This Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast is a delicious twist on a classic breakfast dish, blending the rich flavors of Cacio e Pepe with the comforting texture of French toast. The crispy, cheesy exterior is made with freshly ground black pepper, Parmesan, and Pecorino cheese, while the inside is soft and fluffy. It’s a perfect savory brunch dish to serve with eggs, prosciutto, or a simple arugula salad.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese, divided

• 2 tablespoons coarse black pepper, divided

• 1 garlic clove, grated

• A couple of dashes of hot sauce

• 1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 8 slices thick-cut sourdough or French bread (preferably day-old)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Optional for Serving:

• Arugula salad

• Fried egg

• Prosciutto (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 250°F (120°C). Place a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep the French toast warm after cooking.

2. Make the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of Pecorino, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, garlic, and hot sauce. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine the Panko bread crumbs, remaining Parmesan, Pecorino, and black pepper.

4. Cook the French Toast: Heat a large griddle or skillet over moderate heat and brush with melted butter. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are soaked. Shake off any excess liquid, then coat both sides with the breadcrumb mixture. Cook about 2 slices at a time on the hot griddle, turning them over to cook each side until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared wire rack in the oven to keep warm.

5. Serve: Once all the French toast is cooked, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and parsley. Serve with an arugula salad, fried egg, and prosciutto, if desired.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: ~449 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~45 g

• Protein: ~15 g

• Fat: ~25 g

  • Saturated Fat: ~9 g

• Cholesterol: ~150 mg

• Sodium: ~850 mg

This Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast is a perfect savory dish for a weekend brunch, combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cacio e Pepe with the comfort of French toast.

Why This Dish Works

This dish combines the indulgent, cheesy flavors of Cacio e Pepe with the warm, fluffy comfort of French toast. The crunchy exterior of the French toast is packed with freshly ground black pepper, giving it a spicy kick that balances out the richness of the Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses. The inside remains soft and airy, just like a traditional French toast. This combination creates a complex and satisfying texture with every bite, offering both crispy and creamy elements that are irresistible.

The addition of garlic and a dash of hot sauce elevates the dish, giving it a hint of depth and warmth. The Panko bread crumbs create an extra-crunchy coating, making each piece of French toast crispy on the outside while keeping the interior soft and tender.

This dish is also incredibly versatile—served alone or with sides like prosciutto, eggs, or a fresh arugula salad, it becomes a meal that can satisfy a variety of tastes. It’s an impressive and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any brunch table.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

• Parmesan and Pecorino Cheese: These two cheeses give the dish its signature savory richness. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor, while Pecorino contributes a sharp, tangy bite. Together, they mimic the flavor profile of the Cacio e Pepe sauce traditionally used in pasta.

• Black Pepper: The freshly ground black pepper is a key ingredient in Cacio e Pepe, adding spice and warmth. In this French toast version, it gives the dish its characteristic peppery kick and enhances the flavors of the cheeses.

• Egg Mixture: The milk, heavy cream, eggs, and garlic form the base for soaking the bread, adding richness and flavor to the interior of the French toast. The hot sauce adds a subtle heat that balances the richness of the cheese and cream.

• Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs create a crispy exterior on the French toast. The light, airy texture of Panko gives the toast a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

• Sourdough or French Bread: The bread provides a sturdy base for the dish. Thick-cut slices of day-old bread are perfect for soaking up the egg mixture and holding the rich, cheesy coating.

• Fresh Parsley: A light garnish of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and brightness, helping to balance out the richness of the French toast.

How to Make Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast

This dish is simple to make and delivers impressive results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing it:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set the oven to 250°F (120°C). Place a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep the French toast warm after cooking.

2. Make the Egg Mixture

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of Pecorino, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, grated garlic, and hot sauce. Set this aside.

3. Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating

• In a separate shallow dish, combine the Panko bread crumbs, remaining Parmesan, Pecorino, and black pepper. This mixture will coat the bread and give it that crisp, cheesy exterior.

4. Cook the French Toast

• Heat a large griddle or skillet over moderate heat and brush it with melted butter. Dip each slice of sourdough (or French bread) into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are soaked. Shake off any excess liquid.

• Coat both sides of the bread with the breadcrumb mixture. Then, cook about 2 slices at a time on the hot griddle, turning them over to cook each side until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

• Transfer the cooked French toast to the prepared wire rack in the oven to keep warm. Repeat until all slices are cooked.

5. Serve

• Once all the French toast is cooked, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and fresh parsley. For added flair and flavor, serve with an arugula salad, a fried egg, and prosciutto, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast (based on 2 slices) provides approximately:

• Calories: 449 kcal. This dish is rich and indulgent, making it perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.

• Carbohydrates: 45 grams. The bread and breadcrumbs contribute to the carb content, giving you energy for the day.

• Protein: 15 grams. The eggs, cheese, and Panko breadcrumbs provide a solid protein boost to help keep you full.

• Fat: 25 grams. The butter, cream, cheese, and Panko breadcrumbs contribute to the richness of this dish.

• Saturated Fat: 9 grams. The cream, cheese, and butter contribute to the saturated fat content, making this a decadent treat.

• Cholesterol: 150 mg. The eggs and cream add to the cholesterol content.

• Sodium: 850 mg. The cheese, salt, and Panko breadcrumbs provide the majority of the sodium content.

• Fiber: 2 grams. The bread and breadcrumbs contribute a small amount of fiber.

• Sugar: 2 grams. The sugar content is relatively low, coming mostly from the cream and hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Fried Egg: This French toast pairs wonderfully with a fried egg on top for added protein and richness.

• Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing adds a fresh, peppery contrast to the richness of the French toast.

• Prosciutto: For an extra indulgence, serve the French toast with prosciutto for a salty, savory addition that complements the cheese and pepper in the dish.

Conclusion

This Savory Cacio e Pepe French Toast is a unique and delightful twist on the classic French toast, combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cacio e Pepe with the comforting, crispy texture of French toast. The combination of Parmesan, Pecorino, black pepper, and garlic creates a flavorful and savory dish that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a cozy dinner. Whether you serve it with eggs, prosciutto, or a simple arugula salad, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it for a special weekend meal or a memorable holiday brunch!