Savory French Toast with Goat Cheese, Roasted Pears, and Spicy Honey Recipe
Savory French Toast with Goat Cheese, Roasted Pears, and Spicy Honey is a delightful brunch recipe that masterfully blends sweet, fruity roasted pears with creamy goat cheese and a hint of chili-spiced honey. Ready in just 30 minutes, this French-inspired dish is perfect for a flavorful and elegant weekend meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
The Essentials
- 2 slices of thick brioche bread (4-5 cm thick), preferably slightly stale, day-old loaf
- 1 organic egg
- 10 cl whole milk
- 100g fresh goat cheese log (creamy, not too dry)
- 1 Conference or Comice pear (caramelizes best in the oven)
- 2 tbsp liquid acacia honey
- 1 pinch Espelette pepper flakes
- 30g unsalted butter
The Bold Optionals
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 handful of crushed walnuts
- 1 dash of balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pears: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut the pear into even wedges and arrange them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh thyme sprigs for added aroma. Roast the pears in the oven until caramelized and tender, keeping them warm until serving.
- Stuff the Bread: Take each brioche slice and make a horizontal cut to create a pocket. Slide 3-4 rounds of goat cheese inside each pocket, ensuring an even distribution of creamy cheese.
- Prepare Egg Mixture and Soak: In a shallow dish, beat the egg along with the whole milk until well combined. Dip each stuffed brioche slice into the egg mixture and soak for 30 seconds on each side, just enough to absorb without becoming soggy.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat the unsalted butter in a 26cm enameled cast iron frying pan over medium heat. When the butter is melted and hot, add the soaked brioche slices and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Plate and Garnish: Arrange the cooked savory French toast on plates. Add the roasted pears alongside. Drizzle the liquid acacia honey over the entire dish and finish with a pinch of Espelette pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick. Optionally, sprinkle crushed walnuts and add a dash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor complexity.
Notes
- Variations: Substitute goat cheese and pears with burrata and figs for a Mediterranean twist.
- For a gluten-free version, replace brioche with gluten-free bread.
- For a vegan variation, use egg and goat cheese alternatives.
- Tip: Do not soak the bread for longer than 30 seconds per side to prevent it from becoming soggy.
