I couldn’t wait to prepare these Italian-style French toasts! A very tasty idea, simple to make and incredibly delicious, perfect for a brunch, a quick dinner, or even a light lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
The recipe is by Mattia Poggi, from issue 9 of Alice 2014, and shows that even ‘junk food’ can become a balanced dish if you choose quality ingredients in the right quantities. Soft bread, smoked cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs combine into a small masterpiece of taste that will win everyone over.
These toasts are also perfect for recycling leftover bread: it just needs to be soft and not too dry. In a few minutes, it turns into a tasty dish without waste!
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 4 slices soft bread (thick slices)
- 7 oz smoked cheese
- 12 sun-dried tomatoes in oil (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 sprig thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 bunch basil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- as needed butter
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Tools
- 1 Knife
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Fork
- 1 Pan
- 1 Cutting board
Steps
Cut a pocket into each slice of bread along the width, being careful not to slice it in two.
If the bread is slightly stale, it will absorb the egg mixture better without falling apart.Slice the smoked cheese and insert it into the pockets along with the drained sun-dried tomatoes and a few basil leaves.
Scent everything with some fresh thyme leaves.
Gently press the slices from the opening to close them without letting the filling spill out.
If you prefer a more aromatic taste, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes.
In a bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, a pinch of salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves.
Dip the stuffed bread slices into the mixture, ensuring both sides absorb it well for a few seconds.
Do not leave them in the egg mixture for too long, or they might become soggy during cooking.Melt a generous knob of butter in a large pan until foaming.
Fry the French toast one at a time, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and the cheese inside has melted.
Drain on paper towels if needed.
Tips, notes, and variations
You can substitute the smoked cheese with mozzarella or caciocavallo for a milder flavor.
For a more aromatic version, add a pinch of oregano or rosemary to the filling.
For a sweet variant, you can eliminate the cheese and tomatoes, replacing them with hazelnut cream or fresh fruit.
If the bread is leftover, it’s perfect for this recipe: it will be a tasty way to recycle the bread without waste.
Storage
French toasts should be consumed immediately to maintain crispness and flavor. If any are left over, you can keep them for a few hours at room temperature covered with foil or slightly reheat them in the oven before serving.
FAQ – Italian-style French toast
Can they be baked instead of fried?
Yes, bake them on a parchment-lined tray at 350°F for 8-10 minutes per side until golden.
Can they be made ahead of time?
It’s best to consume them immediately, but if leftovers remain, you can slightly reheat them in a pan or oven before serving.
Italian-style French toasts are a simple yet truly delicious preparation: crispy on the outside, soft and melty on the inside, with the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and smoked cheese. Perfect for a brunch, a quick dinner, or to recycle leftover bread, they will win everyone in the family over. Try making them, and they will be a guaranteed success!
