Alright, picture this: crispy, golden French toast, but with a savory twist! Imagine the rich, velvety combination of Pecorino Romano cheese, a touch of cracked black pepper, and creamy eggs—all soaked into the bread before hitting the pan. It’s like your favorite brunch dish met classic pasta, and the result? Pure magic on a plate. Trust me, this Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast is a total game-changer, and you’re going to love every bite.
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Why You’ll Love Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast
This recipe isn’t just about making a meal—it’s about making your tastebuds dance! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:
Elevated Comfort Food: Who doesn’t love French toast? But this isn’t your average sweet version. With the savory combo of Pecorino Romano and black pepper, it’s like breakfast and pasta all rolled into one, making it the perfect comfort food for any time of day.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this savory French toast comes together in less than 30 minutes. No need for complicated steps—just mix, dip, cook, and enjoy! It’s a perfect option for busy mornings or when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
Cheese Lovers Dream: If you’re a fan of cheesy dishes, you’re in for a treat. The Pecorino Romano adds that perfect bite, while the mozzarella gives you the melt factor. It’s cheesy without being overwhelming—just the right balance.
Customizable: If you want to switch it up, feel free to add your favorite herbs or even throw in some crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms. The base is so simple that it’s easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing brunch guests, this dish will leave everyone wanting seconds. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor—all in a crispy, golden toast. What’s not to love?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this savory French toast to life:
Bread: Choose a hearty, thick-sliced bread for the best texture. A rustic sourdough or a thick white bread will soak up the egg mixture beautifully.
Pecorino Romano Cheese: This sharp, tangy cheese is the star of the show. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and pairs perfectly with the cracked black pepper.
Mozzarella Cheese: A little mozzarella makes this dish creamy and melty. It adds that perfect gooey texture to the toast.
Eggs: The eggs create the rich, custardy base that gives French toast its signature texture.
Cracked Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper is essential for the signature “pepe” in this dish. It adds the perfect amount of heat and depth.
Butter: For frying the French toast to crispy perfection. It adds richness and flavor as it browns.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this savory creation:
Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt. The cheeses will melt into the eggs, creating a flavorful custard that soaks into the bread.
Prepare the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Let the bread soak for a few seconds so it absorbs the egg mixture and gets nice and saturated.
Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a generous knob of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the soaked bread slices. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the French toast is perfectly golden, remove it from the skillet and serve immediately. Top with additional Pecorino Romano, a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper, and even a few fresh herbs for garnish if you like.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast
This savory French toast is perfect as a standalone dish, but you can also pair it with some tasty sides to round out your meal:
Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with arugula or spinach and a simple vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the French toast.
Crispy Bacon: For an extra savory kick, add a side of crispy bacon. The saltiness and crunch balance out the creamy French toast.
Sautéed Vegetables: Try pairing it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted tomatoes to add a savory veggie element to the meal.
Herb Garnish: For a little extra flair, garnish the French toast with fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or basil. It adds color and a fresh pop of flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to help you master this savory French toast:
Use Stale Bread: If you have any leftover bread or bread that’s a little stale, this is the perfect dish to use it in! Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
Customize the Cheese: If you can’t find Pecorino Romano, you can substitute with Parmesan or Grana Padano. Just make sure to choose a cheese with a similar sharp, tangy flavor.
Go Low and Slow: If you prefer a softer, custard-like texture, lower the heat and cook the French toast slowly. This will allow the egg mixture to cook through without over-crisping the bread.
Spice It Up: Want a little heat? Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep the outside crispy.
Make it a Sandwich: For a heartier option, use this savory French toast to make a sandwich. Add a layer of prosciutto, arugula, or even a fried egg in between for an extra delicious twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use different bread for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! While a sturdy, thick bread like sourdough works best, you can use any bread you have on hand, such as challah or even a baguette.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prepare the egg mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to cook the French toast fresh to maintain the crispy texture.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best results.
Q4: Can I freeze Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast?
A4: Yes! After cooking, let the French toast cool and then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to crisp it back up.
Q5: How do I keep the French toast crispy?
A5: To maintain the crispy texture, avoid covering the French toast immediately after cooking. Let it rest on a wire rack to allow air circulation and keep it from getting soggy.
Q6: Can I add meat to this dish?
A6: Yes! You can add crispy bacon, sausage, or prosciutto to the French toast for an extra savory kick.
Q7: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A7: Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free bread as a substitute, and the rest of the recipe stays the same.
Q8: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and dairy-free butter to make it dairy-free while still keeping that rich, cheesy flavor.
Q9: Can I use a different cheese besides Pecorino Romano?
A9: Yes, you can swap out the Pecorino Romano with Parmesan or even Grana Padano. The dish will still have that sharp, tangy bite, but with a slight flavor variation.
Q10: Can I make this for a crowd?
A10: Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients, and cook the French toast in batches. You can also keep it warm in the oven while cooking the rest.
Conclusion
Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast is the perfect twist on a classic dish. With its combination of creamy cheese, crispy bread, and a punch of pepper, it’s a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and totally irresistible. Whether it’s for brunch or dinner, this dish will surely become a favorite in your rotation. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the best savory French toast you’ve ever had!
Print
Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This savory twist on the classic French toast combines rich Parmesan, Pecorino cheese, and a kick of black pepper, making it the perfect weekend breakfast or brunch that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons coarse black pepper, divided
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- Couple dashes hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 slices thick-cut sourdough or French bread (day-old is best)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of the Pecorino, 1 tablespoon black pepper, garlic, and hot sauce until evenly combined. Set aside.
- In a separate shallow bowl or dish, stir together the bread crumbs, remaining Parmesan, Pecorino, and black pepper.
- Set a large griddle or skillet over moderate heat and brush with melted butter. Working with one slice of bread at a time, dip it into the egg mixture, turning to soak properly. Lift up and carefully drip off the excess liquid, then coat on both sides with the bread crumb mixture. Shake off excess crumbs and place on the hot pan or griddle. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook about 2 slices at a time until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer cooked slices to the wire rack over the baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while making the rest.
- To serve, sprinkle with a bit more Parmesan, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Optionally, serve with a simple arugula salad on the side, a fried egg, and a few slices of prosciutto. Enjoy!
Notes
- Day-old bread works best for this recipe as it soaks up the egg mixture better.
- Customize with a simple salad or a fried egg for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg