By AprilPublished Who doesn't love French toast? The sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, the fluffy texture, and the golden brown crust make it a breakfast favorite.
Position the oven rack in the middle and preheat the oven to 200°F.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic, red pepper flakes, parsley, 1 ounce of cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
Place the remaining Parmesan on a large plate.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat until melted.
Dip each slice of bread one at a time into the egg mixture, then dredge in grated Parmesan to coat both sides well.
Place the coated bread slices in the skillet, cooking until deep golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes total. Flip and swirl the pan occasionally.
Transfer the cooked slices to a large plate and keep them warm in the preheated oven. Repeat the process with the remaining butter and bread slices.
Sprinkle the French toast with scallions and additional chopped parsley.
Serve immediately.
Who doesn't love French toast? The sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, the fluffy texture, and the golden brown crust make it a breakfast favorite. But have you ever thought about taking French toast to the next level with a savory twist? Imagine a crispy, cheesy crust infused with the flavors of garlic and Parmesan. It's a culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
While sweet French toast is undeniably delicious, sometimes we crave a more savory option. The combination of savory flavors and the rich, custardy center of French toast creates a heavenly balance that will satisfy your morning cravings. Whether you're a fan of cheese or a lover of garlic, this recipe will awaken your taste buds and make breakfast an extraordinary experience.
Now that you're ready to embark on a flavorful journey, let's dive into the process of making the perfect savory cheese-crusted French toast. The secret lies in the crust. Instead of the traditional sweet coating, we'll be using a mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a touch of black pepper to create a delightful, crispy crust that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Start by selecting a thick, crusty bread like sourdough or French bread. Cut the bread into thick slices, around 1 inch in thickness. The thick slices will ensure that the custard mixture doesn't soak through the bread, resulting in a soggy French toast.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. This custard mixture will give the French toast its signature creamy texture. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that complements the savory flavors perfectly. Make sure to whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.
In a separate shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. This mixture will be the star of the show, giving your French toast its irresistible cheesy crust.
Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Then, press each side of the bread into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating. The custard will act as the binding agent, allowing the cheesy crust to adhere to the bread.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt a pat of butter. Place the coated bread slices onto the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. The butter will give the French toast a rich, golden crust, while the cheese melts and becomes beautifully crispy.
A1: While thick, crusty bread like sourdough or French bread works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of bread to suit your taste.
A2: Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese adds a delightful flavor, you can use other types of cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere to create your own unique twist.
A3: Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a good whisk before dipping the bread slices.
A4: Using thick slices of bread and ensuring that the custard mixture doesn't soak through will prevent the French toast from becoming soggy. Also, make sure the skillet is properly heated before cooking.
A5: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika to add your own personal touch to the crust mixture.
A6: Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients accordingly to accommodate the number of servings you need.
A7: While French toast is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or oven until heated through.
A8: The possibilities are endless! You can top your savory French toast with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, smashed avocado, poached eggs, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
In conclusion, this savory cheese-crusted French toast with garlic and Parmesan is a breakfast revelation that will elevate your morning routine. The crispy, cheesy crust paired with the creamy, custardy center will leave you craving more. So why settle for ordinary when you can indulge in extraordinary? Give this recipe a try and let your taste buds be amazed!
AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April
