Prženice – Balkan Savory French Toast

Prženice, also known as Balkan Savory French Toast, is a cherished comfort food made with day-old bread that’s dipped in a mixture of eggs and milk, then pan-fried until golden and crispy. Unlike sweet French toast, this savory version is traditionally topped with crumbled feta, ajvar, and microgreens for a rich and satisfying flavor. A staple in Balkan households, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick, hearty snack.

Rooted in tradition, easy pan-fried bread with eggs has been a go-to dish in Balkan cuisine for generations, providing an easy and delicious way to repurpose leftover bread. Its bold, savory flavors reflect the region’s love for dairy-based toppings like feta and sour cream, much like Gibanica, a beloved phyllo pastry layered with eggs, cheese, and yogurt.

Dairy plays a central role in many Balkan comfort foods, from Kuvani Griz (Semolina Porridge), a creamy, milk-based dish often enjoyed for breakfast, to Sutlijaš (Balkan Rice Pudding), a rich and velvety dessert infused with vanilla. Whether served simply with cheese or paired with cured meats, it’s a versatile dish that fits any meal of the day.

Savory French toast may be simple, but small technique adjustments make a big difference in achieving the perfect crispy texture. Using day-old bread prevents sogginess, while a quick dip in the egg mixture ensures even coating without oversaturation.

Cooking over medium heat is key, too high, and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low, and the bread absorbs too much oil. This same principle applies when making Serbian crepes (palačinke), where a controlled heat ensures delicate, evenly golden crepes without burning or drying them out. For extra flavor, a mix of butter and oil creates a crisp, golden crust while adding richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Yet Soft Texture: This crispy egg-fried bread recipe’s magic comes from its ideal balance of textures. The bread crisps beautifully on the outside, forming a golden, crunchy crust, while the inside remains soft and slightly custardy. Much like a Cast Iron Crustless Quiche, which develops a lightly crisped edge while staying tender and fluffy inside, this dish highlights the beauty of simple ingredients transformed by heat.
• Savory, Bold Flavors: Unlike traditional sweet French toast, prženice embraces rich, savory flavors that showcase the best of Balkan cuisine. The combination of salty feta, smoky ajvar, and fresh microgreens results in a perfectly umami-packed bite. It offers depth and complexity, whether paired with a drizzle of sour cream or a side of cured meats. Like kačamak, a hearty Balkan cornmeal dish often enjoyed for breakfast, prženice is a staple that brings comfort and tradition.
• Quick and Easy to Make: Egg-dipped pan-fried bread can be made in under 15 minutes using just a handful of pantry staples, such as eggs, milk, and bread. Its simple preparation makes it a go-to meal for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or even a quick snack when you want something warm, filling, and comforting with minimal effort. Like tuna egg cucumber salad, it proves that some of the most satisfying meals can be made in minutes with everyday ingredients.
• Versatile Toppings: One of the best aspects of Balkan-style fried bread with eggs is its versatility. It can be customized with a range of traditional or modern toppings. Classic Balkan favorites include kajmak, ajvar, sour cream, and smoked meat, while contemporary variations may feature avocado, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a fresh twist, a topping of creamy avocado with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, similar to avocado toast with balsamic glaze, adds a rich yet tangy contrast. You can make it as light or as indulgent as you desire!
• A Nostalgic, Comforting Dish: For many, golden crispy fried bread with eggs brings back childhood memories of cozy mornings and family breakfasts. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying meal that transcends generations, passed down from grandparents to parents to children. Much like phyllo potato pie, another beloved Balkan comfort food with its flaky layers and hearty filling, this dish carries the warmth of home in every bite.

Ingredients

• Bread: Although traditional prženice is made with white bread, many alternatives can enhance both texture and flavor. Sourdough adds a slightly tangy depth, while whole wheat provides a heartier, more nutritious option. For a softer, more delicate bite, brioche or challah can be used, resulting in a slightly richer version. Regardless of which bread you choose, using day-old bread is key for achieving the best texture.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

• Bread Options: While traditional savory French toast is typically made with white bread, many alternatives can enhance both texture and flavor. Sourdough adds a slightly tangy depth, while whole wheat offers a heartier, more nutritious option. For a softer, more delicate bite, brioche or challah can be used, resulting in a slightly richer version. Whether pan-fried, toasted, or layered into elaborate creations like savory sandwich cake, bread plays a central role in many Balkan savory dishes. Regardless of the bread you choose, using day-old bread is crucial for achieving the best texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can easily substitute regular milk with unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk. These plant-based alternatives still contribute to a smooth, cohesive egg mixture without sacrificing flavor. Instead of butter, consider pan-frying in olive oil or dairy-free margarine for a crispy, golden crust.
• Cheese Variations: Feta cheese is a classic option, but other cheeses can offer different textures and flavors. Shredded aged cheeses like kashkaval or gouda provide a rich, nutty taste, while ricotta delivers a creamy, delicate contrast to the crunchy bread. If you prefer a sharper bite, grated parmesan can contribute a salty, umami kick. The satisfying melt of cheese is what makes so many dishes irresistible. Whether layered in ham and cheese puff pastry turnovers or sprinkled over crispy fried bread, it adds the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
• Add Herbs or Spices: To enhance the egg mixture, consider incorporating a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or finely chopped parsley. This infuses the bread with extra flavor, making it even more delicious before adding toppings. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne pepper can provide a spicy twist.
• Balkan-Style Toppings: Traditional toppings such as ajvar, kajmak, and sour cream provide authentic Balkan flavors, but feel free to explore other spreads and accompaniments. For a regional twist, consider trying urnebes (a spicy cheese spread), dried, smoked meat, or roasted red pepper chutney. For a more Mediterranean vibe, include olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a drizzle of olive oil.

How to Make Prženice

Step 1: Whisk the eggs, milk, and salt in a shallow bowl until fully combined.

Step 2: Place a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add butter and oil to prevent burning while keeping the rich, buttery flavor.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Use Day-Old Bread for Best Texture: This easy egg-fried bread recipe is best made with slightly stale bread, as it absorbs the egg mixture evenly without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry out the slices a bit by leaving them uncovered for a few hours or lightly toasting them in the oven before dipping them in the egg mixture.
• Control the Heat for Even Cooking: Cooking prženice over medium heat ensures the outside turns golden and crispy while the inside cooks through without burning. If the heat is too high, the exterior will brown too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked. Conversely, if it’s too low, the bread will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crisp.
• Don’t Over-Soak the Bread. A quick dip in the egg mixture is sufficient to coat the bread thoroughly while preserving its structure. If soaked for too long, the bread will become excessively wet and fall apart when fried. For thicker bread slices, slightly increase the soaking time, but always remove the excess mixture before frying. Too much moisture can weigh down even the lightest dough, whether it’s bread absorbing excess egg mixture or puff pastry garlic flatbread losing its crispness due to overly wet toppings.
• Combine Butter and Oil for Frying: Butter adds rich, deep flavor, while oil prevents burning due to its higher smoke point. Using both together ensures that prženice develops a crispy golden crust while maintaining a buttery, savory taste. Start with a bit of butter for flavor, then add neutral oil like sunflower or canola oil for even cooking. I also enjoy using very light olive oil.
• Serve Immediately for the Best Texture: Balkan-style savory French toast is best enjoyed fresh from the pan while still hot and crispy. If preparing a large batch, keep them warm in a low oven (200°F/90°C) on a wire rack to maintain their crispiness. Avoid stacking them, as this can trap steam and soften the crust.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

• Refrigeration: Allow prženice to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, prženice can be frozen for later use. Arrange the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• Avoid Stacking When Reheating: Arrange the slices in a single layer when using the oven or skillet to prevent steam buildup, which can make them soft rather than crispy.

Reheating Options

• Skillet (Best Method): Reheat in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until warm and crispy. Add a small amount of butter or oil to enhance the flavor.
• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place prženice on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is ideal for larger batches.
• Air Fryer: Place savory toast in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, flipping once for a quick and crispy result.
• Microwave (Least Recommended): This is the fastest but least effective method, as prženice may become soft and soggy. If necessary, reheat on a microwave-safe plate for 30-40 seconds, then crisp in a skillet or air fryer fryer.

Recipe FAQs