Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Irish Soda Bread French Toast with Honey and Greek Yogurt Drizzle

High ProteinMeal PrepNut-Free
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time10 min
Servings4
Calories310 kcal
Health Score6/10
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Irish Soda Bread French Toast with Honey and Greek Yogurt Drizzle

Irish Soda Bread French Toast with Honey and Greek Yogurt Drizzle turns a classic Irish loaf into a high-protein breakfast that holds its own against any café brunch plate. Most French toast recipes lean on white sandwich bread and a heavy pour of maple syrup, which means you get a spike in blood sugar and not much to keep you going past ten in the morning. This recipe takes a different path. The dense, slightly tangy crumb of wholemeal soda bread soaks up the egg custard in a way that lighter breads never manage, giving you a thicker, more satisfying slice. At 310 calories per serving with 18 grams of protein and 5 grams of fibre, it sits comfortably in the meal-prep-friendly category without tasting like diet food. The honey and Greek yogurt drizzle on top means you are getting natural sweetness alongside a second hit of protein, so the whole plate works together rather than leaning on sugar to taste good. It is the kind of breakfast that feels indulgent but actually supports what you are trying to do with your day.

Every ingredient in this recipe is doing real work. Wholemeal Irish soda bread is the foundation, and the wholemeal flour brings meaningful dietary fibre along with B vitamins and a slower glucose release than white flour. Using a combination of two whole eggs and three egg whites is a deliberate choice: the whole eggs supply fat-soluble vitamins A and D plus the richness that makes the custard coat the bread properly, while the added egg whites push the protein count up without adding extra fat or calories. Unsweetened oat milk keeps the custard light and adds a mild sweetness without any added sugar, and it works well for anyone avoiding dairy in their main cook. Ground cinnamon is more than a flavour note here. Research consistently links it to improved insulin sensitivity, which matters when you are eating a carbohydrate-forward breakfast. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Raw honey, used in small quantities, provides natural fructose and trace antioxidants. Plain low-fat Greek yogurt contributes an additional 6 to 8 grams of protein on its own and the lemon zest in the mix brightens the whole drizzle noticeably.

The bread slices have a golden-brown crust on the outside with a custardy, almost pudding-like interior, and that contrast is what makes this version worth the small amount of effort. Wholemeal soda bread is denser than brioche or sourdough, so the soaking stage matters. Give each slice at least 30 seconds per side in the egg mixture, pressing gently so the custard reaches the middle. In a pan with a small amount of melted coconut oil over medium heat, the slices take about three minutes per side. You want a proper golden crust, not a pale surface, because that browning is where the flavour develops. The cinnamon and nutmeg toast slightly in the pan, which deepens their aroma considerably. The finished slices smell warm and spiced. The yogurt drizzle, mixed with lemon zest and a small amount of honey, is cool and sharp against the hot bread. The fresh berries add colour and a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the egg custard cleanly.

This breakfast supports several specific health goals at once. The 18 grams of protein per serving helps with muscle repair and satiety, making it a practical choice for anyone strength training or trying to reduce snacking between meals. The fibre content of 5 grams contributes to your daily target and supports gut health. With only 9 grams of sugar, it fits comfortably within a lower-sugar eating pattern. The recipe works for people following a high-protein diet, those managing their blood sugar through food choices, and anyone who needs a filling breakfast before a long or physically active morning. It is not a vegan recipe because of the eggs and Greek yogurt, but it is dairy-free in the main cook since oat milk replaces standard milk. Vegetarians will find it fits their diet without any modification. The calorie count is moderate enough for most adults eating in a slight deficit, and the macronutrient balance, with protein and fibre doing the heavy lifting, means the energy is sustained rather than short-lived.

For meal prep, the egg custard mixture can be made the night before and kept in a sealed container in the fridge. The soda bread slices can be pre-cut and stored in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to two days. Cooked slices keep well in the fridge for three days in a container with a lid. Reheat them in a dry pan over medium heat for two minutes per side, or in a toaster oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about five minutes. They do not reheat well in a microwave as the crust softens and the texture suffers. The yogurt drizzle is best made fresh each morning, which takes under a minute. For variations, swap the mixed berries for sliced banana and a pinch of cardamom. A second option is to use a tablespoon of almond butter in place of the honey for a higher fat, lower sugar version. You could also add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the yogurt for an extra fibre boost. Full quantities and timing are in the recipe card below.

Ingredients

Serves:4
  • 1 small loaf wholemeal Irish soda bread (sliced into 4 thick slices, about 2.5 cm each; day-old bread works best)
  • 2 large whole eggs
  • 3 large egg whites (adds protein without extra fat)
  • 120 ml unsweetened oat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.3 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp coconut oil (for cooking; or light spray oil)
  • 4 tsp raw honey (1 tsp per serving for drizzling)
  • 120 g plain low-fat Greek yogurt (about 2 tablespoons per serving)
  • 100 g fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries or raspberries)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, stirs into yogurt beautifully)
  • 280 g wholemeal flour (for the soda bread)
  • 120 g plain flour (for the soda bread)
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (for the soda bread)
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt (for the soda bread)
  • 360 ml low-fat buttermilk (for the soda bread; shake before using)
  • 1 tbsp cold coconut oil (solid, rubbed into soda bread flour mixture)

Instructions

  1. 1

    If baking the soda bread from scratch, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (180 fan). In a large bowl, combine the wholemeal flour, plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, and sea salt. Rub the cold solid coconut oil into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

    Work quickly so the coconut oil stays cold, which helps give the bread a better texture.

  2. 2

    Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overwork it. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, shape into a round about 20 cm across, and place on a lined baking tray.

    The dough should just come together. Overworking makes the bread tough.

  3. 3

    Score a deep cross into the top of the dough with a sharp knife, cutting about halfway through. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

    Day-old soda bread is ideal for French toast. If making fresh, allow at least an hour of cooling time.

  4. 4

    When you are ready to make the French toast, whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites, oat milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a wide, shallow bowl until fully combined and slightly frothy.

    A wide bowl makes it easier to dip the thick slices of soda bread without breaking them.

  5. 5

    Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle pan over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and swirl to coat the surface. Working one or two slices at a time, submerge each slice of soda bread in the egg mixture for about 20 seconds per side, letting it soak in without becoming soggy.

    Do not let the bread sit too long in the mixture or the dense crumb can start to fall apart.

  6. 6

    Place the coated slices in the hot pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a deep golden crust forms underneath. Flip carefully and cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes on the second side.

    Resist the urge to press down on the slices. Let the heat do the work for the best crust.

  7. 7

    While the French toast is cooking, stir the lemon zest into the Greek yogurt if using. Arrange the cooked slices on plates, spoon a generous dollop of Greek yogurt alongside, scatter over the fresh berries, and drizzle each slice with exactly 1 teaspoon of raw honey.

    Warming the honey very slightly makes it pour more easily and evenly.

Nutrition per serving

310kcal

Calories

18g

Protein

42g

Carbs

7g

Fat

5g

Fibre

9g

Sugar

390mg

Sodium

Pro Tips

  • Day-old Irish soda bread absorbs the egg mixture more evenly and holds its shape better during cooking. Try to plan ahead.

  • Use a wide, shallow bowl for your egg mixture so the thick soda bread slices can lie flat and soak properly.

  • Keep the heat at medium rather than high. Soda bread is denser than regular bread and needs a little more time to heat through without burning the outside.

  • If you want extra protein, swap the oat milk for unsweetened soy milk and add a tablespoon of plain protein powder to the egg mixture.

  • Raw honey has a lower glycaemic impact than refined sugar and adds a subtle floral flavour. Manuka honey works particularly well here.

  • Rinse and dry your berries the night before and store in a small container, so topping your plate takes seconds in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use shop-bought Irish soda bread for this recipe?

Absolutely. A good quality wholemeal soda bread from a bakery or supermarket works well. Just check the ingredients and choose one without excess added sugar. Slice it thickly and allow it to sit uncovered for a few hours if it feels very fresh, as slightly drier bread soaks up the egg mixture more evenly.

Is Irish soda bread French toast with honey actually healthy?

This version genuinely is. Using wholemeal soda bread increases the fibre content significantly compared to white bread French toast. The egg and egg white mixture boosts protein, oat milk keeps calories low, and using just one teaspoon of raw honey per serving keeps the sugar controlled. Greek yogurt adds further protein and probiotics.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free yogurt such as coconut yogurt or oat-based yogurt in place of Greek yogurt, and substitute the buttermilk in the soda bread with a plant-based milk mixed with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, left to curdle for five minutes before using.

What is the best honey to use as a topping?

Raw, unfiltered honey is the best choice because it retains more of its natural antioxidants and enzymes compared to heavily processed honey. Manuka honey works beautifully for its depth of flavour. If you are watching sugar intake closely, start with half a teaspoon per serving and taste from there.

Can I freeze leftover soda bread?

Yes. Once the soda bread has cooled completely, slice the whole loaf and freeze the slices in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. This way you can pull out individual slices as needed. Defrost at room temperature for about thirty minutes or pop directly into the egg mixture from frozen, allowing a slightly longer soak time.

Can I cook this in an air fryer?

You can. After dipping the soda bread slices in the egg mixture, place them in a preheated air fryer basket at 180 degrees Celsius and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is slightly crispier than the pan version, which many people prefer.

Variations

  • Cinnamon Orange Zest Version

    Add one teaspoon of orange zest and an extra half teaspoon of cinnamon to the egg mixture. Top with segments of fresh orange alongside the honey drizzle for a bright, citrusy twist.

  • Banana and Almond Butter Topping

    Skip the Greek yogurt and top each slice with half a sliced banana and a teaspoon of natural almond butter alongside the honey drizzle. This version is dairy free and gives you a great energy boost.

  • Spiced Chai French Toast

    Add a quarter teaspoon each of ground cardamom and ground ginger to the egg mixture alongside the cinnamon. Top with honey and a sprinkle of toasted flaked almonds for a warming, chai-inspired breakfast.

  • High Protein Power Version

    Stir one tablespoon of unflavoured whey protein powder or vanilla pea protein powder into the egg mixture. Serve with a full 80g portion of Greek yogurt per person for a breakfast that delivers close to 30g of protein per serving.

Substitutions

  • ButtermilkPlant-based milk plus apple cider vinegar (Mix 360ml of oat milk or soy milk with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Stir and leave for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly. This creates a dairy-free buttermilk that works perfectly in the soda bread.)
  • Greek yogurtCoconut yogurt or oat yogurt (Any thick, plain dairy-free yogurt works as a topping. Look for unsweetened versions to keep the sugar content low.)
  • Raw honeyPure maple syrup (Use the same quantity, one teaspoon per serving. Maple syrup has a lower glycaemic index than refined sugar and adds a lovely warm flavour.)
  • Oat milkUnsweetened almond milk or soy milk (Any unsweetened plant-based milk works in the egg dipping mixture. Soy milk adds a little extra protein.)
  • Coconut oilLight olive oil or avocado oil spray (Any neutral cooking oil with a reasonably high smoke point works for pan cooking the French toast.)

🧊 Storage

Cooked French toast is best eaten immediately. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool fully then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry non-stick pan over medium heat for 2 minutes per side, or in an air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius for 4 minutes. The Greek yogurt and berry toppings should be stored separately in the fridge and added fresh when serving.

📅 Make Ahead

The Irish soda bread can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored wrapped at room temperature, or frozen in slices for up to 1 month. The egg mixture can be whisked together and kept in a sealed jar in the fridge overnight. The Greek yogurt with lemon zest can also be stirred together the night before. Come morning, the only task is dipping and cooking.