Name: Savory French Toasts with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 6 slices of bread (sturdy, such as sourdough or country loaf); 2 eggs; 2/3 cup milk; 3 tbsp parmesan cheese; 2 tsp Italian seasoning or mixed dried herbs; 1 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 4 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 200 grams regular white mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups spinach, chopped or baby spinach leaves; 1 tbsp garlic powder; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp dried rosemary (or fresh rosemary); 3 tbsp parmesan cheese; Honey, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Cayenne pepper, to taste; Salt, a pinch; Paprika, a pinch

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 65 reviews

If you are craving a dish that brings together the comforting charm of classic French toast with a flavorful, hearty twist, this Savory French Toasts with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe is going to be your next favorite. Imagine golden, crispy bread soaked in a rich egg and parmesan batter, topped with tender mushrooms and vibrant spinach sautéed to perfection. This recipe transforms the traditional sweet breakfast favorite into a savory delight that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a cozy dinner. Each bite bursts with umami, subtle spice, and melty cheese, making it an irresistible treat for anyone looking to mix up their usual meal routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four slices of multigrain bread are stacked slightly angled on a white plate, showing their light beige soft inside and golden brown crust embedded with seeds and oats. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps it simple while packing in lots of flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy parmesan that elevates the egg batter to the fresh spinach and mushrooms adding earthiness and color. Butter and olive oil provide the perfect balance of richness to make every forkful satisfyingly indulgent.

6 slices of bread: Use sturdy bread like sourdough or country loaf for the best soak without falling apart.
2 eggs: These form the custard base for the savory batter, binding everything beautifully.
2/3 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth batter for soaking the bread.
3 tbsp parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty flavor in both the batter and topping.
2 tsp Italian seasoning or mixed dried herbs: Infuses the toast with a fragrant herbaceous note.
1 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder: Adds a subtle kick that warms every bite.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
Pepper: Freshly cracked is best for that vibrant heat.
4 tbsp butter: For frying—creates a rich, crispy crust on the toast.
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the mushrooms and spinach with a light fruity note.
200 grams white mushrooms, sliced: These meaty mushrooms add texture and earthiness.
2 cups spinach, chopped or baby leaves: Brightens the dish with color and a fresh green flavor.
1 tbsp garlic powder: Deepens the savory profile in the topping.
1 tbsp dried rosemary (or fresh): Adds a fragrant piney aroma that complements mushrooms beautifully.
3 tbsp parmesan cheese: Sprinkled over the mushrooms and spinach for extra cheesy goodness.
Spicy Pepper Honey (optional but highly recommended): A drizzle of honey mingled with black pepper, cayenne, salt, and paprika adds sweet heat for the perfect contrast.

How to Make Savory French Toasts with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Savory Custard

In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth. This custard base is what gives the bread its rich flavor and creamy texture, so take your time ensuring the mixture is perfectly blended.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak thoroughly but not so much that it falls apart. The goal is for the bread to absorb enough liquid to become tender inside while still maintaining structure for frying.

Step 3: Fry the French Toast

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the soaked bread slices and cook until golden brown and crispy on one side, about 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until equally golden and cooked through. The butter creates that decadent crust ensuring every bite has a perfect crunch.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms and Spinach

While the toast is cooking, heat the olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, seasoning them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. Cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown beautifully. Toss in the spinach and cook just until wilted. Finish by stirring in the parmesan cheese for a melty, cheesy topping.

Step 5: Assemble and Add Spicy Pepper Honey

Once the French toasts are ready, pile the warm mushroom and spinach mixture generously on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some of the homemade spicy pepper honey for a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory that truly elevates the dish.

How to Serve Savory French Toasts with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

The image shows three containers on a white marbled surface: a large white plate at the top filled with chopped dark green leafy spinach, a small clear bowl on the left filled with fine, pale yellow grated cheese, and a round black plate at the bottom filled with halved white mushrooms showing their brown gills and light caps. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a bright pop of color and fresh aroma. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or cracked black pepper right before serving can enhance texture and flavor even more.

Side Dishes

Pair your savory creation with a simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette for freshness, or a bowl of roasted tomatoes for sweetness and acidity to complement the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread, cut the Savory French Toasts with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe into smaller squares and serve as finger food on a platter. You can also stack the toasts like mini sandwiches with additional layers of cheese or roasted red peppers for an impressive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover French toasts and toppings in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick meals without sacrificing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked Savory French Toasts with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe by layering the toasts with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the crispiness of the toast crust, or use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for around 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture from turning soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Sturdy bread like sourdough, brioche, or even a thick-cut sandwich loaf works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart, but feel free to experiment with what you have.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with a chickpea flour batter or a flaxseed egg mix, use plant-based milk, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.

What can I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can mix your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to mimic Italian seasoning’s flavor profile. It’s a great way to customize the dish.

How spicy is the Savory French Toasts with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the cayenne pepper or chili powder in the custard and optional spicy pepper honey. You can adjust the quantities to suit your personal taste.

Can I prepare the mushroom and spinach topping in advance?

Yes, the topping can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling the toasts to save time on busy mornings or brunch gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Savory French Toasts with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe is a truly special way to enjoy a savory twist on a beloved classic. Its combination of crispy, cheesy, and fresh elements makes every bite a celebration. Give it a try—I promise it will quickly become a go-to dish that you’ll want to make again and again for friends and family.