Dessert

Easy Savory French Toast with Herbs and Optional Toppings Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Introduction

Easy savory French toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat, bursting with fresh herbs and rich flavors. This recipe uses challah or slightly stale baguette for the perfect texture, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying brunch or a cozy weekend meal.

Three pieces of golden brown crispy toast are placed on a white oval plate. Each toast is topped with a bright green slice of avocado laid on one side, and a sunny side up egg with a shiny yellow yolk and firm white sprinkled with black pepper and small green herb leaves sits on top, slightly off-center. The plate is garnished with fresh green arugula leaves spread around the toasts, creating a fresh and vibrant look. The background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 slices of challah bread (or a baguette, preferably 1-2 days old)
1 cup milk (unsweetened almond milk or any milk you prefer)
6 eggs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder (or onion powder, or a combination of both)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
Optional toppings: arugula, sliced avocado, fried or soft-boiled eggs

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a mild-flavored oil, butter, or margarine.
Step 2: In a bowl or casserole dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Once the oil is shimmering, soak each bread slice in the egg mixture for 10-30 seconds, depending on the thickness and dryness of the bread.
Step 4: Transfer the soaked bread to the skillet in batches, lowering the heat to medium-low. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 5: Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip carefully and cook the other side.
Step 6: Remove the French toast from the skillet and place on a serving dish.
Step 7: Serve warm, topped with optional arugula, avocado slices, and fried or soft-boiled eggs if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use slightly stale bread to prevent sogginess and to ensure the toast holds up well when soaked in the egg mixture.
Experiment with herbs like chives or basil for a different flavor profile.
For a richer taste, finish cooking with a small pat of butter in the skillet.
Try swapping vegetable oil for olive oil for a more pronounced flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Three pieces of toasted bread form the base, each topped with a layer of fresh green avocado slices. On top of the avocado rests a sunny-side-up fried egg with bright yellow yolks and white edges, sprinkled lightly with black pepper and small green herbs. The bread sits on a bed of crisp, leafy arugula scattered across a white plate, all placed against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this savory French toast?

Yes, while challah and slightly stale baguette work best, you can also use sourdough, brioche, or any thick-cut bread. Just make sure the bread is not too fresh so it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.

Can I prepare the egg mixture in advance?

Absolutely. You can whisk the eggs, milk, and seasonings together up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Stir gently before dipping the bread to ensure the herbs and spices are well distributed.