French toast is one of the most comforting breakfast dishes, and it’s incredibly versatile. While the classic version of French toast often uses a bit of vanilla extract or sometimes liqueurs like Grand Marnier or rum for flavoring, this version skips the alcohol while still delivering a deliciously rich and satisfying result. The crispy, golden exterior combined with the soft, custardy interior makes this dish irresistible. Whether you top it with syrup, berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar, French toast is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the French Toast:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or you can use a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm, spicy flavor)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (to balance sweetness)
- 4 slices of thick bread (such as brioche, challah, or Texas toast, or any bread of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or oil for cooking)
For Toppings (Optional):
- Maple syrup (or any syrup of your choice)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Sliced bananas
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Custard:
Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them well until the yolks and whites are fully incorporated. Add the milk (or dairy-free milk), vanilla extract, sugar (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The cinnamon and vanilla extract are optional but add great flavor to the custard, making the French toast more aromatic and flavorful.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the custard mixture to see if it’s sweet enough for your liking. If you prefer your French toast to be sweeter, feel free to add a little more sugar. You can also add a bit of honey or maple syrup to sweeten the custard if desired.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Choose the Right Bread: For the best French toast, use thick, sturdy bread that will absorb the custard without falling apart. Brioche, challah, or even thick slices of sourdough or French baguette work wonderfully. The bread should be slightly stale or a day old, as it soaks up the custard mixture better than fresh bread. If your bread is too fresh, you can dry it out a bit by leaving it out for a few hours or lightly toasting it before dipping.
Cut the Bread: If your bread is not pre-sliced, cut it into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness ensures the toast stays tender on the inside while becoming golden and crisp on the outside.
3. Cook the French Toast:
Preheat the Pan: Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly. If you want to make a larger batch, you can use two pans or a griddle.
Dip the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture. Make sure to dip both sides thoroughly but don’t let it sit too long, or the bread will become soggy. Let any excess custard drip off before placing the bread into the pan.
Cook the French Toast: Place the dipped bread slices onto the preheated pan. Cook the bread for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. You’ll want to adjust the heat slightly if the bread is browning too quickly or too slowly—medium heat works best.
Flip the Bread: Once the first side is golden brown, use a spatula to flip the bread slices over and cook the second side for another 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden. Continue to cook all the slices of bread, adding more butter to the pan as needed to prevent sticking and to enhance the flavor.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Serve Immediately: Once all the French toast slices are cooked, serve them immediately while they’re warm. Stack the slices on a plate and top them with your favorite garnishes.
Add Toppings: There are endless ways to customize your French toast. Here are some delicious topping ideas:
- Maple syrup: A classic option, maple syrup adds sweetness and a bit of richness to the dish.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar is a quick and elegant way to add sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
- Fresh berries: Add a burst of freshness and color with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Whipped cream: For extra indulgence, a dollop of freshly whipped cream makes for a delicious topping.
- Sliced bananas: Banana slices add sweetness and a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with French toast.
- Chopped nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and a nutty flavor, balancing the soft and creamy texture of the toast.
Serving Suggestions:
- With a Side of Eggs and Bacon (Vegetarian Option): While this recipe avoids bacon, you can serve your French toast with a side of scrambled eggs or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein. Add a vegetarian sausage or tofu for a filling, plant-based breakfast.
- With a Smoothie: Pair your French toast with a refreshing smoothie made from fruits like strawberries, bananas, or mango for a nutrient-packed, balanced meal.
- With Coffee or Tea: French toast is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of fresh orange juice for a well-rounded breakfast experience.
Tips for Perfect French Toast:
- Use Thick Bread: The bread should be thick and sturdy, such as brioche or challah. These breads are rich and slightly sweet, making them perfect for French toast. Avoid using thin, soft white bread, as it will fall apart when soaked in the custard.
- Don’t Over-soak the Bread: Be careful not to soak the bread for too long, as this can make it soggy. Dip the bread just enough to coat both sides, but don’t let it sit too long in the custard mixture.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Medium heat allows the French toast to cook evenly without burning. You want the toast to be golden brown on the outside while remaining soft and custardy inside.
- Add Flavor to the Custard: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract enhance the flavor of the custard. You can also experiment with other spices, such as cardamom or ginger, for a unique twist.
- Serve While Hot: French toast is best served immediately after cooking, while it’s still warm and crispy on the outside.
Variations and Customizations:
- Vegan French Toast: To make this dish vegan, replace the eggs with a mixture of plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, and a pinch of turmeric for color. You can also use vegan butter and top it with maple syrup and fruit.
- Cinnamon French Toast: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the custard mixture for a warm, spiced flavor. You can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the French toast before serving for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Stuffed French Toast: For a more indulgent version, spread cream cheese or nut butter between two slices of bread before dipping them in the custard. You can also add fresh fruit or chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Savory French Toast: For a savory take on French toast, omit the sugar and vanilla from the custard and add salt and herbs. You can top it with sautéed vegetables, cheese, and a fried egg for a savory breakfast.
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If you have multiple servings, you can separate the slices with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Reheating: To reheat, place the French toast on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat slices in a toaster for a crispy finish.
Final Thoughts:
French toast is a timeless breakfast dish that’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you enjoy it with maple syrup and fresh berries or want to take it up a notch with cream cheese, banana slices, or nuts, this recipe can be adapted to suit your tastes. Serve it as a special weekend breakfast, a weekday treat, or even as a sweet brunch for guests. With its crispy, golden edges and custardy interior, this French toast recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.