Let’s be honest for a second. Sweet breakfasts are great. Pancakes and waffles have their place. But sometimes you just need something savory.

You want something hearty. Something that sticks to your ribs. That is where this recipe comes in.

Imagine thick slices of French bread. They are soaked in a rich custard. But this is not your typical cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Instead we use garlic and fresh herbs. We add mustard for a tangy kick. It creates a flavor profile that is absolutely incredible.

And the best part? We top it all off with perfectly Fried Eggs.

The runny yolk acts like a sauce. It coats the crispy bread. It brings everything together in a way that feels fancy but is actually super simple.

This dish transforms humble ingredients into a star meal. It is one of those Egg Meals that feels right for dinner too.

If you are tired of the same old cereal routine this is for you. It is time to embrace the savory side of brunch.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You might be wondering if savory French toast is weird. Trust me on this one. It is delicious.

First of all it is a nice change of pace. We often get stuck in a sugar rut in the mornings. This breaks that cycle nicely.

It is also incredibly budget friendly. You likely have most of these ingredients right now. Eggs and milk and bread are staples for a reason.

The herbs add a level of freshness that store bought mixes just cannot match. You can taste the difference immediately.

Another reason to love this is the speed. You can have a gourmet looking meal on the table in under 30 minutes. That is a win for busy weekends.

It is also very customizable. You can swap out herbs based on what you have growing in the garden. Or what is on sale at the store.

If you are a fan of Fried Eggs you will appreciate how they shine here. The crispy edges of the egg white complement the soft bread perfectly.

This is comfort food at its finest. It is warm and filling. It satisfies that craving for salt and fat in the best way possible.

Plus it looks impressive. If you serve this to guests they will think you spent hours in the kitchen. You do not have to tell them it was easy.

Ingredients

The magic of this Savory Breakfast lies in the batter. We use strong flavors to stand up to the bread.

Here is what you need to get started. Do not skip the fresh herbs if you can help it.

5 large eggs (for the batter)
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
2 teaspoons thinly sliced chives
2 teaspoons minced thyme
1 teaspoon minced oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
6 slices French bread, sliced on a bias (into 1 inch thick pieces)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
Fried Eggs (cooked to your liking, for topping)
Microgreens (for garnish)

Let’s talk about the bread for a second. You want something sturdy. French bread is ideal because it has a good crust.

If the bread is too soft it will fall apart. You need it to hold all that delicious custard.

Whole grain mustard adds a lovely texture. The little seeds pop in your mouth. It adds a depth that regular yellow mustard lacks.

Fresh thyme and oregano bring the earthiness. They make the kitchen smell amazing while you cook. It really sets the mood for a cozy meal.

And of course we need butter. Butter helps brown the bread. It gives those crispy edges we all love.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Making this is easier than you think. It follows the same logic as regular French toast. We just swap the sugar for spices.

Step 1: Make the Savory Custard

Grab a shallow baking dish. This makes dipping the bread much easier than using a bowl.

Crack your 5 large eggs into the dish. Add the milk and the whole grain mustard.

Now toss in the herbs. Add the chives and thyme and oregano. Do not forget the minced garlic.

Sprinkle in the ground coriander and dry mustard. Season generously with the salt and pepper.

Whisk everything together vigorously. You want the eggs to be fully incorporated with the milk. The spices should be evenly distributed.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of the butter. Let it melt and get bubbly.

While the butter melts start soaking. Take 3 slices of your French bread. Press them into the egg mixture.

You want the bread to drink up that liquid. Let it soak for about 1 minute on the first side.

Flip each slice over. Let it soak for another minute. The bread should feel heavy but not falling apart.

Step 3: Sear to Perfection

Carefully transfer the soaked bread to the hot skillet. You should hear a nice sizzle immediately.

Cook the slices for 3 to 4 minutes. You are looking for a deep golden brown color.

Flip each slice. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side. This ensures the custard inside is cooked through.

Remove the cooked slices from the pan. Set them aside on a warm plate.

Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Repeat the soaking and cooking process with the remaining bread slices.

Step 4: The Fried Eggs and Assembly

Now for the most important part. In a separate pan or the same wiped-down skillet cook your eggs.

Fry them to your liking. Sunny side up is great for that runny yolk experience. Over easy works well too.

To assemble place a slice of the savory French toast on a plate. Top it immediately with one of your hot Fried Eggs.

Sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper on top. Garnish with fresh microgreens for a pop of color and crunch. Serve it immediately.

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How To Store Leftovers

Sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. If you have leftovers do not worry. This keeps surprisingly well.

Store the cooked French toast slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 3 days.

However you should not store the cooked Fried Eggs. Eggs are best eaten fresh. Make a new egg when you reheat the toast.

To reheat the toast use a toaster oven or an air fryer. This helps crisp the edges back up. The microwave tends to make it soggy.

You can also freeze the cooked French toast. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag.

They can last for a month in the freezer. Just pop them in the toaster straight from frozen. It makes for a very quick weekday breakfast.

Tips

Let’s talk about getting that perfect crust. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the bread. If the pan is cold the bread absorbs the butter and gets greasy.

Use stale bread if you have it. Slightly dry bread soaks up the custard better than fresh soft bread. It holds its shape nicely.

If you love spicy food add a pinch of cayenne to the batter. It adds a subtle heat that pairs well with the mustard.

For the Fried Eggs use plenty of fat in the pan. This gives you those lacy crispy edges on the whites. It adds texture.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the toast. Give each slice room to breathe. This ensures even browning.

If you are cooking for a large crowd keep the cooked slices warm in the oven. Set it to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the slices on a wire rack.

This prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom. You can fry all the eggs at the last minute and serve everyone at once.

Experiment with toppings. A drizzle of hot sauce is amazing here. Or maybe some grated parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

This recipe truly changes the way we think about breakfast. It proves that French toast does not always have to be a sugar bomb.

The combination of savory herbs and rich custard is comforting. The addition of Fried Eggs makes it a complete meal.

It is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. But it is fast enough for a Tuesday night dinner too. That versatility is hard to beat.

We often get stuck making the same Egg Food over and over. Scrambled eggs or basic omelets can get boring.

This dish brings excitement back to the table. It looks beautiful and tastes even better. Your family will thank you for switching it up.

So grab that loaf of bread and get cooking. You might never go back to sweet French toast again.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely. Sourdough is a fantastic option for this recipe. Its natural tang compliments the savory custard. Challah or brioche work too but they are softer so soak them for less time.

How do I make this dairy-free?

You can swap the whole milk for a plant-based alternative. Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk works well. Use oil or plant-based butter for frying the bread and the Fried Eggs.

Can I skip the mustard?

You can if you really dislike it. However the mustard mellows out as it cooks. It provides a background flavor rather than a sharp bite. I recommend trying it at least once.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are a fine substitute. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent. Use about one-third of the amount listed for fresh herbs. So if it calls for a tablespoon fresh use a teaspoon dried.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be easily. Just use your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread. The batter itself is naturally gluten-free. Just check your mustard and spices to be sure no additives are hidden.

About the Author

John Miller

January 19, 2026

I find an almost meditative joy in the rhythmic chop and sizzle, the precise dance of flavors. My passion ignited when I successfully reverse-engineered a complex, unfamiliar dish purely by taste and texture. That moment, transforming a sensory memory into a tangible creation, revealed the true artistry of cooking to me. It's an endless exploration.