French Toast
French toast is a simple yet delicious dish made by soaking slices of bread in a mixture of eggs and milk, and then frying them until golden brown. People of all ages love it as a popular breakfast option. You can easily prepare the dish and customize it with different toppings and flavours. Whether you prefer it sweet or savoury, you can adapt it to suit any taste.
A Versatile Breakfast Choice
One of the best things about French toast is its versatility. You can make it with almost any type of bread. Thick slices like brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal, but regular sandwich bread works too. Soak the bread in the egg mixture to achieve a soft, custard-like texture once cooked. For extra flavour, add ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar to the egg mixture.
You can top them with a wide range of ingredients. Classic options include maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. You can also get creative with whipped cream, honey, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. For a savoury twist, you can serve them with bacon, sausage, or cheese.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
French toast is perfect for busy mornings because it’s quick to make. The preparation time is usually under 10 minutes, and cooking takes about the same amount of time. First, mix eggs, milk, and any desired flavourings in a shallow dish. Then, coat each side of the bread slices by dipping them into the mixture. After that, place the bread on a heated, buttered pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until it turns golden brown.
The simplicity of this dish makes it a great choice for beginner cooks. You don’t need any special skills or equipment to make it. All you need is a frying pan, a whisk, and a few basic ingredients. It’s also a great way to use stale bread, which absorbs the egg mixture more easily than fresh bread.
While you’re enjoying our delicious French toast, why not try another quick and satisfying breakfast option, Cilbir? It’s a Turkish dish that’s perfect for busy mornings!
A Global Favorite
French toast is enjoyed worldwide, but it goes by different names in various countries. In France, it’s called “pain perdu,” which means “lost bread,” referring to the use of old or stale bread. In Spain, a similar dish is known as “torrijas,” often served during Lent or Holy Week. No matter what it’s called, the basic idea of soaking bread in eggs and frying it remains the same.
Healthier Variations
There are many ways to make it healthier. You can use whole-grain bread instead of white bread. Adding fresh fruit on top instead of sugary syrups also helps make the dish more nutritious. You can even bake them in the oven for a lower-fat option.
French toast is a timeless and adaptable dish that anyone can enjoy. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and variety of toppings make it a go-to breakfast or brunch option. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, it´s always a comforting and satisfying meal.
French Toast
Ingredients
- 8-9 slices of bread preferably thick or stale bread
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or any milk alternative
- ¼ cup cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder optional, for added flavour
- 2 tbsp sugar adjust to taste
- Butter or oil for frying
- Maple syrup powdered sugar, or fresh fruits for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and sugar until well combined.
- Heat a frying pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Dip a slice of bread into the egg mixture, turning it over to coat both sides. Make sure it soaks in the mixture but isn’t overly soggy.
- Place the soaked bread onto the hot pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or top with fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or whipped cream.
To keep French toast warm while you finish preparing or before serving:
- Set your oven between 100°- 130° C. Place a baking sheet or an oven-safe dish in the oven, and as you finish cooking each batch of French toast, transfer the slices to the warm baking sheet. This method keeps the toast warm without overcooking or drying it out.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Thick-cut bread works best, such as brioche, challah, or French baguette. These breads are slightly dense, which allows them to absorb the egg mixture without getting too soggy. Stale bread is ideal since it holds up better when dipped in the egg mixture.
French toast becomes soggy if the bread absorbs too much of the egg mixture or if you cook it at too low a temperature. To avoid this, use thicker, slightly stale bread and cook it on medium heat to crisp the outside while ensuring the inside cooks through.
To make French toast crispy, cook it on medium heat in a well-buttered pan. Avoid soaking the bread for too long in the egg mixture.
Yes, you can prepare French toast in advance and reheat it. To keep it fresh, cook the French toast, then let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in a toaster or toaster oven for a quicker option.
French toast pairs well with a variety of toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruits (berries, bananas) or nut butter. Savoury options include bacon, sausage, or eggs.
Yes, you can freeze French toast. After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer bag. To reheat, pop the frozen French toast into the toaster or oven.
If your French toast has an overly “eggy” flavour, it might be due to using too many eggs or not balancing the egg mixture with enough milk or flavourings like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or sugar. Adjust the egg-to-milk ratio and add flavourings to mask the egginess.
Ideally, you should soak the bread for about 10-15 seconds on each side, depending on the thickness and staleness of the bread. You want the bread to absorb the mixture but not fall apart.
