It’s a reliable go-to for busy mornings, last-minute brunches, or cozy evenings when you need comfort food fast.

Because it’s so quick and flexible, savory French toast also works well in larger batches. Double or triple the ingredients and you’ve got a main dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, especially when paired with a fresh green salad, sautéed greens, or a side of crispy bacon or mushrooms.

Healthful and Satisfying

Beyond flavor and simplicity, this dish offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. With protein from the egg and cheese, healthy fats from butter and milk, and complex carbs from the bread, it delivers long-lasting energy and satisfaction. Depending on your choice of bread and toppings, you can make it even more nutrient-dense by adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

In fact, if you’re watching your intake, this recipe is quite adaptable. Use low-fat milk, whole grain bread, or skip the cheese and butter for a lighter version. Add vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms into the mix for a more plant-forward plate.

Great for Any Time of Day

While traditionally considered a breakfast item, savory French toast is one of those versatile dishes that works any time of day. It’s ideal for a weekend brunch, of course, but it also shines as a light lunch, an easy dinner, or even a midnight snack. Its ability to be both rustic and elegant makes it appropriate for casual meals or more refined gatherings.

Pair it with a sparkling mimosa, a cup of strong coffee, or a refreshing iced tea, and you’ve got a complete and satisfying meal that feels special yet effortless.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Breakfast Game

Savory French toast is more than just a variation of the classic—it’s a reimagination. It takes the best parts of French toast (the custard, the crispy crust, the comfort) and flips the flavor spectrum to deliver something rich, balanced, and satisfying. Whether you’re cleaning out your pantry, trying to impress brunch guests, or simply indulging in a cozy solo meal, this dish is your new secret weapon.

What makes it especially wonderful is its flexibility. With simple pantry ingredients and room for creative expression, savory French toast adapts to your mood, your kitchen, and your cravings. Give it a try the next time you’re tempted to reach for cereal or toast—you might just find your new breakfast favorite.