Savory Parmesan French Toast Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale, as it absorbs the egg mixture better.

Eggs: Acts as the base for the custard mixture.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard mixture.

Parmesan cheese: Provides a rich, savory flavor.

Dried oregano: Adds a hint of earthy flavor.

Dried basil: Contributes a sweet, herbal note.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.

Butter: Used for frying the bread slices to a golden brown.

When making this savory French toast, ensure your bread is slightly stale. Fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out a bit by placing it in a low oven (around 250°F) for about 10 minutes. This will help the bread absorb the flavors without falling apart.

• stale bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread has a similar texture and can absorb the egg mixture well, providing a tangy flavor that complements the savory elements.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk provides a similar consistency and moisture without altering the savory flavor profile.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative to parmesan.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor that complements the other herbs in the recipe.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley provides a mild, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for basil without overpowering the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a subtle complexity to the dish.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative that provides a rich flavor and is suitable for frying.

• Allow the Savory Parmesan French Toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the toast soggy.
• Place the cooled toast slices in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their flavor and texture.
• Store the wrapped toast in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To reheat refrigerated toast, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven for a quicker option.
• For frozen toast, thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated toast.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, reheat the toast in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy.
• Avoid microwaving the toast, as it can make it rubbery and less enjoyable. Stick to oven or skillet reheating methods for the best results.
• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a bit of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top before serving. You can also add a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the savory flavors.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the slices loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the edges. This method ensures the French toast is heated evenly and retains its delightful texture.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil. Place the leftover French toast slices in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method helps to restore the crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and soft.

• Microwave Method: Place the leftover French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. While this method is quick, it may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy. This method is a great balance between convenience and maintaining the texture.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is excellent for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and warm.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and whisk the eggs, milk, parmesan cheese, and spices together.

• Whisk: A utensil used to beat or stir the egg mixture until well combined.

• Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the bread slices over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices in the frying pan to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and grated parmesan cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.

• Bread knife: A serrated knife used to slice the bread if it is not pre-sliced.

• Plate: Used to serve the hot, cooked French toast.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.

Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, saving you time on soaking.

Pre-grate parmesan: Buy pre-grated parmesan cheese to skip the grating step.

Mix spices ahead: Combine oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in advance to streamline preparation.

Use a large pan: A larger frying pan allows you to cook more slices simultaneously.

Preheat the pan: Ensure the butter and pan are hot before adding the bread for quicker cooking.