How to cook Savoury French Toast
How to cook Savoury French Toast is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by We Like Food on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 26 min
Cost: $2.39 total, $1.20 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Chives (fresh, finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Milk (whole milk preferred)
- 3 large eggs Eggs (room temperature)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (regular onion powder)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (regular garlic powder)
- 6 slices Bread (day‑old white sandwich bread, sturdy)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for pan, melted)
Instructions
Prepare the Egg Mixture
Finely chop the chives and place them in a mixing bowl. Add 0.5 cup milk, then crack in 3 eggs. Season with 0.25 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp onion powder and 1 tsp garlic powder. Break the yolks first, then whisk until fully combined.
Time: PT5M
Slice the Bread
Slice the day‑old bread into 6 even pieces, about 1‑inch thick each.
Time: PT2M
Soak the Bread
Dip each slice into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides. Let each piece soak for a few seconds so it absorbs the liquid but doesn’t fall apart.
Time: PT3M
Heat the Pan
Place a frying pan over medium heat and add the tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and coat the surface.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Cook First Side
Lay the soaked bread slices in the pan. Cook for about 2‑3 minutes until the underside is golden brown.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium heat
Flip and Cook Other Side
Turn the slices over and cook the other side for another 2‑3 minutes until golden and crisp.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium heat
Finish in the Oven
Transfer the toasted slices onto a baking tray. Place the tray in a pre‑heated oven set to 390°F (200°C) and bake for 5 minutes until the bread is beautifully crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 390°F (200°C)
Serve
Remove from the oven, let cool briefly, and serve hot. Optionally garnish with extra chives.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Butter
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chives: green onions, scallions
- Instead of Milk: almond milk, soy milk
- Instead of Eggs: 3 large egg equivalents (e.g., 2 eggs + 2 egg whites)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Onion Powder: granulated onion
- Instead of Garlic Powder: granulated garlic
- Instead of Bread: day‑old sourdough, whole‑grain bread
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: vegetable oil, margarine
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Frying Pan
- Spatula
- Baking Tray
- Oven
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk the egg mixture thoroughly to combine yolks and milk
- Soak the bread just enough to absorb flavor without becoming soggy
- Cook each side on medium heat until golden brown
- Finish in a hot oven to achieve a crisp exterior
Chef Tips from the Video
- Day‑old bread absorbs the batter better and holds up to flipping
- Use unsalted butter for better flavor control
- A quick 5‑minute bake at 390°F gives a restaurant‑style crunch
Troubleshooting
The toast is soggy after pan‑frying
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the bread and cook each side until fully golden; finish in the oven for extra crispness.
Bread falls apart when dipped
Use day‑old, sturdy bread and limit soaking time to a few seconds per side.
Edges burn before the center is cooked
Reduce heat to medium‑low and finish the cooking step in the oven to finish through without burning.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore crispness.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer‑safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10‑12 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the egg‑chive mixture up to 2 hours ahead and keep refrigerated
- You can pre‑soak the bread and keep it covered in the fridge, then finish cooking when ready
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Savory French Toast in American breakfast cuisine?
Savory French toast is a regional American adaptation of the classic sweet French toast, often served in the Midwest and Southern United States as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish. It reflects the tradition of using leftover bread and turning it into a protein‑rich meal, a practice dating back to early 20th‑century home cooking.
What are the traditional regional variations of Savory French Toast in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., savory French toast may include cheese, ham, or Cajun spices. In the Midwest, it is commonly flavored with chives, onion powder, and served alongside sausage or bacon. Some New England versions add maple‑glazed pork or a drizzle of gravy.
How is Savory French Toast traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot, garnished with fresh chives or parsley, and accompanied by breakfast sides such as scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, or a simple salad. Some families drizzle a light hollandaise or hot sauce for extra flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is Savory French Toast associated with in American culture?
Savory French toast is popular for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas morning, and as a comforting comfort‑food for family gatherings or pot‑luck brunches.
What makes Savory French Toast special or unique in American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in turning a sweet‑tradition dish into a savory, protein‑packed breakfast, using simple pantry staples and day‑old bread. The combination of herbs, onion and garlic powders adds depth without overwhelming the eggy base.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Savory French Toast versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include day‑old white or brioche bread, eggs, milk, butter, fresh chives, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Acceptable substitutes are whole‑grain bread, plant‑based milks, olive oil instead of butter, and green onions in place of chives.
What other American dishes pair well with Savory French Toast?
Savory French toast pairs nicely with crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, sautéed mushrooms, a simple mixed green salad, fresh fruit, or a side of hash browns. A light tomato salsa also complements the herb‑flavored toast.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Savory French Toast at home?
Common mistakes include using fresh soft bread that falls apart, over‑soaking the slices, cooking on too high heat which burns the exterior, and skipping the final oven crisping step which leaves the toast soggy.
Why does this Savory French Toast recipe use a final oven bake instead of just pan‑frying?
The oven bake at 390°F (200°C) creates an even, all‑around crispness that a pan alone cannot achieve, especially for thicker slices. It also ensures the interior stays moist while the exterior becomes golden and crunchy.
Can I make Savory French Toast ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the egg‑chive mixture up to two hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Cooked toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated in a toaster oven to restore crispness.
What does the YouTube channel We Like Food specialize in?
The YouTube channel We Like Food specializes in easy, home‑cooked recipes that blend comfort food with simple techniques, focusing on breakfast, brunch, and quick weeknight meals for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel We Like Food's approach to American breakfast cooking differ from other cooking channels?
We Like Food emphasizes using pantry staples, minimal equipment, and step‑by‑step visuals, often highlighting budget‑friendly twists like savory French toast, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate plating or exotic ingredients.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
