Quick Egg Yolk Jam Toast

If you ask me, egg yolk jam toast is one of those recipes that sounds fancy but couldn’t be simpler.

This breakfast-meets-snack creation takes the humble egg yolk and turns it into something that’s rich, creamy, and spread-worthy. The slow-cooked yolks get all soft and smooth, perfect for slathering on your favorite toasted bread.

A sprinkle of salt and a few grinds of black pepper are all you need to make the flavors pop. The whole thing comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop, but tastes like something from a neighborhood cafe.

It’s a cozy little dish that works any time of day, perfect for when you want something that feels special without much fuss.

What Kind of Egg Yolks Should I Use?

Fresh eggs are absolutely key for this luxurious toast, since the yolks are really the star of the show. Farm-fresh eggs tend to have more vibrant, orange-colored yolks that will give you the most beautiful result, but quality store-bought eggs will also work well. When separating your eggs, make sure they’re cold from the fridge – this makes it easier to keep the yolks intact. Just let the separated yolks come to room temperature before cooking to help them cook more evenly. If possible, look for pastured eggs, which often have richer-tasting yolks thanks to the varied diet of free-roaming hens.

Options for Substitutions

While this recipe is pretty simple, there are a few substitutions you can try if needed:

• Brioche bread: If you can’t find brioche, you can use challah bread or even thick-cut white bread. Just keep in mind that brioche’s buttery richness adds something special to this dish.
• Crème fraîche: No crème fraîche? You can use sour cream instead, or even mascarpone cheese. Greek yogurt works too, but strain it first to make it thicker.
• Butter: While regular butter works great, you could use European-style butter for extra richness. In a pinch, olive oil will work for toasting the bread, but you’ll miss out on that classic buttery taste.
• Egg yolks: This is the star of the show – there’s really no substitute here! Make sure to use fresh eggs for the best results and safety.
• Caviar: Since this is optional anyway, you could try other toppings like fresh herbs, cracked black pepper, or even small capers for that salty pop of flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making egg yolk jam toast is temperature control – too high heat will quickly turn your silky yolks into a rubbery, overcooked mess, so keep your pan on medium-low heat and watch it carefully.

Getting the perfect consistency for your “jam” depends on constant stirring and removing the yolks from heat at just the right moment – they should be thick enough to spread but still maintain a custard-like texture that’s slightly runny.

Many home cooks make the mistake of using cold butter and crème fraîche straight from the fridge, but bringing these ingredients to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly and prevents the yolks from seizing up.

A final tip for success: don’t skip toasting your brioche until it’s properly golden brown – the crispy exterior creates the perfect contrast to the creamy yolk mixture and prevents the bread from becoming soggy when the warm “jam” is spread on top.

What to Serve With Egg Yolk Jam Toast?

Since egg yolk jam toast is such a rich and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish, I like to balance it with some lighter sides. A simple mixed green salad dressed with just lemon juice and olive oil helps cut through the richness of the creamy yolks and buttery brioche. For a complete brunch spread, I usually add some fresh fruit like berries or citrus segments on the side. If you’re serving this for breakfast, a hot cup of coffee or tea is pretty much essential to complement those luxurious flavors!

Storage Instructions

Enjoy Fresh: Egg yolk jam toast is best enjoyed right when it’s made – the creamy yolk jam and warm, buttery brioche are at their peak when fresh off the stove. I recommend making only what you plan to eat immediately, as the texture and taste are just not the same once stored.

Prep Components: If you need to prep ahead, you can slice your brioche and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep your crème fraîche and caviar (if using) in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your toast.

Leftovers: While I don’t recommend storing assembled egg yolk jam toast, if you have leftover yolk jam mixture, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just know that the texture won’t be quite the same when reheated.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-12 minutes
Total Time	20-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 50-60 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 g

Ingredients

• Butter
• Brioche bread
• Yolks
• Crème fraîche
• Caviar (if desired)

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Brioche

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Slice the brioche into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange these slices on a baking sheet.

Bake the slices in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they become golden and crisp.

Step 2: Make the Egg Yolk Jam

While the brioche is baking, prepare the egg yolk jam by separating the egg yolks from the whites.

In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.

Add a pinch of salt and mix well.

Transfer the yolk mixture to a small saucepan.

Step 3: Thicken the Egg Yolk Mixture

Gently heat the egg yolk mixture over low heat in the saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent scrambling.

Continue stirring until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Toasted Brioche

Once the brioche slices are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute.

Spread a layer of crème fraîche on each slice of toasted brioche.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Top each brioche slice with a generous spoonful of the egg yolk jam.

If desired, add a small amount of caviar on top for extra flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and elegant treat.