If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, this Za’atar and Cheese French Toast Recipe will sweep you off your feet. It’s comfort food with a spark of Middle Eastern magic, bringing together the aromatic, tangy notes of za’atar and the melty, gooey goodness of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. Each bite offers a rich, savory flavor that transforms ordinary bread into a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re craving a cozy morning treat or an impressive brunch dish, this recipe is bound to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few humble but flavorful ingredients is all it takes to create this heavenly Za’atar and Cheese French Toast Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s adding creaminess, zest, or that perfect golden crust.
- Thick-cut bread (8 slices, slightly stale preferred): Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture nicely without falling apart.
- Large eggs (4): The binding base that holds everything together and creates a luscious custard.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and richness to the egg mixture.
- Za’atar (2 tablespoons): This blend of herbs and spices infuses the dish with its signature earthy, tangy lift.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully, creating that stretchy, gooey texture.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Provides a punch of sharp, savory flavor.
- Butter or olive oil for frying: Gives the toast a crispy, golden crust and adds richness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors in the mix.
How to Make Za’atar and Cheese French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your cooking surface
Begin by heating a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil. This ensures a beautifully crisp crust without burning, giving your French toast that golden hue and delicious texture we all crave.
Step 2: Whisk together the egg mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, za’atar, and a pinch of salt until perfectly smooth and combined. The za’atar disperses evenly to coat the bread with its aromatic flavor, creating the heart and soul of this Za’atar and Cheese French Toast Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the egg dip
Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish. This shallow dish helps you quickly and easily dunk the bread sandwiches on both sides, ensuring every bite is steeped in that delicious za’atar custard.
Step 4: Assemble the cheese sandwiches
Layer generous amounts of shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese between two slices of bread for each sandwich. This combination is key to getting that melty, ooey-gooey cheese experience that perfectly complements the za’atar flavor.
Step 5: Dip the sandwiches
Carefully dip both sides of each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing the bread to soak up just enough to create a rich coating without getting soggy. This soaking step is vital for a tender interior and crisp exterior.
Step 6: Cook to perfection
Place the dipped sandwiches onto your heated skillet and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and the cheese inside has melted beautifully. Patience here pays off—low and steady heat ensures the cheese melts without burning the bread.
Step 7: Serve warm
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them rest for about a minute to set, slice them up, and serve warm. The moment you bite into the crispy crust and cheesy interior, you’ll know just how special this Za’atar and Cheese French Toast Recipe truly is.
How to Serve Za’atar and Cheese French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra za’atar, fresh chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil add fresh, vibrant notes to the dish. These enhance the flavors without overpowering the rich, cheesy center, making every bite burst with authentic zest.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with some light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of mixed olives. Fresh tomatoes or cucumber slices can also balance the richness and add a cooling crunch that complements the za’atar-spiced toast superbly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking mini versions as finger foods for brunch parties or cutting the sandwiches into sticks for a fun dip-ready appetizer. You can also serve with a side of labneh or yogurt dip to introduce a creamy contrast that brings out the za’atar’s best qualities.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors develop further, and you can enjoy a quick snack or light meal later on.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the prepared but uncooked sandwiches by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness and melt the cheese, or warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep that coveted crunchy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like feta for tanginess or gouda for a smoky touch. Just be mindful of melting qualities to maintain that perfect gooey texture.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Thick-cut, sturdy bread like brioche or sourdough (preferably slightly stale) holds up best to the soaking and frying process without falling apart, giving you the ideal texture.
Is za’atar difficult to find?
Za’atar is usually available in specialty spice shops or Middle Eastern markets and is increasingly common in regular grocery stores. You can also order it online if you want to keep it handy for this and other exciting recipes.
Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, swap eggs for a chickpea flour batter or flax egg, and use plant-based cheeses and milk. Keep in mind, the flavors and textures will change, but it can still be delicious!
How do I adjust the recipe for a larger group?
Simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings you want. Keep the cooking method the same, cooking sandwiches in batches to maintain even heat and perfect crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Za’atar and Cheese French Toast Recipe is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that elevates your usual breakfast rotation with a delightful zesty twist. Once you experience the melty cheese and fragrant spices wrapped in golden, crispy bread, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and make your mornings extraordinary—you won’t regret it!
Print
Za’atar and Cheese French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory twist on classic French toast featuring the aromatic Middle Eastern spice blend za’atar and a melty combination of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. This recipe transforms simple bread into a flavorful, cheesy delight perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (slightly stale preferred)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons za’atar
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or olive oil for frying
For the Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add butter or olive oil to coat the surface, preparing it for frying.
- Mix the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, za’atar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare dipping dish: Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish to make it easy to dip the bread sandwiches.
- Assemble sandwiches: Place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese between two slices of bread to form sandwiches.
- Dip sandwiches: Fully immerse both sides of each assembled sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook sandwiches: Place the dipped sandwiches onto the heated skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.
- Rest and serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for 1 minute. Then slice and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread helps the custard soak in better, preventing sogginess.
- Adjust the za’atar quantity to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger herb flavor.
- Butter will give a richer flavor; olive oil makes it a little lighter and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Ensure the skillet is on medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread.
- Serve with a side salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
