Easy French toast recipe

Are you looking for a tasty breakfast that's quick, easy, and sure to please? Look no further than this simple French toast recipe! Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or when you want to treat yourself on a weekday, this classic dish is a crowd-pleaser that anyone can make. In this post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create perfect French toast every time.

What is French Toast?

Let's first discuss what French toast is, before we go into the recipe. Bread pieces are used to make this meal; they are dipped in a combination of beaten egg and milk and cooked till golden brown. The end product is a really wonderful soft custard like layer that is warm and somewhat crunchy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. It's super easy: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you'll have a restaurant-quality breakfast in no time.
2. It's customizable: You can use different types of bread and add various toppings to suit your taste.
3. It's budget-friendly: French toast is a great way to use up slightly stale bread and transform it into something amazing.
4. It's quick: From start to finish, you can have French toast on the table in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to make this toast for four people:

• 8 slices of breads
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for cooking
• Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, etc.

Let's Break Down the Ingredients

Bread:

You can use any kind of bread, but slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart. Good options include:

   - White bread

   - Brioche

   - Challah

   - Whole wheat bread (for a healthier option)

   - French baguette (sliced diagonally)

Eggs:

These provide structure and richness to your French toast. They also help create that golden-brown crust when cooked.

Milk:

Adds moisture and helps create a custard-like texture. You can use any type of milk, including non-dairy alternatives like -almond milk or oat milk.

Vanilla extract:

Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

Cinnamon:

Gives your French toast a warm, comforting flavor. You can adjust the amount to your liking or omit it if you prefer.

Salt:

Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.

Butter or oil:

For cooking your French toast to golden perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we've got our ingredients ready, let's make this:

1. Make the egg mixture:

   - In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

2. Prepare your cooking surface:

   - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

   - Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface.

3. Dip the bread:

   - Take a slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture.

   - Let it soak for about 10 seconds on each side. You want it to absorb some of the mixture, but not so much that it falls apart.

4. Cook the toast:

   - Place the soaked bread on the heated skillet or griddle.

   - Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

5. Repeat:

   - Continue with the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter or oil to the pan as needed.

6. Serve:

   - Serve your French toast warm with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Perfect French Toast Every Time

1. Use stale bread: Fresh bread can get too soggy when soaked in the egg mixture. If you only have fresh bread, you can leave it out for a few hours or lightly toast it before using.
2. Don't oversoak the bread: A quick dip on each side is usually enough. If the bread soaks too long, it might fall apart when you try to cook it.
3. Keep an eye on the heat: Medium heat is usually best. If your pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.
4. Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet: This will help prevent your French toast from sticking.
5. Don't crowd the pan: Cook just a few slices at a time so they have room to cook evenly.
6. Keep it warm: If you're making a big batch, keep the cooked slices warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven until you're ready to serve.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. To keep things fresh, try these variations:

1. Stuffed French Toast: 

   - Spread cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter between two slices of bread before dipping and cooking.

2. French Toast Sticks:

   - Cut your bread into strips before dipping and cooking. Kids love these!

3. Savory French Toast:

   - Omit the vanilla and cinnamon, and add herbs like thyme or rosemary instead. Top with cheese and bacon for a savory breakfast.

4. Crunchy French Toast:

   - After dipping the bread in the egg mixture, coat it in crushed cereal or nuts before cooking.

5. Baked French Toast Casserole:

   - Layer the soaked bread in a baking dish, pour over any remaining egg mixture, and bake in the oven. Great for feeding a crowd!

Topping Ideas

The right toppings can take your French toast from good to great. Here are some ideas:

1. Classic: Butter and maple syrup

2. Fruity: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or sautéed apples

3. Sweet: Powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chocolate chips

4. Nutty: Chopped pecans, almonds, or a drizzle of peanut butter

5. Decadent: Nutella, caramel sauce, or a scoop of ice cream (hey, we're not judging!)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This toast is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ahead or store leftovers:

1. Make-ahead egg mixture: 

   - Whisk together the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge.

2. Freezing cooked French toast:

   - Let the cooked French toast cool completely.

   - Place wax paper between each slice and store in a freezer bag.

   - Freeze for up to 1-2 months.

   - Reheat in the toaster or oven when ready to eat.

3. Storing leftovers:

   - Keep leftover toast in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

   - Reheat in the toaster, oven, or microwave.

Nutritional Information

While French toast is definitely a treat, it can be part of a balanced diet. Here's a rough estimate of the nutritional information per slice (without toppings):

- Calories: 200-250

- Protein: 8-10g

- Carbohydrates: 25-30g

- Fat: 8-10g

Remember, these values can vary depending on the type of bread and milk you use. To make your French toast a bit healthier, try:

- Using whole grain bread for more fiber

- Swapping whole milk for low-fat or plant-based milk

- Limiting sugary toppings and opting for fresh fruit instead

French Toast: A Brief History

Ever wondered where French toast came from? Despite its name, it wasn't invented in France! The concept of soaking bread in eggs and frying it has been around for centuries. 

In fact, recipes for what we now call French toast can be found as far back as the Roman Empire. A collection of recipes from the 4th or 5th century mentions a dish called "pan dulcis," or sweet bread, which was made by soaking bread in milk and egg and then frying it.

In France, the dish is actually called "pain perdu," which means "lost bread." This name comes from the fact that it was a way to use up stale bread that would otherwise be "lost" or thrown away.

The term "French toast" itself seems to have originated in England in the 17th century, possibly brought over by travelers who had enjoyed the dish in France. From there, it spread to the American colonies and became a popular breakfast food.

Why this recipe is a Great Breakfast Option

• It's filling: The combination of bread, eggs, and milk makes French toast a satisfying meal that will keep you full until lunchtime.
• It's a good source of protein: Thanks to the eggs and milk, French toast provides a decent amount of protein to start your day.
• It's versatile: As we've seen, you can customize French toast in countless ways to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• It's a crowd-pleaser: Whether you're cooking for kids or adults, French toast is almost always a hit.
• It's a great way to use up leftover bread: Instead of throwing out stale bread, you can transform it into a delicious breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make French toast with any kind of bread?

A: Any bread will do, but thicker breads like challah or brioche, or bread that is a little bit stale, are ideal. When steeped in the egg mixture, they withstand the heat effectively.

Q: My French toast always turns out soggy. What am I doing wrong?

A: You might be soaking the bread for too long or using bread that's too fresh. Try a quicker dip in the egg mixture or use slightly stale bread.

Q: Can I make French toast without eggs?

A: Yes! You can make vegan French toast using mashed banana or commercial egg replacer mixed with non-dairy milk instead of eggs.

Q: Is French toast healthy?

A: French toast can be part of a balanced diet, especially if you use whole grain bread and limit sugary toppings. It provides protein and can be a good source of fiber depending on the bread used.

Q: Can I make this in advance?

A: Yes! You can make a big batch and freeze it for later. Just reheat in the toaster or oven when you're ready to eat.

Conclusion

There you have it – everything you need to know to make delicious, easy French toast at home. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this simple recipe is sure to become a breakfast favorite. Remember, the key to great French toast is in the quality of your ingredients and the love you put into making it. So grab some bread, crack some eggs, and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
Do you have a favorite French toast recipe or topping? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below. Happy cooking!