Savoury Masala French Toast - Breakfast With a Desi Twist - If you love breakfast, you're going to adore this: a savoury version of the classic French toast but spiced up Indian-style. Our Masala French Toast combines the comfort of bread and eggs with the warming, aromatic flavours of home-style masala. It's fast, family-friendly and a beautiful way to start your day.
Masala Eggy Bread (French Toast)
This Masala French toast/savoury french toast/eggy bread will always be a breakfast staple in our home. It combines 2 of my favourite things. Bread and Masala Omelette.
Breakfast is my most favourite meal of the day and I like to take my time about it. So whilst French Toast is reserved for leisurely weekends for some, in our house it is sometimes made every day.
My mum would make it so regularly when we were kids and until I went to university I didn't realise that French Toast was supposed to be sweet. (Yes..really). I guess I should have realised that French Toast would not have been so..Indian.
So one morning, we were at my friend's halls of residence and she went off to make breakfast for us. I could smell the aroma of french toast down the hall way but no smell of spices but I didn't think anything of it.
We sat down to breakfast, I took my first bite and was slightly taken a back.
It was still delicious but my preference is always Masala French Toast over regular French Toast. In general I prefer savoury food over sweet food so that is probably why.
Why you'll want to make it
It's breakfast made in minutes, yet satisfying and full of flavour.
- The spiced egg bath gives the bread a custardy interior and crisp golden edges - much more than plain toast.
You can personalise the spice mix (milder or hotter) and serve it with pickles, chutneys or simply a steaming cup of chai
- It's ideal for using up slightly stale bread.
Ingredients in Eggy Masala Bread
For the full ingredient quanitites, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page:
Bread
Use any bread that you already have at home - white, brown, sourdough, or even slightly stale slices. In fact, day-old bread is perfect because it soaks up the spiced egg mixture without falling apart. Brioche works beautifully if you want a slightly indulgent version, while sourdough adds a little tang and chew.
Eggs (and Milk)
The star of the show. Use large, free-range eggs if you can. They give the best colour and flavour. Eggs combined with Milk form the custardy base that coats the bread and helps the spices cling.
Herbs & Spices
This is where the magic happens. The spice blend transforms simple eggy bread into something deeply flavourful and comforting.
Cumin - Seeds or Ground add gentle earthiness and that signature warmth you find in Indian breakfasts
Coriander Powder - Optional but adds flavour.
Red Chilli Powder - for a hint of heat; adjust to taste.
Garlic Granules - optional, but add savoury depth and aroma. You can sub Garlic paste.
Turmeric - gives both colour and a subtle bitterness that balances the richness of the eggs.
Coriander Leaves & Stems - bring freshness and a pop of green.
Green Chillies - for an extra kick if you like things spicy.
Onion - I love using finely diced red onion for a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft centre of the toast. Although i don't always add this but that is the beauty of this recipe. It is highly adaptable.
Salt & Black Pepper - essential for balance and that final touch of seasoning.
These everyday ingredients come together in minutes to make something utterly moreish and you end up with french toast that is golden on the outside, soft and custardy within and bursting with spice and flavour.
How to make it
The best thing about this recipe, is that it is so easy to make. The full recipe with measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page but essentially:
You simply whisk eggs together with a little milk, spices of your choice and a little fresh coriander.
You then soak the bread for a couple of minutes and pan fry in butter until the bread is custardy in the middle, golden on the surface and crispy on the edges. You can serve it with whatever you like. I like to eat it as it is, or serve with pickles and chutneys/sauces such as this five minute green avo chutney.
In a bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chilli powder, garlic granules (if using), chopped coriander, green chillies, diced red onion (if using), salt and pepper.
Heat the oil and ghee in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Dip a slice of bread into the egg-mixture, coating both sides.
Tip - Add a little of the veg (if it has pooled at the bottom of the bowl) on top of the slice of bread.
Place in the hot pan and cook for about 2½-3 minutes on one side until golden and crisp on the edges. Flip and cook the other side for another ~2 minutes or until cooked through but still soft inside.
Repeat with remaining bread slices.
Serve immediately.
Plain is delicious - or serve with a chilli-pickle/achaar, chutney, sauce of your choice and don't forget a cup of chai.
NOTE - The spices and additions can be adapted to your taste.
Storage
Fridge: Masala French Toast is best served fresh, straight from the pan. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry pan over low heat until warmed through and slightly crisp again.
Freezer: You can freeze cooked slices for up to 1 month. Layer with baking paper between slices and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven until hot and crisp.
Make-ahead tip: You can whisk the egg mixture (without soaking the bread) the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. In the morning, just dip your bread and fry for a quick breakfast.
What bread works best?
Simple white sandwich bread works beautifully.
Sourdough adds a nice texture and chew.You can even use sliced rolls or baguette pieces.
For something indulgent, brioche is excellent.Using stale or day-old bread? Great! It holds up better in the egg bath without falling apart.
Toppings & Serving suggestions
You can add whatever you like. It is perfectly fine on it's own. It really doesn't need topping, but here are some suggestions if you want a side:
Indian mango pickle (achaar) or green chilli chutney brings heat.
- A cup of Chai or Coffee.
- A simple tomato, onion coriander salad or green salad adds freshness.
Tips for perfect Masala French Toast
Ensure the pan is hot enough so the bread begins to crisp immediately when it hits the pan.
- Don't soak the bread too long in the egg. You want it coated but not soggy.
- Work in batches if your pan is small so you don't overcrowd and steam the bread instead of crisping it.
- Adjust the spice level to your household. For kids you might want to skip the green chillies or reduce chilli powder.
- Cut the bread in half to make it easier to handle if making with kids.
FAQs
Can I make Masala French Toast without milk?
Yes! Replace milk with a splash of cream if you prefer. It just helps loosen the eggs slightly.
What if I don't like spicy food?
Reduce or skip the red chilli powder and green chillies. The toast will still taste delicious with just cumin, turmeric and fresh coriander.
Can I bake Masala French Toast instead of frying?
You can! Line a baking tray, lightly grease it and bake the dipped bread at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. It won't be as crisp as pan-fried, but still flavourful.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Chopped spinach, mixed peppers or spring onions mix beautifully into the batter. Just don't overload it so the bread still absorbs the egg mixture evenly.
What should I serve it with?
We love it with green chutney, ketchup, mango pickle, or simply a hot cup of masala chai.
More Indian Breakfast Recipes:
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📖 Recipe
Savoury Masala French Toast
Ingredients
- 4 large Eggs
- 2 tablespoon Milk Optional
- 4-5 slices Bread You can cut them in half or use full slices
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon Ground Corinader
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Granules Optional, or add a little Garlic Paste
- 2 tablespoon Coriander leaves and stems Chopped finely
- 2 Green Chillies Chopped finely, Optional or add 1 teaspoon Green Chilli Paste
- ½ Onion Optional,Diced (I use red when I do use onions)
- Salt and Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 1 tbsp Ghee
Instructions
- Add Eggs and Milk to a bowl.
- Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chilli, garlic granules, chopped coriander, green chillies, onion, salt and black pepper. Whisk together.
- Heat oil and ghee in a large pan. Tip - Cut bread slices in half to make it easier if you like).
- Dunk a piece of bread into the egg mixture, making sure you coat both sides. Tip - Add a little of the veg (if it has pooled at the bottom of the bowl) on top of the slice.
- Repeat with more bread slices and add bread slices to pan. Cook for 2 ½ - 3 minutes on one side, then flip. Cook until the surface is golden and edges are crisp.
Notes
Storage
Fridge: Masala French Toast is best served fresh, straight from the pan. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry pan over low heat until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Freezer: You can freeze cooked slices for up to 1 month. Layer with baking paper between slices and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven until hot and crisp. Make-ahead tip: You can whisk the egg mixture (without soaking the bread) the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. In the morning, just dip your bread and fry for a quick breakfast.What bread works best?
- Simple white sandwich bread works beautifully.
- Sourdough adds a nice texture and chew.
- You can even use sliced rolls or baguette pieces.
- For something indulgent, brioche is excellent.
- Using stale or day-old bread? Great! It holds up better in the egg bath without falling apart.
Toppings & Serving suggestions
You can add whatever you like. It is perfectly fine on it's own. It really doesn't need any topping, but here are some suggestions if you want a side:- Indian mango pickle (achaar) or green chilli chutney brings heat.
- A cup of Chai or Coffee.
- A simple tomato, onion coriander salad or green salad adds freshness.
Tips for perfect Masala French Toast
- Ensure the pan is hot enough so the bread begins to crisp immediately when it hits the pan.
- Don't soak the bread too long in the egg. You want it coated but not soggy.
- Work in batches if your pan is small so you don't overcrowd and steam the bread instead of crisping it.
- Adjust the spice level to your household. For kids you might skip the green chillies or reduce chilli powder.
- Cut the bread in half to make it easier to handle if making with kids.
Zinat says
Delicious yes I made these. Except I found the Masalas, onions, corriander stayed at the bottom and the last couple of pieces were flooded with everything!! Tried spooning on each piece! Didn’t work very well. Whats the remedy for this??
Safira says
Hi Zinat,
Im sorry to hear this. I think a good idea is to add a touch of gram flour to the batter which will likely help it to cling to the bread better. I haven't tried this myself yet so can't be sure but I think it should work.Please let me know how you get on. I will be trying it too. Hope that helps!