
Masala French Toast turns a classic breakfast into a spicy, colorful treat any time you want something different. You get a familiar dish, only now it’s bursting with Indian flavors and comfort in every bite. It’s like sweet French toast’s bolder cousin, full of surprises.
I came up with this one when I was swamped and needed a fast, filling meal. That random attempt ended up a top brunch request when friends drop by. Spices mixed with something as homey as French toast? People are always wowed.
Flavorful Ingredients
- Ketchup, green chutney, or sriracha: Grab your favorite for dipping or drizzling when you serve
- Bread slices: Slightly stale bread is ideal since it holds up better and soaks up all those eggs without breaking
- Milk: This keeps the batter smooth, but water makes a lighter version if you want
- Fresh cilantro: The bold, fresh herb taste brightens everything up
- Kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors and keeps everything in balance
- Ground turmeric: Adds that golden color and earthy vibe, plus some health perks
- Green chili: Gives a kick, and you can use more or less to suit your mood
- Red onion: Tossed in for bite and softens as it cooks
- Large eggs: Helps everything stick together and gives you that well-known texture
Easy How-To
- Fry it up:
- Get a nonstick or seasoned cast iron skillet warm on medium. Add a bit of oil, then move your soaked bread from the bowl to the pan. If there’s extra onion left in the batter, scoop that onto the bread now. Let it sit and get crisp and golden for about a minute before flipping.
- Soak your bread:
- Drop a slice in the egg mix and gently squash down with a fork. That helps the whole slice suck up the good stuff. Flip and repeat for the other side. It should be fully wet but not so mushy that it breaks.
- Mix everything together:
- In a big wide dish or bowl, whisk together milk, chopped cilantro, salt, turmeric, chili, and onions. Crack in the eggs and give it all a hard whisk—about a minute—till it’s yellow and you can see flecks of herbs and onion.

Green chili is the real game changer here. I learned to love it hanging around Mumbai’s street food carts. The cooks there whip up savory toasts like this in no time. Making this at home reminds me of those bright, loud food stalls every single time.
Pick The Right Bread
Your final Masala French Toast totally depends on your bread choice. Go for sturdy, slightly dry slices—think multigrain or sourdough—since they won’t fall apart after soaking. Denser bread brings a tasty crunch outside with a soft middle. Skip that super soft white sandwich bread since it turns to mush.
Awesome Sidekicks
This version of French toast plays nice with big breakfasts or stands solo. Make it a real Indian-style brunch with chai or cardamom coffee. They just work together. If you want a bigger meal, add a cucumber-yogurt salad to cool off the spices. Sprinkle on some chaat masala when serving for a tangy, savory punch.
Make It Your Way
This meal is all about swapping and adding. Only got shallots? Use them instead of onions. Toss in grated ginger for a spicy kick and to help your stomach. Go wild with different spices—try garam masala or curry powder—or pile on some cheese at the end for extra richness. Paneer works great too.

With this mashup, you get bold flavors and cozy feels—all in one awesome plate!
Foire aux questions sur la recette
- → What kind of bread holds up for this toast?
You’ll want something sturdy like whole wheat, multigrain or sourdough. These breads won’t fall apart when soaked and they give a hearty crunch with all that savory egg.
- → How do I tone down the heat?
No worries! Just add less green chili or pick a milder one. If you don’t like spicy at all, skip the chili for a gentle turmeric boost.
- → What are some good sides for masala French toast?
Besides ketchup, sriracha or chutney, try it with some yogurt, a fried egg, or simply toss together a tomato and cucumber salad. Sautéed veggies work great too for a big breakfast.
- → Can I mix the eggs ahead of time?
Yep, prep the egg mix a day early and stash it in the fridge—just whisk it up before dipping your bread so nothing’s settled. Wait to dunk your bread until you’re ready to cook for best results.
- → How do I skip dairy in this dish?
Swap the milk for water or use any unsweetened plant milk like oat or almond. You’ll still get lovely flavor, and it keeps things dairy-free.
- → What stops French toast from turning soggy?
Don’t leave bread in the mix for long—just a quick dip works. Using bread that’s a bit dry or day-old helps too. Make sure your pan is nice and hot before letting those slices hit the skillet.