Broiled Savory French Toast: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Breakfast Experience

Forget everything you thought you knew about French toast! While the classic sweet version holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes a more sophisticated, hearty, and utterly satisfying breakfast is in order. Enter this truly irresistible **Broiled Savory French Toast**, a culinary masterpiece that perfectly balances rich, earthy flavors with a hint of optional sweetness. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience, especially when paired with a perfectly fried egg and some crispy bacon on the side.

At my home, we cherish a substantial breakfast, and French toast consistently ranks at the top of our list. However, there are those mornings when the traditional, overly sweet renditions simply don’t quite hit the mark. We crave something robust, something that offers a unique twist to start the day. This savory variation is precisely what those mornings call for, delivering unparalleled satisfaction and deliciousness.

What sets this recipe apart is its phenomenal texture and depth of flavor. Each slice of custardy bread is infused with fragrant thyme, then coated in a crisp, golden-brown Parmesan crust. The transformation under the broiler creates a delightful contrast – a tender interior encased in a crunchy, cheesy exterior. While it shines brightly on its own, a delicate drizzle of pure maple syrup at the end introduces a subtle sweet note that elevates the entire dish, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Prepare to be amazed by this savory revelation!

Gather Your Essential Ingredients for Savory Perfection

Crafting the perfect Broiled Savory French Toast begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after crispy, custardy, and aromatic experience. Let’s delve into what you’ll need and why each choice matters.

Large Eggs: The foundation of our rich custard. Whether chilled or at room temperature, large eggs will emulsify beautifully with the milk to create a smooth, absorbent base for your bread. Fresh, high-quality eggs contribute to a richer flavor and a more golden hue.
Milk: Regular whole milk or 2% milk is highly recommended for this recipe. The fat content in whole milk provides a creamier, more decadent custard, resulting in a more luxurious texture in the finished French toast. While reduced-fat milk can work, you might notice a slight difference in richness.
Kosher Salt: More than just a seasoning, kosher salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, bringing out the savory notes of the cheese and thyme. Its coarse texture is perfect for a quick pinch, offering superior control when seasoning by hand. I always keep a small open bowl by my stove for easy access to a “pinch” when needed, allowing me to season intuitively and effectively.
Fresh Thyme: Minced fresh thyme is a non-negotiable for that bright, aromatic, and distinctly savory essence. Its earthy, slightly floral notes are key to this recipe’s unique profile. Fresh thyme truly offers a brighter and more vibrant flavor compared to its dried counterpart. If fresh is unavailable, you can substitute with about a third of the amount in dried thyme, but remember, the fresh herb makes a significant difference.
Soft Sandwich Bread: The bread is paramount! For the best results, aim for a soft, absorbent sandwich bread. My personal favorites are always homemade options like my Never-Fail Sandwich Bread or Super Easy Soft Sandwich Bread. The key is a loaf that can soak up the custard without becoming soggy, and which can develop a fantastic texture when broiled. More on bread selection below!
Freshly Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano: This is where the magic truly happens for that crispy, savory crust. Whenever possible, grate your own from a block of aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder melting and crisping, and their flavor simply doesn’t compare to the sharp, nutty notes of freshly grated cheese. The quality of your Parmesan will directly impact the deliciousness of your French toast.
Pure Maple Syrup: While this is a savory French toast, a drizzle of pure maple syrup at the end is highly recommended for serving. It provides that perfect hint of sweetness, creating an exquisite sweet and savory dynamic that will leave you wanting more. Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.

The Heart of the Dish: Choosing the Right Bread

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s have a serious chat about the most crucial component of any French toast: the bread. It’s the canvas for all the savory goodness we’re about to create, and choosing the right kind makes all the difference between a good dish and an extraordinary one.

For this Broiled Savory French Toast, what you see pictured here is typically homemade sandwich bread that I bake regularly. While you can certainly use any soft sandwich bread from your local bakery or grocery store, the critical factor is its thickness. The bread *must* be sliced on the thicker side. Ideally, aim for slices that are **an inch thick**, or at the very least, **3/4-inch thick**. This substantial thickness allows the bread to fully absorb the flavorful egg and milk custard without falling apart, ensuring a wonderfully custardy interior and a robust structure that can withstand the broiling process for that perfect crispy crust.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to elevate this recipe even further, I highly recommend using one of my homemade bread recipes. They are specifically designed for softness and absorption, making them ideal for French toast:

Never-Fail Sandwich Bread
Super Easy Soft Sandwich Bread

Using slightly day-old bread is also a fantastic tip. Bread that’s a day or two old has lost a bit of its moisture, making it even more absorbent without becoming mushy. This ensures your French toast is perfectly saturated with flavor and has the ideal texture after cooking.

A Nod to Culinary Inspiration

Full credit for this particular approach to deliciousness goes to the incredibly talented Alexandra Stafford of Alexandra Cooks. This genius recipe and many other fantastic bread-centric ideas can be found in her awesome and highly recommended book, Bread Toast Crumbs. It’s a wonderful resource for anyone looking to master the art of bread making and inventive ways to enjoy it.

Quick & Easy Prep: Your Delicious Broiled Savory French Toast in Minutes!

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how incredibly fast and straightforward it is. In about twenty minutes from start to finish, you can have a truly gourmet breakfast on your table. Let’s get cooking!

Prepping the Broiler and Custard

First things first, adjust an oven rack so it’s positioned approximately **4 inches from your broiler element**. This distance is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crisp without burning.
Next, **preheat your broiler to high**. This will ensure it’s hot and ready to toast the French toast quickly and evenly.
In a shallow 9×13-inch baking pan or dish, **whisk together the large eggs, milk, a pinch of kosher salt, and the fresh minced thyme**. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. This forms our flavorful custard, ready to infuse the bread.

Soaking the Bread for Ultimate Custard Infusion

Carefully **lay the thick slices of bread into the custard mixture** in the baking pan. Press them down gently to ensure maximum contact with the liquid.
**Let them sit undisturbed for 5 minutes** to begin absorbing the custardy goodness.
After 5 minutes, **flip the slices over** to the other side and allow them to **sit for another 5 minutes**. By the end of this 10-minute soaking period, almost all of the custard should be absorbed by the bread, leaving them plump and ready for broiling. This thorough soaking is key to a truly custardy interior.

Broiling for that Perfect Golden, Crispy Crust

Now for the magic! Place one large or two medium cooling racks over a large rimmed sheet pan. This setup allows air to circulate around the French toast, ensuring even crisping.
Carefully **lay the soaked slices of bread on top of the racks**. Make sure they are not overlapping.
**Scatter half of the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese evenly over the tops** of the bread slices. This first layer will create an incredible savory crust.
**Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven** (under the broiler). **Broil for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a beautiful light golden brown.
Important Tip: Broilers can be intense and vary greatly, so it is absolutely essential to **keep a very close eye on your French toast during these final minutes** to prevent them from burning. A minute too long can turn golden to charred!
Using a spatula, carefully **flip the slices over** to the uncooked side.
**Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheese** over the newly exposed tops.
Return the pan to the broiler and **broil again for another 2 1/2 to 3 minutes**, or until this side is also evenly golden and wonderfully crispy. Again, watch them closely!

Serving Your Savory Masterpiece

Finally, and most importantly, **serve the French toast immediately**! Garnish each serving with a few fresh thyme sprigs for an added touch of elegance and aroma. Don’t forget that small side of pure maple syrup – it’s a game-changer, perfectly complementing the savory flavors with its natural sweetness.

Tips for Perfection and Delightful Variations

To ensure your Broiled Savory French Toast is nothing short of spectacular, consider these additional tips and variations:

Don’t Skimp on Soaking: The 10-minute soaking time is key. It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, leading to that luxurious, soft interior. If your bread is particularly stale, you might extend the soaking by another minute or two per side.
Broiler Vigilance: Seriously, stay by the oven! Broilers heat quickly and can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Keep the oven door slightly ajar if your broiler runs very hot.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond a fried egg and bacon, consider serving this French toast with:
- Sautéed Mushrooms: A savory and earthy addition that complements the thyme.
- Roasted Tomatoes: Bursting with umami, they add a fresh tang.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy and rich, a fantastic counterpoint to the crispiness.
- Smoked Salmon: For a truly decadent brunch experience.
- A dollop of Crème Fraîche or Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy element.
Flavor Variations:
- Different Herbs: Experiment with finely minced rosemary, chives, or a blend of “Herbs de Provence” in place of or in addition to thyme.
- Cheese Swaps: While Parmigiano-Reggiano is stellar, a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan, or even a sharp cheddar, could offer a different cheesy dimension.
- A Touch of Spice: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper in the custard can add a subtle warmth without making it spicy.
- Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic powder can enhance the savory profile further.
Make Ahead (Partial): You can whisk the custard mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, always soak the bread just before broiling.
Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to regain some crispness, ensuring it’s warmed through. A microwave will make it soft, losing the crispy crust.

Conclusion: A Savory Breakfast Revelation Awaits!

This Broiled Savory French Toast is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful departure from the ordinary, offering a sophisticated and incredibly flavorful way to enjoy a breakfast classic. The combination of thyme-infused bread, a crispy Parmesan crust, and that optional hint of maple sweetness creates a truly memorable dish that will impress both your family and any brunch guests. It’s quick, easy, and undeniably delicious. So, next time you’re craving something hearty and unique to start your day, reach for this recipe and savor every last bite of this culinary revelation.