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This Indian-style masala french toast has crisp, buttery edges, a soft center, and a hint of heat from chilies, coupled with a fresh crunch of onions and tomatoes. Ready in 15–20 minutes, it’s perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Make it dairy-free by skipping the butter!
Indian French Toast
This was the only French toast I knew growing up—until I discovered the sweet version much later in life! To make it, bread (preferably white bread) is dipped in a mildly spiced egg mixture and pan-fried. After cooking, the final toast has the perfect balance of fluffiness inside and a slightly crisp, well-cooked outer layer. This savory french toast, also called masala french toast is also a popular street food in India, often served with Kadak Chai.
It was a staple for breakfast, sometimes packed in school tiffins, or enjoyed as an evening snack. This Indian-style anda bread (egg & bread) recipe is perfect for mornings when you want to amp up the flavor while keeping things quick.
In India, it’s common to add bits of red onion, tomatoes, green chilies, and fresh cilantro. My mom always added a touch of finely chopped ginger, so I do too. We serve it with green chutney and Maggi hot & sweet sauce (non affiliate link)—the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory!
It is absolutely heartwarming to see my kids enjoying these french toast(minus the green chilies though). I often pack it for their lunch boxes.
Ingredients
A Note About Bread
I recommend using a day or two old white bread. Firm white bread gives the authentic taste and is used by street vendors too. White bread (similar to Texas toast or artisan white bread) holds up well when dipped in the batter without becoming too soggy. It absorbs enough of the egg mixture while still maintaining a soft interior and a crisp, golden crust when fried.
Other textured breads like, whole wheat or multigrain bread can be used too. If you enjoy sourdough for breakfast, can be used. If you slice bread at home, slice thick slices (about ¾ to 1 inch) to prevent them from breaking.
How To Make Indian French Toast
- Step 1: Crack the eggs in a shallow wide bowl. Add the chopped onions, tomatoes, green chili, cilantro, ginger and spices. Add milk or cream(if using)
- Step 2: Sprinkle salt and using a fork, beat well to combine everything.
- Step 3: Cut the bread slices into triangles. This step is optional, but I find that it not only makes the toast easier to dip but also creates crispier centers when cooking. Makes for a good presentation too.
- Step 4: Heat butter and oil in a pan over low-medium heat. Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture one at a time. Flip to coat both sides but don’t leave bread slices in the egg mixture for too long else they will become too soft and difficult to pick.
Step 5: Place the egg-dipped bread slices in the pan. If needed, spoon extra onion mixure on the toasts.
Step 6:- Fry for 2–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Try not to press while cooking to keep them fluffy. Lift using a flat spatula and transfer the fried french toasts on a wire rack for few minutes to prevent soggy bottoms. Serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Green chilies are the best part about this french toast, I highly recommned that you add them for the fresh grassy flavor (de seed if desired).
- You can customize it with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Be generous with oil or butter while pan frying else the french toast taste dryish.
- I use non stick pan for making these, but cast iron or stainless steel pans will work great too!
- You can use a combination of whole egg and egg whites if you wish. You can use just egg whites as well- the spices and the veggies makes sure that they do not taste bland.
20-Minute Indian French Toast (Savory French Toast)
Indian masala french toast has crisp, buttery edges, a soft center, and a fresh crunch of onions, tomatoes and green chilies. Perfect for breakfast or snack time. Ready in 15-20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional)
- ⅓ cup onions finely chopped
- 2-3 tablespoon tomatoes finely chopped (de seed the tomatoes if you wish)
- 1-2 green chilies (hot), adjust to taste, serrano peppers or thai chili work too
- 2 tablespoon cilantro finely chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon ginger finely chopped (optional)
- salt to taste
- black pepper powder to taste
- 4 bread slices cut into triangles
- 2 tablespoon oil for cooking (adjust quantity as desired)
- 2 tablespoon butter for cooking (adjust quantity as desired)
Spices
- ⅛ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Garam Masala Powder or pav bhaji masala powder works too
Instructions
-
Crack the eggs in a shallow wide bowl. Add the chopped onions, tomatoes, green chili, cilantro, ginger and spices. Add milk or cream(if using)
-
Sprinkle salt and using a fork, beat well to combine everything.
-
Cut the bread slices into triangles. This step is optional, but I find that it not only makes the toast easier to dip but also creates crispier centers when cooking. Makes for a good presentation too.
-
Heat butter and oil in a pan over low-medium heat. We will cook in batches so add butter and oil accordingly per batch. Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture one at a time. Flip to coat both sides but don’t leave bread slices in the egg mixture for too long else they will become too soft and difficult to pick.
-
Place the egg-dipped bread slices in the pan. If needed, spoon extra onion mixure on the toasts.
-
Fry for 2–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Try not to press while cooking to keep them fluffy. Lift using a flat spatula and transfer the fried french toasts on a wire rack for few minutes to prevent soggy bottoms. Serve warm with green chutney or maggi hot & sweet sauce and a cup of masala chai.
Notes
- Green chilies are the best part about this french toast, I highly recommned that you add them for the fresh grassy flavor (de seed if desired).
- You can customize it with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Be generous with oil or butter while pan frying else the french toast taste dryish.
- I use non stick pan for making these, but cast iron or stainless steel pans will work great too!
- You can use a combination of whole egg and egg whites if you wish. You can use just egg whites as well- the spices and the veggies makes sure that they do not taste bland.