What Type of Bread Is Best for French Toast?
For the classic French toast recipe, it's best to use thick, sturdy bread. This type of bread absorbs the egg mixture without getting too soggy or falling apart. Brioche, challah, sourdough, and french bread are some breads for french toast.
However, it is recommended to use stale bread. If you don't have stale bread, you can use fresh bread by drying it in the oven or toaster.
For more, you can check out our "Types of Bread" article.
How To Make French Toast with Brioche Bread?
You can make this classic French toast with brioche bread. To make Brioche French toast,
- Preheat the oven to 200 °F (100 °C).
- Cut the brioche bread into thick slices about 1 inch thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, cream, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Dip each slice of brioche bread in the egg mixture and make sure it's coated on both sides with the egg mixture.
- Melt a piece of butter in a non-stick skillet.
- Add the soaked brioche bread to the skillet and cook until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes.
- Repeat with the remaining brioche bread slices and add more melted butter to the pan as needed.
- After cooking the French toast, transfer it to a baking sheet and place it in the oven to stay warm.
- Serve the French toast hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, honey, or maple syrup.
How To Make Vegan French Toast?
You can make this french toast recipe vegan. To make Vegan French Toast, you can use these substitutions:
Eggs: You can use cornstarch, banana, or flaxseed eggs.
Dairy: You can use non-dairy milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.
Butter: You can use vegan butter or coconut oil.
You can also make this french toast recipe gluten-free and vegan by using gluten-free bread.
How To Make French Toast without Eggs?
Can French Toast be made without eggs? Yes, you can make French toast without eggs. But it will have a different texture and taste than traditional French toast.
However, if you are allergic to eggs or are vegan, here are some egg substitutes:
Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with water and use instead of eggs to make a thick dough that will hold the bread together.
Banana: Use mashed ripe bananas. This helps bind the bread and other ingredients.
Applesauce: Use sugar-free applesauce. It adds moisture to the bread and helps other ingredients stick.
How To Make French Toast Fluffy?
Here are a few tips for making fluffy French toast at home:
- Use stale and thick bread: Thick slices of bread adhere better to the egg mixture and create a fluffier texture.
- Soak the bread well: Soaking the bread in the egg mixture allows the bread to absorb more of the liquid and create a fluffier texture. Do not over-soak the bread. Be sure to dip the bread into the egg mixture just enough to cover it.
- Soak the bread evenly. Dip the bread in the egg mixture, making sure it is evenly coated on both sides.
- Use the right amount of eggs and milk: Using too little eggs or milk in the mix can result in a denser and less fluffy French toast. Use a ratio of about 1 egg to 1/4 cup milk for the perfect balance.
- Add a dash of vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can help make French toast fluffier.
- Beat the egg mixture well. Before soaking the bread, whisk the egg mixture well with a whisk. This helps create a fluffier texture.
- Cook at the right temperature: Cooking French toast over medium-low heat can help create a fluffy texture without burning the outside. Take care to cook both sides slowly and evenly.
Should Bread Be Toasted Before Making French Toast?
Whether or not the bread is toasted before making French toast depends on the type of bread used.
Thick and sturdy bread such as brioche, challah, and sourdough bread do not need to be toasted. However, if you are using fresh bread, you can dry it in the oven or toaster. Using toasted bread slices prevents the bread from getting too soggy when the egg is dipped in the mixture.
How To Serve French Toast?
You can serve French toast hot with your favorite toppings for breakfast or brunch. You can drizzle powdered sugar, honey, maple syrup, or jam on it. You can serve it with fresh fruits such as strawberries and bananas. If you prefer a savory touch, you can serve it with meats like bacon, sausage, or ham. You can also add a dollop of butter or whipped cream for extra flavor. It also goes perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with French Toast:
What Toppings Go Well with French Toast?
French toast is a versatile dish that you can serve with a variety of sweet or savory toppings. Ideal for those who prefer salty ingredients such as eggs and ham. As a dessert sauce, maple syrup, honey, or nutella can be preferred. Also, red berries like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries go well with french toast. A dash of whipped cream adds a creamy texture to toast. Chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts add a crunchy texture to toast.
How To Store French Toast?
You can store leftover French toast in the refrigerator or freezer.
Refrigerator: Allow the French toast to cool at room temperature. Then put it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Allow the French toast to cool at room temperature. Wrap each slice of toast in cling film or aluminum foil. Put it in the freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
How To Reheat French Toast?
You can reheat French toast in the oven or toaster.
Oven: If the French toast is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Place the toast on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until well warmed up.
Toaster: If storing in the freezer, thaw the toast in the refrigerator overnight. Then heat it in the toaster.
After French toast is stored and reheated, it may lose some of its texture and become soggy.
Can French Toast Be Made Ahead?
Yes, you can make French toast ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. To pre-make French toast,
- Cook the French toast as directed in the recipe and let it cool to room temperature.
- Put it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate French toast for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Before serving the French toast, reheat it in the oven, toaster, or skillet until fully warmed.
French toast can get a little soggy after reheating. To avoid this, you can heat it longer in the oven at a lower temperature. Plus, the texture of the toast won't be as crisp or fluffy as fresh French toast when made ahead of time.
