By Savory French Toast with Pesto (Pain Perdu au Pesto) is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Savory French Toast with Pesto (Pain Perdu au Pesto) captures the essence of breads & pastries while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Savory French Toast with Pesto (Pain Perdu au Pesto) becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
4 slices of stale bread
2 eggs
200 ml (3/4 cup) milk
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tablespoons pesto
2 tomatoes, sliced
200 g (7 oz) mozzarella, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
Soak the Bread:
Dip the slices of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well soaked.
Pan-Fry the Bread:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the soaked bread slices and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Add Pesto:
Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on each slice of the golden-brown French toast.
Layer with Tomatoes and Mozzarella:
Top each slice with tomato and mozzarella slices, layering them alternately.
Melt the Cheese:
Preheat your oven’s broiler (grill). Place the prepared French toast slices under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and lightly golden.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy this savory delight!
Pro Tips:
Use ciabatta or baguette slices for a more rustic flavor.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 50 min | Servings: 10 | Calories: ~260 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
