Tsoureki French Toast

Custardy tsoureki French toast served with honey, walnuts, and blueberries, with both skillet and easy baked casserole options.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Greek

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Servings

Calories 585kcal

In a small saucepan, combine the half-and-half, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon stick, sage, thyme, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and let infuse for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
Strain out the cloves, cinnamon stick, and herbs. Whisk in the beaten eggs until smooth.
Dip the tsoureki slices into the custard mixture, letting each slice soak for 1–2 minutes.
Melt 1–2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the soaked bread slices in batches (2–3 at a time) until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook until golden on the other.
Serve warm, topped with honey, walnuts, and blueberries.

You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream depending on your preference. Plant-based milk works too.
Slightly stale tsoureki makes the best French toast as it absorbs the custard without falling apart.

Casserole Method

Brush a medium to large baking dish generously with melted butter. Arrange the tsoureki slices in the dish, overlapping slightly if needed to fit snugly.
In a saucepan, combine the half-and-half, ground nutmeg, cloves, sage leaves, thyme sprigs, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to infuse the milk. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Whisk the eggs, then stir them into the cooled milk mixture. Pour the custard evenly over the tsoureki slices, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid. Sprinkle the top with crushed walnuts. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 12 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before baking.
Place the baking dish on the center rack and bake until the casserole is set and golden brown, about 30 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Cut into portions and serve warm with warmed honey and fresh blueberries on the side.

Nutritional info is an estimate and may vary based on products used.