Island-Style Garlic Toast

The Starving Chef is supported by Hungry People like you. When you make a purchase through an affiliate link on my site, I may earn a little bit of cash on the side (at no extra cost to you) to help keep my kitchen running. Read our disclosures here.

caribbean toast

What’s Up, Hungry People!

Last fall, Nick and I, along with a few of our pals, took a Western Caribbean cruise with stops in dazzling locations like Mexico, Honduras, and Belize. On the Belize leg of the trip, we found ourselves on a quaint little island called Caye Caulker – also known as “Go Slow Island” – seemingly plucked right from a postcard.

caye caulker island

Island Eats

This isolated paradise had a cozy restaurant where, let’s just say, the seafood was as local as you can get. Fresh from the nearby reef, I’d bet! I had myself a lobster kabob, freshly made coleslaw, and a slice of what can only be called garlic French toast. Instead of a sweet syrupy treat, this piece of bread was a heavenly blend of garlic and butter. Yes, it was that good. (Look at the back right corner of the plate in the photo; that’s the only pic I managed to get!)

lobster kebab

The Adventure Begins

Ever since that memorable meal, I’ve been itching to recreate it. It took me nine long months, but the day has finally come! Armed with ingredients from my go-to farmers market, I dived into the kitchen to whip up my version of garlic French toast.

brioche french toast

Here’s What You Need

  • Brioche OR French Bread: Forms the base of the toast. Choose thick slices for the best texture and flavor absorption.
  • Eggs: Act as the binding agent that helps the garlic and parsley adhere to the bread.
  • Milk: Adds moisture to the egg mixture, making your French toast softer and richer.
  • Minced Garlic: The star flavor enhancer, making the toast distinctively garlicky and savory.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a hint of earthiness and color, complementing the strong garlic flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds a salty, cheesy bite to the finished toast.
  • Oil or Butter: Used for greasing the skillet; ensures the bread doesn’t stick and adds flavor.
soaking brioche

While the island version most likely wasn’t made from Brioche, I opted for it. Why? Because Brioche is usually the go-to bread for making French toast. But hey, if you’ve got any type of white bread, even if it’s a bit stale, that’ll work too!

Your bread slices should aim for at least an inch in thickness. Whisk together the eggs, garlic, and parsley in a bowl, and then invite the bread to the party. A quick tip: the thicker the bread, the longer it should luxuriate in the garlic and egg mixture. Aim for a soaking time of around 3-5 minutes, flipping once for good measure.

Sizzle Time!

Once your bread has soaked up all that garlicky goodness, plop it onto a skillet set over medium heat. Cook until each side boasts a golden brown hue.

fried garlic bread

Final Touches

I served my garlic toast with some jerk chicken because, let’s be honest, real lobster wasn’t exactly fitting into my budget this week—or any week, if I’m being totally transparent.

There you have it, my take on French-Caribbean garlic toast, a dish inspired by a magical little island. It’s more than just a slice of bread; it’s a memory and a new kitchen experiment all rolled into one.

Remember, a trip to Caye Caulker isn’t required to relish this dish, but it sure does add a nice backstory, doesn’t it?

French-Caribbean Garlic Toast

The Starving Chef
Recreate a unique Caribbean twist on French toast with this garlic-infused recipe that's perfect for breakfast or a savory side dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Bread, International
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices thick cut brioche OR French bread
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese optional for topping

Instructions
 

  • Cut the bread into slices that are 1-2 inches thick.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, minced garlic, and fresh parsley.
  • Immerse each slice of bread into the bowl and let them soak for 3-5 minutes. Make sure to flip them at least once to ensure an even coating of the egg and garlic mixture.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and grease it with oil or butter.
  • Fry the bread slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. The bread should be slightly soft and still springy in the center.
  • If you like, sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese for that extra zing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Keyword brioche, eggs, garlic
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!