Cheesy Garlic French Toast Stacks

Cheesy Garlic French Toast Stacks have become my answer when someone craves a savory, over-the-top breakfast with truly comforting flavors. Layered with melty cheese, hints of garlic, and crispy edges, this twist on the brunch classic brings the wow factor—without fuss. It is a foolproof recipe for lazy Sundays or when you want to impress a table of sleepy guests.

I first tried this when my family was craving something bold for a chilly Saturday breakfast. Since then, it has become regular request material—especially when someone spots a loaf of good bread on the counter.

Ingredients

• Rustic bread: sliced thick for maximum soak and structural support Look for sourdough or country-style loaves with good chew and crust
• Eggs and whole milk: for richness and the important custardy soak Always use fresh eggs for best flavor and a creamy texture
• Garlic: finely minced to infuse every bite with savory depth Use fresh garlic if possible and avoid pre-minced jars for real zing
• Dried Italian herbs or herbes de Provence: bring aromatic lift Choose a blend with rosemary thyme and oregano for layered flavor
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to balance and season
• Mozzarella cheese: provides that signature stretch Choose a block for shredding by hand for creamier melt
• Sharp cheddar cheese: for boldness and bite Quality aged cheddar gives the best flavor punch
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: finishes with a salty umami flourish Always grate from a block for excellent texture
• Fresh parsley: adds bright color and herbaceous freshness Pick lively crisp leaves over limp bunches at the market
• Unsalted butter and olive oil: guarantee crispy golden crusts Use real butter not margarine for flavor and browning

Instructions

Prepare the Custard Whisking:

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, finely minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper for one to two minutes The mix should be smoothly blended with no visible streaks of egg white This is the secret to a perfect soak

Build the Sandwiches:

Lay out the thick bread slices on a clean surface Sprinkle half the mozzarella and all the cheddar evenly over four slices Place the remaining bread on top to form sturdy cheesy sandwiches This layer helps lock in the cheese during cooking

Soak Each Stack:

One sandwich at a time, carefully dip each side into the egg mixture Let it soak for about ten seconds per side Rotate gently so each square corner gets custard locked in but do not over-soak or the stacks will fall apart

Toast the Stacks:

Heat butter and olive oil together in a big nonstick skillet over medium heat Swirl to coat the bottom completely Wait until the butter melts and sizzles quietly for perfectly crisp exteriors

Cook Crisp and Golden:

Place the soaked sandwiches gently into the hot skillet Cook on one side for four to five minutes Without crowding flip gently with a spatula then press down slightly to help the cheese melt and edges crisp up Cook the second side another four to five minutes

Finish with Parmesan and Herbs:

Remove sandwiches from the pan onto a wire rack or paper towel Sprinkle with plenty of grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley Let sit for a minute so the cheese sets up slightly and the edges stay crispy

Slice and Serve:

If desired, cut each cheesy stack in half with a sharp knife Serve hot while the cheese is still gooey and the bread is toasty on the outside

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My favorite part of this recipe is packing an extra handful of parsley inside each stack for a pop of green flavor Biting into the melted cheese and smelling the garlic and herbs always takes me back to our first spring picnic when we brought these along and everyone begged for seconds

Storage Tips

Cheesy Garlic French Toast Stacks are best enjoyed fresh but keep well in the fridge for two to three days Store in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for crispy results If freezing cool completely first wrap tightly in foil and freeze in a single layer They keep in the freezer up to two months Thaw and reheat straight from frozen for a quick breakfast

Smart Substitutions

For a gluten free version use your favorite rustic gluten free bread Want even more flavor Try smoked gouda or fontina instead of cheddar For dairy free use plant based cheeses and swap out regular milk for oat milk or almond milk

Serving Suggestions

I love to pair these savory stacks with light vinegary salads or roasted cherry tomatoes They are also fantastic alongside a bowl of tomato soup for lunch For a simple twist add a fried egg on top or layer in fresh tomato and cooked spinach in the middle

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With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can enjoy cheesy, garlic-studded French toast in less than an hour. Share these stacked beauties at any brunch gathering for major crowd-pleasing results.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of bread is best for stacking?

Thick-cut rustic bread such as sourdough or country loaf offers structure and absorbs the egg mixture well, keeping layers intact.

→ Can other cheeses be substituted?

Feel free to use other melting cheeses like gouda or fontina. Combining several varieties adds flavor depth.

→ How do I prevent sogginess?

Briefly soak sandwiches, use thick bread slices, and cook over medium heat to achieve crisp, golden surfaces.

→ Are extra veggies recommended?

Add tomato slices or sautéed spinach before stacking for color, nutrition, and more taste complexity.

→ Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, all listed ingredients are vegetarian. Always verify cheese and bread labels if strict dietary requirements apply.

→ What main allergens are present?

This meal contains eggs, dairy, and gluten. Double-check with specific brands for additional allergen information.