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If you adore the comforting warmth of breakfast dishes but crave something with a bold, sophisticated twist, the Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish elevates classic French toast by infusing it with sharp Parmesan cheese and a whisper of mustard and garlic, then crowning it with a silky, tangy hollandaise sauce. The combination results in a memorable brunch experience that marries creamy, savory, and subtly spicy notes in every bite. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite savory meals to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from providing richness and flavor complexity to giving the dish its perfect golden texture and color.
- 4 large eggs: The foundation for the custard base that makes the bread luscious and rich.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and lightens the egg mixture for a tender texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Boosts the richness for an indulgent finish.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan (grated, plus more for garnish): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that defines the savory spirit of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder: Adds subtle heat and depth, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (I used Tabasco): Gives just the right kick to awaken your palate.
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste): Provides aromatic warmth and seasoning balance.
- 1 clove garlic (crushed with the side of a knife): Infuses a subtle, fragrant background note.
- Dash salt: Essential for highlighting all the flavors.
- 1 loaf bread (good quality, cut 1-inch thick): The sturdy canvas that holds all these flavors together—choose a rustic or sourdough for best results.
- Butter (for frying): Ensures a golden, crispy exterior while adding richness.
- Flat-leaf parsley or chives (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch and color contrast.
- 3 egg yolks: The base for the silky hollandaise sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the hollandaise a subtle tang and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the hollandaise with citrusy freshness.
- 1 dash hot sauce: Adds a hint of heat to balance the richness.
- 1/2 cup butter: Melted to create the smooth, luscious hollandaise finish.
How to Make Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Parmesan Custard
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream in a large bowl. Then stir in the grated Parmesan, dry mustard powder, hot sauce, freshly ground black pepper, crushed garlic, and a dash of salt. This savory custard mixture is what transforms ordinary bread into a rich, flavorful canvas for your French toast. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Dip and Fry the Bread
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and melt a generous amount of butter. Take each slice of thick-cut bread and dip it completely into your Parmesan custard, allowing it to soak up plenty of the mixture without becoming soggy. Fry each slice until it’s perfectly golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step creates that irresistible crunchy exterior with a creamy inside.
Step 3: Make the Hollandaise Sauce
While your French toast is frying, gently melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and slowly whisk in the melted butter, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Stir continuously until thickened to your desired consistency—this luscious hollandaise is the perfect topping that brings your dish to another level of indulgence.
Step 4: Plate and Garnish
Arrange the golden Parmesan French toast slices on serving plates. Generously drizzle the warm hollandaise sauce on top, and finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh parsley or chive sprigs for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a delightful extra layer of umami. Bright green herbs like flat-leaf parsley or finely chopped chives provide a fresh aroma and color contrast that brighten up the plate and balance the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with crisp breakfast potatoes or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The lightly peppery greens and acidity from the salad cut through the richness, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. You can also serve it alongside crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, serve the Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce Recipe in a beautiful platter topped with edible flowers and microgreens. For individual servings, drizzle the hollandaise artistically and add a lemon wedge on the side. Alternatively, create small open-faced sandwiches topped with this toasty toast and hollandaise for a sophisticated twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the French toast slices separately from the hollandaise sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps prevent the sauce from breaking down or becoming watery. The toast can stay fresh for up to 2 days when properly stored.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried Parmesan French toast slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside freezer bags for up to one month. However, avoid freezing the hollandaise sauce as it may separate when thawed. It’s best to prepare fresh sauce when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the French toast slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness without drying them out. Warm the hollandaise sauce gently in a double boiler or microwave in very short bursts while whisking to keep it smooth and creamy before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this savory French toast?
Absolutely! While Parmesan provides a lovely sharpness and depth, you can experiment with Gruyère, Asiago, or even a mild aged cheddar to tweak the flavor profile to your liking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the milk and cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter for frying and in the hollandaise sauce. For the cheese, a dairy-free Parmesan alternative works well, but the hollandaise sauce will be a bit trickier without eggs and traditional butter.
How do I prevent the hollandaise sauce from curdling?
Patience and gentle heat are key. Whisk the egg yolks continuously over low heat and add melted butter slowly to help the sauce emulsify properly. If it starts to curdle, removing it from heat and whisking vigorously can help bring it back.
Can I make the hollandaise sauce ahead of time?
Hollandaise sauce is best served fresh, but if you must prepare it ahead, hold it in a warm spot (not hot) and give it a quick whisk before serving. Avoid refrigeration as it tends to thicken and separate when cold.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A sturdy, thick-sliced bread like a rustic sourdough, country loaf, or even a challah works wonderfully. These breads soak up the custard well without falling apart, and they toast up beautifully golden and crisp.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about the savory richness of this Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce Recipe that transforms breakfast or brunch into an unforgettable occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and fall in love with all the layers of flavor it brings to your table!
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Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious savory twist on classic French toast featuring a rich Parmesan-infused egg mixture, fried to golden perfection and topped with a creamy, tangy homemade Hollandaise sauce. Garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan, this recipe makes an elegant brunch or savory breakfast dish.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, crushed with the side of a knife
- Dash of salt
Main
- 1 loaf good quality bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- Butter, for frying
- Flat-leaf parsley or chives, for garnish
Hollandaise Sauce
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 dash hot sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
- Prepare the French Toast Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, dry mustard powder, hot sauce, freshly ground black pepper, crushed garlic clove, and a dash of salt until fully combined. This savory batter will provide rich flavor when soaking the bread.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of the 1-inch thick bread into the Parmesan egg mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds to absorb the flavors, then gently shake off excess batter.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and melt a pat of butter. Place the soaked bread slices into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the toast is golden brown and crispy with a slightly cheesy crust.
- Make the Hollandaise Sauce: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler), whisk the 3 egg yolks, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and hot sauce together vigorously to create a pale, creamy mixture. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while continuously whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked Parmesan French toast on plates, spoon generous amounts of warm Hollandaise sauce over the top, and garnish with additional grated Parmesan and fresh flat-leaf parsley or chives. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thick, sturdy bread like sourdough or brioche for best results.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount to your preferred spice level.
- For a smoother hollandaise, ensure the butter is melted but not too hot when adding to egg yolks.
- If Hollandaise sauce breaks, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to bring it back together.
- Garlic can be omitted if a milder flavor is desired.
