Made with just 6 ingredients, Protein French Toast with Greek Yogurt and berries is an easy, healthy breakfast that’s not only delicious but nutritious! Unlike traditional French toast, this recipe packs in 26 grams of protein per serving (thanks to the combination of creamy Greek yogurt, protein powder, and egg whites) and cooks on the stovetop in just 10 minutes.
Starting your day with a high-protein breakfast can be a game-changer! High protein meals help with muscle maintenance, keep you feeling full longer, and prevent mid-morning energy crashes. This is why I try to include protein in my breakfast each morning and this protein french toast with Greek yogurt is my latest obsession (although, protein smoothies and egg white muffins are also high protein staples for me!).
This approach to breakfast is not just beneficial for athletes; it’s great for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep their energy levels steady throughout the day.
High Protein French Toast
Why make a high-protein French toast recipe? Traditional French toast is high in refined carbohydrates and sugar while being low in protein and fiber. However, with a few healthy hacks you can easily increase the nutrient density, pack in the protein, increase the fiber, and enjoy something just as delicious (if not more!) for breakfast.
This recipe gets a protein punch primarily from Greek yogurt and whey protein. Greek yogurt adds a custard-like texture to the toast, while the whey protein adds a creamy texture and sweet flavor.
NOTE: You can also choose a plant-based protein option or a collagen protein (which is flavorless) if preferred.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Whole Grain Bread – I love to use sprouted bread (the Food For Life, Ezekiel is my favorite). This provides a hearty, nutritious base with a unique nutty flavor along with added fiber. But keep in mind, you can sub in any type of bread you love or prefer, including gluten-free bread if needed.
- Liquid Egg Whites – Act as a binding agent, giving the toast a light, fluffy texture while adding an extra boost of high-quality protein.
- 2% Milk – Contributes to the creamy consistency of the batter, adding a touch of richness without being too rich.
- Greek Yogurt – Creates a creamy, custard-like texture, and adds plenty of protein. If desired, you can use regular yogurt or plant-based yogurt, although this may decrease the protein content.
- Vanilla Protein Powder – Boosts the protein content significantly and adds a hint of vanilla flavor. You can skip the protein powder if you don’t have it and this recipe will still work but this will of course decrease the amount of protein in the recipe.
- Cinnamon – Offers a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness of the dish and adds antioxidant properties.
- Optional Toppings (Greek yogurt, fresh berries, maple syrup) – Greek yogurt adds extra creaminess and protein, berries provide natural sweetness and antioxidants, while maple syrup brings a classic, comforting sweetness to finish the dish.
How To Make Protein French Toast With Greek Yogurt and Berries
This is such a simple recipe to make! Here’s all you need to do:
Cook the French toast: Lightly spray a non-stick cooking pan with nonaerosol cooking spray and heat over medium-low heat. You’ll know the French toast is done when it’s golden brown on both sides and cooked through in the middle. It should feel firm to the touch but not hard, and the center should not be soggy.
Cooking Tips
- Preheat your pan on medium-low heat before adding the bread to ensure even cooking without burning.
- For best results, use a blender to mix the egg whites, milk, protein powder, and cinnamon for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Soak each bread slice thoroughly in the protein mixture to fully infuse the flavors and achieve a custard-like interior.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the bread in batches if necessary to ensure each slice has enough space for even browning.
- Flip the bread gently with a spatula to keep the soaked slices intact and achieve a golden crust on both sides.
- If using frozen berries as a topping, thaw them first or warm them up in a pan to bring out their natural juices and sweetness.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your stove and pan type; some may cook faster or slower than others.
- Use non-aerosol cooking spray to prevent sticking and to achieve a light, crispy texture on the toast.
- Serve the French toast immediately after cooking for the best texture and warmth, topping it with Greek yogurt, berries, and syrup right before serving.
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
- Add granulated or liquid sweeteners like maple syrup, monk fruit, or stevia to the protein egg mixture for a sweeter French toast.
- Substitute vanilla Greek yogurt for plain Greek yogurt to infuse the toast with a rich, vanilla flavor.
- Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of 2% milk for a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle nutty or tropical taste.
- Top with sautéed apples or pears in cinnamon for a fruity, caramelized topping.
- Replace the vanilla protein powder with chocolate protein powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Mix in orange zest or a squeeze of fresh orange juice into the batter for a citrusy kick.
- Drizzle almond or peanut butter over the cooked French toast for a nutty, protein-rich addition.
Storing & Freezing Tips
Storing: Keep leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the toast has cooled to room temperature before storing it to maintain its texture and prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For reheating, place the French toast in a toaster oven or on a pan over medium heat until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, allow extra time or defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the toast soggy.
Watch My High Protein French Toast Video
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
- Banana Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes
- Apple Protein Muffins
- Green Protein Breakfast Smoothie
- Mango Coconut Overnight Oats
Protein French Toast w/ Greek Yogurt (26 grams!)
Ingredients
- 4 slices sprouted grain bread or whatever bread you prefer
- 1/4 cup egg whites (58 grams), can sub 1 whole egg or 1.5 fresh egg whites
- 1/4 cup 2% milk or whatever milk you prefer
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (75 grams)
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder (14 grams or 1/2 scoop)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Add egg whites, milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, and cinnamon to a blender or Nutribullet. Blend until well combined and creamy.
- Transfer ‘protein egg mixture’ into a bowl. Dip each slice of bread in the protein egg mixture, ensuring each slice is soaked. Four slices of bread should absorb all of the protein egg mixture. If you have any leftover you can pour it over the bread once its in the pan.
- Lightly spray a non-stick cooking pan with non aerosol cooking spray and heat over a medium-low heat. Add soaked bread slices and cook for 2-3 minutes, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes or until the French toast is lightly browned and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite pancake toppings! I love a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy!
Comments
Joan says
I’m a bit confused here. The recipe calls for 4 slices of bread, yet the instructions say 2 slices of bread will absorb all of the liquid. “Two slices of bread should absorb all of the protein egg mixture”. Did you mean for the recipe and the instructions to be 2 slices of bread or the recipe and the instructions to be 4 slices of bread? Or, am I totally wrong on both counts?
Dani Spies says
Sorry for the confusion! The recipe calls for 4 slices of bread which makes 2 servings. I hope that clarifies it – let me know if you have any other questions.
Joan says
Dani, thanks for the clarification regarding the number of toasts your recipe makes. And thanks for the new ideas for increasing the nutritional content of French toast. Brilliant idea to add protein powder to the French toast dipping solution. It’s one of those creative ideas that others have that smack me in the face and I think, “Duh, why didn’t I think of that”?
Jan Wyrick says
Oh, I tried the French toast recipe, I LOVE IT!!!! Soooo tasty. Thank you for sharing.
Dani Spies says
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe, Jan! Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
Theresa says
Just had this – It was amazing!!
Thank you for another great recipe
Cameron says
This tasted better than my “normal” french toast! I used chocolate protein powder and it was amazing, thanks for the recipe!
Amrita Gill says
What brand of protein powder do you suggest? I find most have a weird chalky taste and a weird after taste.