Save The gym parking lot was still empty when I got home that morning, muscles humming and stomach growling. I stood in front of the open fridge, staring at regular bread and eggs, knowing plain French toast wouldn't cut it after leg day. That's when I grabbed the Greek yogurt and protein powder, and honestly, it changed everything about how I think about recovery breakfast.
My roommate walked in mid flip, nose already in the air, and asked what bakery I had visited. When I told her it was protein powder and yogurt in the batter, she looked genuinely suspicious. Now she asks for this specific recipe by name whenever she has morning workouts.
Ingredients
- Bread choice matters: Slightly stale brioche or whole grain soaks up the custard without falling apart
- Eggs: The backbone that holds everything together and creates that fluffy interior
- Milk: Dairy or unsweetened almond, whatever your fridge holds right now
- Greek yogurt or cottage cheese: This is the secret that makes the texture feel like restaurant French toast while packing in serious protein
- Protein powder: Vanilla or unflavored, about one scoop, but pick one that mixes smoothly
- Maple syrup or honey: Just enough to balance the protein powder bitterness
- Vanilla extract: Don't skip this, it's what makes it taste homemade
- Ground cinnamon: Warmth that makes the whole kitchen smell like a bakery
- Salt: A pinch wakes up all the other flavors
- Butter or coconut oil: For cooking, because butter creates that golden crust we're all after
Instructions
- Whisk the batter:
- Combine eggs, milk, yogurt, protein powder, syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until completely smooth and no powder lumps remain
- Heat the pan:
- Warm a skillet over medium heat with half the butter, waiting for it to foam slightly before adding bread
- Soak the bread:
- Dip each slice for 10 to 15 seconds per side, letting the custard penetrate without completely saturating
- Cook to golden:
- Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned and the center feels soft but set
- Stack and serve:
- Plate immediately while hot, adding whatever toppings your morning mood demands
Save This became my Sunday morning staple after I realized I could meal prep the batter the night before. Now I just whisk, dip, and cook while the coffee brews, which feels luxurious even on busy weekdays.
Bread Selection
Brioche gives you that restaurant style richness, but whole grain holds up better to overnight soaking. I've found that letting bread sit out overnight changes everything, turning potentially soggy French toast into perfectly custardy slices.
Protein Powder Notes
Some brands bake up weirdly chalky or leave an aftertaste that ruins the experience. Test your powder in a small batch first, or stick to brands you already know taste good in smoothies and baked goods.
Make Ahead Strategy
Mix the batter the night before and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. In the morning, give it a quick whisk because the protein powder settles, then dip and cook like usual.
- Dip right before cooking, not ahead of time
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the protein
- Extra batter keeps for two days in the fridge
Save Protein breakfast that actually feels like breakfast, not another chore on your fitness checklist.
Recipe Q&A
- → What kind of protein powder is best to use?
Vanilla or unflavored protein powders work well, allowing the natural sweetness and spices to shine without overpowering the custard flavor.
- → Can I substitute dairy ingredients for alternatives?
Yes, using unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free yogurt makes this suitable for lactose-sensitive diets while maintaining creaminess.
- → How do I achieve a custardy center in the toast?
Soak the bread slices for 10–15 seconds per side in the egg mixture and cook on medium heat until golden brown but still moist inside.
- → What toppings complement this dish best?
Fresh berries, sliced bananas, extra Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of maple syrup enhance flavor and texture organically.
- → Is this suitable for a vegetarian high-protein diet?
Yes, it combines eggs, dairy, and protein powder for a protein-rich meal without meat or fish.