Indulge in this savory twist on classic French toast, transforming it into a cheesy, garlicky breakfast melt. This dish combines the comforting warmth of toasted bread with melted cheddar and a hint of herbs, finished with a touch of yogurt for a balanced flavor. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying brunch, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at your table.
Ingredients:
- Half loaf of bread, preferably a sturdy type like French or sourdough, sliced thick
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (4 g)
- 1/2 small glass of milk (50 ml)
- 60 g butter, divided
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise (70 g)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (2 g)
- 1 glass grated cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
- 2-3 tablespoons yogurt
- Chili pepper, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Additional cheddar cheese, grated (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the bread into thick slices to hold up during frying and broiling.
- Beat the eggs lightly in a bowl.
- If the cheddar cheese isn’t already grated, grate it now.
- Mince or crush the garlic clove.
- Make the Egg Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs with salt, black pepper, and milk. Stir well to ensure the mixture is homogeneous.
- Cook the Bread:
- Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat and add half of the butter.
- Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
- Fry the coated bread slices in the skillet, turning once, until each side is golden brown. Do this in batches if necessary, adding more butter as needed.
- Prepare Garlic Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not burnt. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of each cooked bread slice.
- Sprinkle dried basil over the mayonnaise.
- Top each slice generously with grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Sandwiches:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Arrange the assembled bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle the garlic butter evenly over the cheese-topped bread slices.
- Broil the Sandwiches:
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler.
- Broil until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are crisp and golden. This should take about 3-5 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve with Yogurt:
- While the sandwiches are broiling, prepare plates with a dollop of yogurt on each.
- Once the sandwiches are done, place them directly on top of the yogurt.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally, garnish the sandwiches with slices of chili pepper and additional grated cheddar cheese for extra heat and flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot and bubbly for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve this savory melt hot from the broiler, accompanied by a side of fresh mixed greens or a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. The creamy yogurt base offers a cool, tangy balance to the warm, cheesy toast. For a brunch setting, pair with a light mimosa or your favorite coffee.
Nutritional Benefit:
- Protein-Rich: Eggs and cheese provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Calcium and Vitamins: Cheese is a great source of calcium, important for bone health, while eggs offer vitamins D and B12.
- Healthy Fats: Using olive oil instead of butter can add monounsaturated fats to the meal, which are beneficial for heart health.
Cooking Tips:
- Bread Choice: Use a dense bread like sourdough or French bread to prevent it from becoming too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture.
- Cheese Melting: Watch the sandwiches closely under the broiler to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread.
- Even Coating: Make sure each piece of bread is evenly coated with the egg mixture for consistent cooking and flavor.
- Garlic Butter Timing: Prepare the garlic butter just before drizzling to preserve the fresh garlic flavor and aroma.
Why I Love This Recipe:
- Flavor Depth: The combination of garlic butter, herbs, and melted cheese creates a depth of flavor that is irresistibly tasty.
- Versatility: This recipe can be served for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner, making it highly versatile.
- Customizable: Easy to customize with different cheeses or add-ins like mushrooms, spinach, or different herbs.
- Comfort Food Appeal: It’s a perfect example of comfort food, combining warm, toasted bread with rich, gooey cheese.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet feel, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for impressing guests without much hassle.
