Preparing brunch for a weekend or a special occasion is a great way to spend time with friends and family. This savory French toast makes a terrific main course for entertaining. Unlike the batter typically used in sweet French toast, the batter for this French toast incorporates flour into the batter. The rich egginess of the brioche used in the recipe only enhances the flavor of the batter. If you plan to make appetizer-size portions of this French toast, use a sharp chef's knife or a biscuit cutter. If you plan to serve the French toast as a main course, keep the slices whole.
RECIPE
Savory Brunch French Toast
Makes about 3 dozen appetizer portion or 6 whole slices
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, grated on the large holes of a box grater to yield 1 1/2 cups
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for pan
- 1 twelve-ounce loaf brioche, cut into 6 one-inch-thick slices
- 1 medium tomato, cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 4 slices bacon, crisply fried and crumbled
- 2 scallions, sliced
- Sprigs of fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. with a rack centered in the oven. In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Whisk the flour mixture into the eggs; continue whisking until the batter is smooth. Whisk in the grated cheese. With the addition of the cheese, the batter will begin to look clumpy and slightly curdled.
- Generously butter a large 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Set aside.
- Using tongs, dip the brioche slices into the batter, coating the slices well. Arrange the coated bread slices side by side in the buttered baking dish. Set aside.
- Stir the diced tomatoes, bacon pieces and scallions into the remaining batter. Pour the batter over the slices of brioche.
- Bake the French toast until golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes. Let the French toast cool for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting. Invert the French toast onto a cooling rack, and turn right side up onto a cutting board. Using a knife or a biscuit cutter, cut the French toast into desired shapes or sizes. Garnish with sprigs of fresh basil, if desired.
Michael Vyskocil - Michael Vyskocil has been a feature writer for Recipes on Suite101.com since 2006. He currently serves as the Topic Editor for Recipes.
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