Whether breakfast or dessert, French toast never fails to impress
Indulge in the timeless charm of classic French toast, a breakfast delight that never fails to satisfy. Thick slices of bread soaked in a luscious mixture of milk, eggs, cinnamon, and sugar create a heavenly combination of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed on lazy weekend mornings or as a special treat, French toast is a comforting and delicious way to start your day.
The pillowy texture of thick-cut bread slices
French toast begins with thick slices of bread, which absorb the milk-egg mixture, resulting in a rich and pillowy interior. Brioche, baguette or country-style bread are excellent choices, as their density allows them to hold up well during the soaking process. The combination of crispy edges and a tender center creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
The trick: This recipe originally comes from the French ‘pain perdu’, which means lost or forgotten bread. So if you have old, slightly dry bread around, this is your call to turn it into French toast!
The soaking mixture is the key to achieving the rich and flavorful French toast. A blend of milk, eggs, cinnamon, and sugar creates a light mixture that infuses the bread with sweetness and warmth. The milk provides a creamy base, while the eggs bind the mixture together, adding richness and ensuring a golden brown exterior when cooked. Cinnamon adds a hint of warmth and a comforting aroma, while sugar enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
Once soaked, it’s time to cook these French toast to golden perfection
Once the bread slices have soaked in the mixture, you cook them in butter and oil in a skillet until golden brown on both sides. The butter is key to this recipe’s their golden, crispy exterior. The gentle cooking process ensures that the center remains moist and custard-like.
Finish off with a splash of maple syrup and fresh fruit
For a touch of freshness, serve French toast with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream make delightful accompaniments that add color and indulgence.
Still deciding? Here are some other treats you might enjoy
Easy, Indulgent French Toast
Ingredients
- 4-5 slices bread (fresh or old/slightly dried out)
- 2 eggs
- 250 ml milk (cow or plant based)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 piece butter, walnut sized
- 2 tbsp oil
- To garnish: maple syrup, powder sugar, fresh fruit
Instructions
- Slice your old or fresh bread in thick slices, about 1.5-2 cm thick.
- In a flat bowl (high enough to hold the mixture, flat enough to dip the bread), crack the eggs, add milk, sugar and cinnamon and mix well until fully combined.
- Dip one slice at a time in the mixture from both sides. The older/dryer your bread, the more you need to soak it.If you want your French toast crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside, a 10ish second soak per side is good to ensure the liquid was able to fully get inside the bread. If you prefer more bready texture, try a bit shorter.
- Heat a skillet to medium heat and add butter and oil to the pan. When well heated up, add 1-2 French toasts at a time and fry on both sides until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. You may need to reduce the heat over time as the skillet heats up more to avoid burning your French toasts!
- Garnish with maple syrup, powdered sugar and fresh fruit