Savory Parmesan Pain Perdu with Poached Eggs and Greens

A sophisticated twist on French toast featuring parmesan-crusted baguette slices topped with perfectly poached eggs and fresh baby greens. This savory breakfast dish combines the richness of custard-soaked bread with the sharpness of parmesan and the elegance of runny egg yolks.

2 servings
1 hr 23 min

Ingredients

  • 6 slices baguette
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar
  • 3 cups baby greens
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Butter a 1-quart shallow baking dish or a 9-inch pie plate. Arrange bread in 1 layer in dish.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Whisk together milk, 1 egg, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Pour over bread. Sprinkle with cheese and press lightly to help bread absorb custard. Let stand until absorbed, 15 to 30 minutes.

    30 min

  4. 4.

    Dot with butter and bake, uncovered, until puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes.

    25 min

  5. 5.

    Bring 2 inches water to a boil with a few drops of vinegar in a small deep skillet or saucepan. Break each remaining egg into a cup and slide into water, spacing eggs apart. Poach at a bare simmer to desired doneness (we prefer firm whites with runny yolks, 2 to 3 minutes).

    10 min

  6. 6.

    Meanwhile, toss greens with remaining 2 teaspoons vinegar, oil, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

    3 min

  7. 7.

    Divide pain perdu between 2 plates and top with salad. Lift eggs out of poaching liquid 1 at a time with a slotted spoon and place on top of salad. Lightly season eggs with salt and pepper.

    5 min

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