Vegan french toast has been on my mind for weeks, and I finally nailed a version that made my husband Henry ask for seconds. Most people think of french toast as a sweet dish dripping in maple syrup, but this savory vegan french toast flips the script completely. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with rich flavor.
I first tried making this after Isabella mentioned she wanted to eat more plant-based meals. I discovered chickpea flour french toast and everything changed — the chickpea flour creates that golden, custardy texture you know and love, minus any eggs. Whether you’re fully vegan or just looking to mix things up, this recipe is for you. If you love creative breakfasts, check out my crispy cottage cheese waffles too!
Why You Will Like This Recipe
- Quick and easy ready in about 20 minutes
- No eggs needed the chickpea flour batter does all the heavy lifting
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have
- Crispy golden crust with a soft, flavorful center
- Totally customizable with your favorite savory toppings
The Ingredients You Need for Vegan French Toast
- Unflavored soy or almond milk (1 cup) the base of your batter
- Chickpea flour (⅓ cup) the star ingredient that gives an egg-like quality
- Nutritional yeast flakes (3 tablespoons) adds a subtle cheesy, umami flavor
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) helps the batter stick and creates a crispier finish
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon) brings salty depth
- Kala namak (½ teaspoon) black salt that gives the batter an eggy taste without eggs
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon) and onion powder (¼ teaspoon)
- Hot sauce (to taste, optional)
- Canola oil (about 2 tablespoons)
- Crusty bread (6 slices) sourdough or thick-cut rustic loaf works best
For toppings: Super simple vegan gravy, mushroom gravy, vegan butter, hot sauce, avocado slices, or fresh herbs.
How to Make This Savory Vegan French Toast
- Mix the batter. Whisk the milk, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, soy sauce, kala namak, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce in a bowl until smooth. (Trust me, a smooth batter makes all the difference.)
- Heat the skillet. Coat a medium skillet generously with oil over medium heat.
- Dip and cook. Dip each bread slice into the batter on both sides, then transfer to the hot skillet. Don’t crowd the pan they need space to get crispy.
- Get that golden crust. Cook about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Finish and serve. Repeat with remaining slices, adding oil as needed. Serve your vegan french toast hot with your favorite toppings!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet over medium heat. For longer storage, freeze cooked slices on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the toaster.
Fun Ways to Change Up Your Vegan French Toast
- Switch the bread try everything bagels or thick-cut rye
- Add herbs to the batter thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning
- Make it spicy add cayenne or smoked paprika
- Go sweet instead swap soy sauce and kala namak for vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar
Have you ever tried dipping french toast in a thick tomato soup? No, seriously — try it and thank me later.
Your Questions About Vegan French Toast Answered
Can I Make This Eggless Savory French Toast Without Chickpea Flour?
You can try a mix of regular flour with flaxseed meal and water, but chickpea flour gives the best custardy texture. I recommend sticking with it for the best results.
What Is Kala Namak and Where Can I Find It?
Kala namak is a volcanic rock salt with a sulfuric flavor that mimics eggs. Find it at Indian grocery stores or online. A little goes a long way!
What Bread Works Best for Vegan French Toast?
Go for something thick and sturdy like sourdough or ciabatta. Avoid soft sandwich bread it falls apart. Day old bread works perfectly here
Time to Make This Savory Vegan French Toast
This vegan french toast is now a weekend staple in our house. Emma tops hers with avocado, and Noah goes straight for the hot sauce. Drop a comment and let me know your favorite toppings! And be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creation.
Save this to Pinterest so you can find it whenever the craving hits
Recipes You May Like
- Easy Yogurt Flatbread soft and simple, pairs great with savory dishes
- Best Vegan Lasagna Soup cozy, hearty, and 100% plant-based
- Vegetarian Tostadas crunchy, loaded, and ready in minutes
Happy cooking!
Savory Vegan French Toast
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices 1x
Description
Golden, crispy, and packed with savory umami flavor this vegan French toast is made with a chickpea flour batter loaded with nutritional yeast, garlic, and kala namak. No eggs, no dairy, and absolutely no compromise on taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unflavored soy or almond milk
- 1/3 cup chickpea flour
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kala namak (black salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Hot sauce, to taste
- About 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 6 slices crusty bread (sourdough or day-old artisan bread works best)
- For toppings: vegan gravy, mushroom gravy, vegan butter, hot sauce, avocado slices, or fresh herbs like chives and parsley
Instructions
- Mix the batter. Whisk together the soy milk, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, soy sauce, kala namak, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce in a medium bowl. Whisk until everything is fully blended with no lumps.
- Heat your skillet. Coat the bottom of a medium skillet generously with oil and place it over medium heat. Give it a minute or two you want the oil hot before the bread goes in.
- Dip and cook. Grab a bread slice and dip each side into the batter. Let the excess drip off, then transfer the slice to the hot skillet. Add a couple more slices if there is room, but do not crowd the pan.
- Get that golden crust. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until each slice is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Repeat. Continue with the remaining slices, adding a little more oil to the skillet between batches as needed.
- Serve immediately. Plate your toast and load it up with your favorite toppings. I love mine with a drizzle of vegan gravy and thick avocado slices on top.
Notes
Thick slices of crusty bread like sourdough or day-old artisan loaves work best — they absorb the batter without getting mushy. Avoid thin sandwich bread. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side for the best crispy texture. You can also freeze these for up to a month — lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then stack in a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the toaster.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
