Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce

Say goodbye to traditional sweet French toast and hello to this Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce. It’s rich, cheesy, and luxurious—perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast. This recipe takes thick slices of bread, coats them in a savory Parmesan egg batter, and tops them with creamy hollandaise sauce for an indulgent, restaurant-worthy dish.

I first made this for a Sunday brunch, and it instantly became a favorite. The combination of crisp, golden French toast, salty Parmesan, and tangy hollandaise sauce is nothing short of magical. Add a side of crispy bacon or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress.

Let’s dive into this decadent recipe and elevate your breakfast table with Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce!

Quick Overview in Todd Wilbur’s Style

This Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce transforms classic French toast into a savory masterpiece. Thick bread slices are dipped in a Parmesan-infused egg mixture, cooked until golden brown, and drizzled with rich hollandaise sauce for a breakfast dish that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Savory Parmesan French Toast

Rich, Cheesy, and Elegant

• Savory and Unique: A refreshing twist on the classic sweet French toast.
• Perfectly Indulgent: Cheesy toast paired with creamy hollandaise is the ultimate breakfast comfort.
• Great for Entertaining: Impressive yet easy to make for a crowd.
• Versatile: Pair it with bacon, smoked salmon, or sautéed greens for a complete meal.

What You Need for Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce

For the French Toast:

• 4 thick slices of bread (brioche, challah, or sourdough work best)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter (for frying)

For the Hollandaise Sauce:

• 3 large egg yolks
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and kept warm
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste

How to Make Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the French Toast Batter

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the French Toast

1. Heat butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Let any excess drip off.
3. Place the bread in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep warm while preparing the hollandaise sauce.

Step 3: Make the Hollandaise Sauce

1. In a heatproof bowl, whisk egg yolks, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if using).
2. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water) and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Gradually add the melted butter in a slow stream, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
4. Season with cayenne pepper and salt to taste. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Arrange the French toast slices on plates.
2. Drizzle generously with hollandaise sauce.
3. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs (like parsley or chives), and black pepper.
4. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Savory French Toast

1. Use Thick Bread: Thick, sturdy slices hold up best to the egg mixture and frying.
2. Whisk Constantly for Hollandaise: Avoid overheating to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for Gruyere, Pecorino Romano, or aged cheddar.
• Add Protein: Top with poached eggs, crispy bacon, or smoked salmon for a heartier meal.
• Herb Twist: Add chopped parsley, thyme, or basil to the batter for extra flavor.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lighten Up: Use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter.
• Whole Grain Bread: Substitute with whole-grain bread for added fiber.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter alternative for the hollandaise.

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it—Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce, a decadent and satisfying dish that’s perfect for brunch or a special breakfast. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it as a personal treat, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and elegant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Savory Parmesan French Toast

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   French toast is best served fresh, but you can keep it warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven for up to 30 minutes.
2. What’s the best bread for this recipe?
   Brioche, challah, or sourdough provide the best texture and flavor.
3. How do I prevent the hollandaise sauce from curdling?
   Keep the heat low and whisk constantly while adding the butter.
4. Can I make the hollandaise in advance?
   It’s best made fresh, but you can keep it warm for up to an hour in a thermos.
5. What sides go well with this dish?
   Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or crispy hash browns are excellent options.
6. Can I freeze the French toast?
   Yes! Freeze cooked French toast slices and reheat in the oven or toaster.
7. What if I don’t like an overly eggy flavor?
   Add more milk and a touch of cream to mellow the egg flavor.
8. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
9. How do I thicken hollandaise if it’s too thin?
   Whisk over low heat until it thickens, but avoid overheating.
10. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
    Pecorino Romano or a similar hard cheese makes a great substitute.
11. What’s the yield for this recipe?
    This recipe serves 2–4 people, depending on portion size.
12. Can I add vegetables?
    Yes! Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.

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