Pan-Fry

Crispy Salt and Pepper French Toast

by:
October  4, 2010
4.5
6 Ratings
Crispy Salt and Pepper French Toast
Photo by Mark Weinberg
  • Serves 4 to 6
Author Notes

Savory, crispy French toast. Salty, with a heavy kick of black pepper. This was one of my favorite Sunday breakfasts growing up, the smell of the toasts frying up a scent memory that still takes me back.

This fried bread I grew up eating, called khara pao (khara means “spicy”), is South Asia’s answer to French toast, typically served with a kicked-up tomato ketchup. My family was partial to black pepper, but I’ve seen turmeric, chili powder, cayenne and even cumin added. And South Asia’s not the only one that goes the savory route. In other cultures, they do similar-style “eggy toasts”—Italy’s has mozzarella and tomato sauce, Russia’s is simple salt, egg and milk, and Hungary serves theirs with onions, tomatoes, ketchup, and even mayonnaise…

This version is so ridiculously easy to make, and requires ingredients we all usually have on hand. I’m a savory brunch person myself, and this is such a delicious alternative to the sweet version. The crispy, salty, pepper-heavy toast dipped in a cool, spicy, slightly sweet, tomato-ey ketchup is a truly heavenly combination that will quickly move into your go-to, I-have-leftover-bread-and-don’t-know-what-to-do-with-it rotation. Breakfast or even as a mid-afternoon snack—enjoy!
—aliyaleekong

Test Kitchen Notes

Aliyaleekong may have grown up eating this savory french toast, but for those of us who weren't so lucky, here's her easy recipe that might just make you turn your back on sweet french toast forever. It still pairs well with eggs and bacon, but (dare we say it?) this french toast would also make a mean Monte Cristo. - A&M —The Editors

What You'll Need
Watch This Recipe
Crispy Salt and Pepper French Toast
Ingredients
  • For the French toast:
  • 5 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • vegetable oil
  • butter
  • 8 (1/2-inch) slices day-old bread*, cut on the diagonal
  • For the sauce:
  • Ketchup
  • Sriracha
Directions
  1. In a bowl or baking dish, beat together eggs with half-and-half, salt, pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
  2. Heat a medium or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cover the bottom of the skillet with vegetable oil and add a tablespoon or two of butter for taste.
  3. Dip the bread triangles into the egg batter, drain off any excess, and place straight into the hot pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side – you want to develop a golden-brown color and the texture should be crispier than traditional French toast. Place cooked toasts on a paper towel-lined plate or rack to drain.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and hot sauce to your desired heat tolerance.
  5. Serve toasts warm with a side of the spicy ketchup.
  6. *I like to use a country or pullman loaf for this. You want it to stand up to the egg batter and not get mushy, so I always go for a day-old loaf.
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aliyaleekong
Chef, Author - Exotic Table: Flavors, Inspiration & Recipes from Around the World to Your Kitchen, Mom to a chickadee ?

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86 Reviews

Jessamin
Jessamin November 8, 2020
This is wonderful and will probably eclipse sweet toast consumption in my household. If you have sambal on hand, equal parts sambal and honey makes a lovely pepper-jelly-ish sauce to go with.
 
Adrienne L.
Adrienne L. December 22, 2019
Fantastic! Make sure to watch the toasting carefully, the first few slices was a little too crispy (ok, fine, blackened). Loved the use of scallions and cilantro, will use even more next time. One note, I used wheat bread which didn't turn out too well, will definitely use the white/French bread next time.
 
Cody E.
Cody E. November 21, 2018
This is a great savory version of french toast. Definitely adult! We had this for a hygge (hue-guh) with friends and family and the adults went ga-ga for it, the kids were not so thrilled... ha, ha! But I would, for sure, make this again!
 
Jacqueline H.
Jacqueline H. December 7, 2017
In the U.K it's called eggy bread. Tried and tested favourite! It can be fancy, plain. Whatever you have to hand takes your fancy. Wonderful hangover cure too.
 
Karin H.
Karin H. November 13, 2017
Just made this with some slices of day(s)-old olive loaf - a huge success! This is going into my rotation for sure!
 
Isabella
Isabella October 27, 2017
A great way to heat up leftovers is to use your toaster!! Both the sweet and savory versions come out hot and crispy!
 
Christina
Christina October 18, 2016
Does this reheat well? I made a batch last night and have some left over. And would you recommend reheating it in the oven, microwave, or in a pan on the stove? Thanks!
 
Threemoons
Threemoons July 29, 2016
Made this for myself with 2 eggs, two slices of bread. Used milk, garlic, shallot, and scallion greens along with salt and pepper. Threw in a little dried oregano at the last minute on a whim. Also made the sauce. Fantastic. Will definitely make again.
 
DizzyElle
DizzyElle July 26, 2016
We have always had savory French Toasts at home. The savory ones were called Bombay Toast. Home version would also include finely chopped green chilies for some extra heat. Had versions with finely grated Dhakai cheese which is a semi hard salty local cheese of Bangladesh in the egg batter along with the usual chilli, cilantro, chopped shallots, spring onion, salt n pepper.
 
Erin P.
Erin P. March 27, 2016
Savory french toast! I absolutely love this idea. I'm going to have to make it with my gluten free sandwich bread recipe! http://www.cricketsconfections.com/2016/02/26/gluten-free-sandwich-bread/
 
Cathy B.
Cathy B. December 31, 2014
Finally.....my kind of French toast - just bread dipped in eggs (no cream/milk). I'm from a Hungarian background and we always ate our French toast with Ketchup. I like using Heinz's hot and spicy ketchup and of course salt the toast. Try telling that to an American/Canadian and they usually say 'oohh' and have a pained look on their face. My response is that it's eggs and bread so it makes perfect sense! I often eat this for a easy, quick supper.
 
catherine
catherine October 20, 2014
half and half to me is semi skimmed milk
 
Mark F.
Mark F. December 26, 2014
Half and half is half whole milk, half cream. Skimmed and semi-skimmed milk have less fat than whole milk. Either would not be right for this review, which calls for dairy with higher cat content.
 
Amy S.
Amy S. February 19, 2017
Alternatively: mix milk w/ internet. Cat content will go through the roof.
 
adrienne
adrienne September 20, 2018
Good one Amy
 
Keka D.
Keka D. June 9, 2014
this is the way we've always eaten "french toast" at home! :-)
i guess a lot got lost in translation!
 
Louise Y.
Louise Y. March 10, 2014
Never mind I should have read the previous comments I'm a not wit!
 
Louise Y.
Louise Y. March 10, 2014
Can somebody tell me what half and half is please
 
Nicole
Nicole February 10, 2014
I served this alongside some homemade soup and it was perfect for dunking. I had dill and chives on hand instead of scallions and cilntro and it was delicious, though I found it to be heavy and could only eat 1/2 slice. We ended up reheating the rest for breakfast the next day. Yum!
 
Threemoons
Threemoons July 29, 2016
Oooh! I bet this would be killer with tomato soup!
 
bozon
bozon January 27, 2014
I think this would be very tasty with banana ketchup
 
Ria B.
Ria B. November 7, 2013
Thank you drbabs and Leah for your helpful comments. I'll try the half whole milk and half cream, and perhaps the soya milk later too. Thanks so much. Kia ora.
 
Ria B.
Ria B. September 17, 2013
Sounds delicious and I shall try it but whatever is half-and-half - is it a commercial product, or perhaps half butter and half margarine, or half butter and half oil.
Ria, New Zealand
 
drbabs
drbabs September 17, 2013
Ria, in the US, half-and-half is half milk and half heavy cream. You can use all whole milk or light cream in its place.
 
Leah
Leah November 7, 2013
Think soymilk would work too?
 
foodinspires.com
foodinspires.com September 10, 2013
Oh my goodness... savory French Toast, I can just see the Chef's in France turning over - until they try it. Excellent and thanks!
 
Doreen C.
Doreen C. September 10, 2013
Growing up, we used to all this "egg toast." My dad and I were never fans of syrup. You just brought back so many wonderful memories, thank you!! Will try adding the cilantro.
 
starvingfoodist
starvingfoodist August 15, 2013
I've never had the slightest interest in syrupy sweet and eggy French toast. As a kid, my bro and dad shared that joy alone. Ironically, now my fave desserts are those of the eggy, custardy persuasion. Go figure. But THIS, this is the answer - savory AND kicked up, times TWO even. And scallions? Stop, you had me at sriracha ketchup. Brunch list status achieved. Well done.
 
LoveAgent7
LoveAgent7 February 23, 2013
Savory French Toast, great idea!
 
John H.
John H. June 3, 2012
My dear old sainted mother made a savory French Toast sans green onions and cilantro. She served it buttered. I was horrified the first time I ordered French Toast in a restaurant and it was sweet. Yuck. I suppose it is another version of the mayonnaise/salad dressing debate where the right choice is whatever your mother served. It’s mayo for me and don’t you dare get close to my watermelon with that salt shaker. If you put salt on it prepare to wear it as a hat. I’m going to give the onions & cilantro a try but I think I’ll stick with that good ol’ artery clogging real butter. Mmmmmm!
Oh yeah, as it happened the Cooks Country TV program had an episode on which they made French Toast (the sweet junk) today. They did make a couple of suggestions which I think just might improve the product. They suggested using Challah and they also suggested you dry the bread in a warm oven for a few minutes. They said day old or air dried bread still contain water crystals which rehydrate when frying which makes the bread mushy. John
 
JohnL
JohnL June 22, 2014
Challah makes awesome French toast. I got a Williams-Sonoma recipe for Challah made in the bread machine that makes it easy. Store bought Challah is kind of pricey. And not nearly as good. I remember the first time I had French toast. I was a small child living in Tokyo in the 50's and one of the neighbors gave me a little piece. I ran home and raved about it to my mother, and she learned to make it for me. I'm in the sweet camp, but this sounds interesting, too.
 
daisybrain
daisybrain May 14, 2012
Since I don't see any comments questioning the amount of black pepper I guess I'll just go for it.
 
Lincoln87
Lincoln87 March 28, 2012
My grandmother always made French Toast similar to this..minus the cilantro..I like mine with Cheez Whiz on the side...
 
urbancooknyc
urbancooknyc March 10, 2012
I finally got around making this. I enjoy the flavors, but it didn't come out crispy, it was more the usual consistency of french toast. Maybe I didn't use enough oil?
 
Threemoons
Threemoons July 29, 2016
I know this post is old but I'll reply anyway. I used a combo of safflower oil, olive oil, and butter. Use a really good steel pan and let it really sit once you put it in and let it crisp up properly.
 
Nozlee S.
Nozlee S. January 16, 2012
This was so, so delicious -- I ended up scrambling the last of the egg wash dip and serving it alongside the toast. Delicious!
 
SwtMahmah76
SwtMahmah76 January 16, 2012
I absolutely can't wait to try this later this week!
 
Miachef
Miachef January 16, 2012
I tried the recipe this morning...although I love the flavors, the toast came out a bit chewy....any ideas what I did wrong? The spicy ketchup saved it...but want to try it again. Any suggestions for correcting the "chewiness" would be appreciated...thanks!
 
kaysee
kaysee October 25, 2011
i'm also the type of person who eats pancakes and french toast with ketchup. i can't wait to try this. thanks for the recipe.
 
Blueollie
Blueollie September 4, 2011
As with everyone else above, I will state the obvious... Amazingly delicious recipe. Flagged for a while and finally got around to making this morning for brunch. Barely tweaked the original - used one less egg and a sturdy whole wheat with grains loaf (from acme bread) - and found this to be incredibly easy, comforting and delectable. The picky but always hungry and up for new things hubby equally enjoyed. Savory is preferred in the am in my household, so thank you for a new addition to my repertoire.
 
Blueollie
Blueollie September 4, 2011
Oops. Sorry about the double post. Got a little too excited!
 
Blueollie
Blueollie September 4, 2011
As with everyone else above, I will state the obvious... Amazingly delicious recipe. Flagged for a while and finally got around to making this morning for brunch. Barely tweaked the original - used one less egg and a sturdy whole wheat with grains loaf (from acme bread) - and found this to be incredibly easy, comforting and delectable. The picky but always hungry and up for new things hubby equally enjoyed. Savory is preferred in the am in my household, so thank you for a new addition to my repertoire.
 
teesu
teesu July 9, 2011
Yummm, this looks delicious! I absolutely love cilantro! Definitely giving this a try :)
 
bunnymama
bunnymama June 19, 2011
It took my sister and me many years to become accustomed to sweet french toast because our Polish mother had always made it with eggs, salt, pepper and milk. She used this toast to make our "grilled" cheese sandwiches, too. Until now, I thought it was just my mother's unique recipe, so I'm delighted to find this recipe. We just use butter as a topping for ours, but I will definitely give the spicy ketchup a try.
 
nithyadas (.
nithyadas (. June 16, 2011
Looks delicious. My husband makes a version of this that we call Indian French Toast with cumin, coriander, chili powder and garam masala. Great photo too btw.
 
avimom
avimom March 3, 2011
Delish! I subbed thyme for the cilantro and shallots for the scallions. Loved it!
 
drbabs
drbabs January 27, 2011
What a great breakfast this was on a cold, snowy morning!
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong January 27, 2011
Glad you enjoyed! I'm now craving it...
 
AnaFD
AnaFD November 3, 2010
It looks delicious!!! I will include it in my sunday's breakfast. Thanks for sharing it.
 
SassyCondiments
SassyCondiments October 27, 2010
Can't wait to try this savory toast!

I would love to have your ketchup recipe if you are willing to share. I have been looking for a long time.
 
thirschfeld
thirschfeld October 27, 2010
I have used the one from Joy of Canning for years. I think it is wonderful and it has the ability to take other flavors post canning. Meaning I make curry ketchup and now Sriracha ketchup.
 
thirschfeld
thirschfeld October 23, 2010
there are not words to express how good the toast is... I had home made ketchup then I added shriracha and I have a new favorite ketch up, too. It was a win win morning. Thanks for sharing this.
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong October 25, 2010
Homemade ketchup + sriracha is even better! I'm so happy you made this and enjoyed it :). Thanks!
 
betteirene
betteirene October 21, 2010
I had to work late, and because my daughter-in-law is a timid cook, I was expecting to come home to corn dogs and fries. I was pleasantly surprised to find that dinner was this french toast--she apparently took me seriously when I showed it to her yesterday and said we should try it soon. She served it with roasted asparagus, eggs "poached" in salsa made with the last of the homegrown tomatillos (she thought salsa would go well with the cilantro in the batter), and thick-sliced pepper bacon. Thank you for showing my daughter-in-law such an easy and great-tasting way to be adventurous in the kitchen, aliyaleekong. It was really good. And thank you, A&M, for bringing this recipe to my attention.
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong October 21, 2010
Betteirene! That's sounds like an absolutely fantastic dinner, and I'm so happy that this recipe inspired your daughter-in-law. That seriously just made my day!
 
lisabu
lisabu January 22, 2011
Wow, sounds like your daughter-in-law is not so timid after all! Great menu planning.
 
MrsWheelbarrow
MrsWheelbarrow October 21, 2010
I have houseguests coming who love food. This looks like a great interesting alternative breakfast treat. Thanks so much for posting this. (Also thinking it would be fantastic mid-afternoon with a fino sherry....)
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong October 21, 2010
Oooh, with sherry...love the thought :)
 
betteirene
betteirene October 20, 2010
Excuse me while I wipe the drool off the keyboard.

Man, I could kick myself for being the wrong kind of Asian (Filipina). (It's a joke, Ma.)

We're big fans of breakfast for dinner, and I just bought some nice thick pepper bacon, so I think we'll be having bacon-egg-Monterey jackwiches for dinner tomorrow.

Thanks for sharing the recipe, and the beautiful photo.
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong October 20, 2010
Thank you, everybody, for all the warm sentiments! This was so unexpected, and I am both honored and excited by the win and to be part of such a rich food community!
 
mklug
mklug October 20, 2010
I've never liked French toast because I too prefer savory stuff...but I tried this and it was perfect! Who knew? And you're right--all of the stuff was on-hand, but the kind of things I would look at and think, "there's no way to combine this to make a meal".

I had mine with tomato chutney...too delish.
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong October 20, 2010
So glad you tried it! Thanks!
 
TheWimpyVegetarian
TheWimpyVegetarian October 20, 2010
Congrats aliyaleekong!! I love your recipes and am really happy to see one of yours picked for the first wildcard! Can't wait to try this one!
 
mariaraynal
mariaraynal October 20, 2010
What a cool twist on french toast. Congratulations on the Wildcard!
 
Kelsey B.
Kelsey B. October 20, 2010
Congratulations, what a fun recipe!
 
cheese1227
cheese1227 October 20, 2010
Finally something besides dessert for brunch!!
 
ashleychasesdinner
ashleychasesdinner October 20, 2010
Congratulations!! This looks amazing. Looks like there are many of us who do not prefer the sweet version of french toast. I can't wait to try this recipe!!
 
lapadia
lapadia October 20, 2010
Congratulations on your WildCard win! I always choose savory over sweet, thanks for sharing your recipe.
 
Waverly
Waverly October 20, 2010
Congratulations, Aliya! Yum.
 
TiggyBee
TiggyBee October 20, 2010
Fantastic!! Big Congrats!!
 
Summer O.
Summer O. October 20, 2010
Thank you and congrats!
 
TheThinChef
TheThinChef October 20, 2010
Holy cow, this looks amazing. I am not a fan of sweet French toast, because I always feel like it should be savory. This is the answer. Can't wait to try it!
 
fiveandspice
fiveandspice October 20, 2010
Congrats, wild thing! This looks awesome!
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong October 20, 2010
Thanks, everyone! I'm just seeing this myself! Wonderful because it's so easy to do :)
 
thirschfeld
thirschfeld October 20, 2010
Yeah and congrats aliyaleekong. I am a big fan already so I am so really happy to see this. The Sumptuous Beef and Rice Casserole is on my to do list for the weekend.
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong October 20, 2010
Thanks, thirschfield. I know you are a gourmand, so feel free to sub in boneless short ribs or beef cheeks to even more sumptuous results...:)
 
gingerroot
gingerroot October 20, 2010
Congratulations!! I am so happy this was chosen as the first Wildcard.
 
Sagegreen
Sagegreen October 20, 2010
Congrats! Just noticed this recipe. Love it.
 
drbabs
drbabs October 20, 2010
I missed this! First Wildcard of the new year--congratulations!
 
gingerroot
gingerroot October 5, 2010
Yum! My palate prefers savory over sweet so this is my kind of breakfast. Thank you so much for the recipe - I will be making this soon!
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong October 5, 2010
Thanks, gingerroot! Hope you enjoy.
 
gingerroot
gingerroot October 23, 2010
Finally made this for lunch today, so so good. Thanks for a fantastic recipe.
 
luvcookbooks
luvcookbooks October 4, 2010
my this sounds delicious. will probably get onto the breakfast for dinner list, when we're tired out and need something quick and comforting.
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong October 5, 2010
Thanks, luvcookbooks! Love the breakfast for dinner concept :)
 
aliyaleekong
aliyaleekong October 4, 2010
Thanks, aargersi! Let me know when you try it - was such a childhood fave...
 
aargersi
aargersi October 4, 2010
This sounds wonderful! And spicy ketchup to boot - I am a ketchup fiend, this is on the rotation for sure!!!