If you’ve never tried savory French toast, you’re in for a treat. It’s the ideal recipe to get out of the breakfast, lunch, or dinner time rut. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a flavorful, nutritious meal. My mom used to make this for us when we were kids. I added cheddar cheese to my version because it makes the flavor even better. Topping it with the fresh avocado and tomato salad adds a colorful garnish that’s kid-approved too (my kids love it!).
The best part is it’s quick to make using ingredients you already have at home, and it’s an affordable meal for a crowd, too. I’ve added various spices and herbs over the years to adjust the flavor to the season or my mood. If you love making breakfast any time of day, my ground beef and potatoes hash as well as breakfast sliders are both crowdpleasers.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- A breakfast recipe that is delicious any time of the day. My family eats this French toast for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The savory flavors make it suitable for eating at any hour.
- Ready in 30 minutes. This is quick and simple with really no fuss. Just a single skillet and a bowl are all you need to make this gourmet dish come to life.
- Twist on a sweet recipe that the whole family will love. My kids think this version of French toast is just as delicious as the traditional sweet kind. They love the cheesy flavor in the eggs as well as the creamy avocado on top.
Tips for Busy Cooks
This is the perfect dish to clean out the fridge at the end of a busy week. Use any leftover cheese, herbs, and vegetables to assemble the French toast for a comforting and stress-free meal.
Key Ingredient Notes
- Fresh parsley leaves – Fresh herbal flavor and a pop of color.
- Large eggs – A key ingredient to any delicious french toast.
- Heavy whipping cream – You can also use half and half, or milk. For mixing with the eggs to add rich flavor.
- Grated cheese of your choice – We love to use cheddar cheese, but you can use any cheese you desire.
- Olive oil – For cooking the savory French toast. Vegetable oil or bacon grease work well too.
- French bread – We prefer French bread since it soaks up the egg mixture nicely.
For topping:
- Avocado adds a creaminess and richness to every bite.
- Cherry tomatoes gives a fresh burst of sweet tomato flavor.
- Lime heightens the other flavors with acidity.
How to make savory French toast
Add the eggs, heavy whipping cream, cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
Mix with a fork or whisk until well-combined.
Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in a large skillet (I used a 12-inch non-stick skillet) over medium-high heat.
Dip the bread slices in the egg mixture one at a time, piercing them with a fork to ensure they are thoroughly soaked.
Reduce heat to medium.
Place 4-5 dipped bread slices in hot skillet and cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining bread slices.
Flip and cook another minute or two until golden brown on the second side.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and cut the avocado into small pieces.
Combine tomatoes and avocado in a small bowl and drizzle with lime juice.
Serve french toasts warm topped with tomato avocado topping.
Expert Tips:
- Make sure you are using a nonstick skillet. This will prevent the egg from sticking to the pan to make perfectly golden toast.
- Use your favorite cheese in the egg mixture. We love cheddar for it’s bright flavor, but Swiss, parmesan, and even pepper jack for a little spice would all be delicious.
- Day old bread works great for savory french toast. If you are using bread that is slightly stale, allow it to sit in the egg mixture a little bit longer than fresh bread to soak up more of the liquid.
- Change the flavors with spices and herbs. You can truly make this into any sort of savory flavors you desire. Add different spices and fresh herbs that you have at home for a new taste every time.
- Customize the toast topper to your liking. I’ve also used greens like arugula and other sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and shallots.
What to serve with savory French toast
The options are endless if you are making this recipe for a brunch or even breakfast for dinner when entertaining friends. Some dishes I’ve served alongside are:
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the microwave, oven, or in a skillet on the stovetop until just warmed through. It should only take a couple of minutes.
We don’t recommend freezing leftovers, as the texture will change when thawed. If you want to prepare the French toast in advance, no problem! Simply cook the toast in a skillet and keep it warm in a 200ºF oven for up to an hour before serving to guests.
FAQs
It’s easy to put a twist on the classic by using fresh herbs as well as warm spices. Top the toast with a delicious salad like a mixture of tomatoes and avocado.
Yes, you can make this into a French toast bake if that’s desired for a bit of easier prep.
That’s the beauty of this recipe, you can make it for any meal of the day.
Make sure your skillet is to the correct temperature and if your bread is fresh, don’t dip it into the egg mixture for too long.
More easy breakfast recipes
Savory French Toast
Ingredients
- ½ cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream or half and half, or milk
- ½ cup grated cheese of your choice I use cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil vegetable oil or bacon grease
- 10 slices of French bread
For topping:
- 1 avocado
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ lime
Instructions
- To make French toast, chop the parsley into small pieces.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy whipping cream, cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in a large skillet (I used 12-inch non-stick skillet) over medium high heat.
- Dip bread slices in the egg mixture one at a time, piercing with a fork to thoroughly soak bread slices inside.
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Place 4-5 dipped bread slices in hot skillet and cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining bread slices.
- To make the topping, halve the cherry tomatoes and cut the avocado into small pieces.
- Combine tomatoes and avocado in a small bowl and drizzle with lime juice.
- Serve french toasts warm topped with tomato avocado topping.
Share your thoughts! If you make this please leave a review letting me know how it was!
Notes
– Use any herbs and spices you have at home.
– I like cheddar cheese, but any cheese is delicious.
– This is a great way to use up stale bread. Storing Tips:
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
– Reheat in the microwave, oven, or in a skillet on the stovetop until just warmed through.
– We don’t recommend freezing any leftovers since it will change the texture once they are thawed.
– To prepare in advance, simply cook the toast in a skillet and keep it warm in a 200ºF oven for up to an hour before serving to guests.
Nutrition
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full nutrition disclosure.
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Reader's Reviews
Karly says
Awesome idea! Great way to change it up!!
Shinee says
Thanks, Karly! Change is good!