Gathering Ingredients
Before you start making the best French toast you’ve ever tasted, you need to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. While French toast may seem like a simple dish to prepare, using the right ingredients makes all the difference in the world. Below are the essential ingredients you need to make French toast at home:
- 6 slices of bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Butter or cooking spray
It’s important to use the right type of bread for French toast. Brioche, challah, and thick slices of white or sourdough bread work best. The slightly sweet and enriched bread allows the custard mixture to soak in and create a creamy, custardy center. Using stale bread is better because it makes it easier to absorb the egg mixture.
Adding sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the custard mixture will give your French toast a delectable flavor that can’t be beaten. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for additional flavor, although that’s optional.
For cooking, you can either use butter or cooking spray. Butter will give your French toast crust a beautiful golden brown color and make it taste even better. Conversely, cooking spray is a great option for cutting calories if you’re trying to avoid too much oil or butter in your diet.
With these essential ingredients in your kitchen, you are now ready to start making the best French toast you’ve ever tasted. Now that you’ve learned how to gather all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to the actual process of making the French toast.
Preparing the bread
French toast is an easy and delicious breakfast that anyone can make. However, the key to making the perfect French toast is to start by using the right kind of bread. Choosing the wrong type of bread can lead to a soggy, unappetizing mess. So, what type of bread should you use for French toast? Here are some options:
Brioche: Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that is perfect for French toast. Its dense texture and high egg and butter content make it ideal for soaking up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
Challah: Challah is another great option for French toast. This Jewish bread is slightly sweet, tender, and eggy, which makes it perfect for soaking up the custard mixture.
French bread: As the name suggests, French bread is traditionally used in French toast. It has a crisp crust and a soft, airy texture that can absorb the custard mixture without falling apart.
Bakery-style white bread: If you can’t find any of the above bread types, bakery-style white bread is a good substitute. Look for a loaf that is sturdy and has a close texture.
Whichever bread you choose, make sure to slice it thickly – about 1 inch thick. This will help the bread hold up to the custard mixture without falling apart. Also, use stale bread if possible. Fresh bread will become too soggy and fall apart when soaked.
Another tip is to let the bread dry out a bit before using it. You can do this by leaving it out on the counter overnight or toasting it lightly in the oven for a few minutes. This will help the bread absorb the custard mixture evenly, giving it a better texture and flavor.
Making the egg mixture
Making the egg mixture is the most important part of making perfect French toast. It is the combination of eggs, milk, vanilla, and other ingredients that give French toast its unique flavor and texture.
To start with, beat two large eggs in a large mixing bowl until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Next, add one-fourth cup of milk, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
You can adjust the ingredients to your liking, depending on how many slices of bread you plan on using. If you are making French toast for four slices, it is recommended to use three or four eggs, one cup of milk, two teaspoons of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
At this point, you can add any additional ingredients you like to the mixture such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or sugar. These ingredients will provide French toast with a more intense flavor. Alternatively, you can opt to omit any of these ingredients for a more subtle taste.
After the ingredients are combined, it’s time to soak the bread. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Allow each slice to soak for approximately 30 seconds on each side, or until it has absorbed the egg mixture’s flavors fully.
Once your bread slices are fully coated, it is time to cook them. You may use a pan or griddle for cooking French toast. Add a small amount of butter to your pan/griddle and preheat it over medium heat. Place the soaked bread slices in the pan and cook for approximately two to three minutes on each side, or until they become golden brown.
Now you have the basic knowledge about how to make an egg mixture and the process on how to cook French toast. With a little bit of practice and few adjustments to the recipe, you can make delicious and perfect French toast every time.
Cooking the toast
After you have prepared the custard mixture, it is time to cook the toast. Begin by heating a non-stick pan or griddle on medium heat and adding a tablespoon of butter or oil to coat the cooking surface. Allow the butter to melt and coat the entire surface. Then, take one slice of bread and dip it into the custard mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Lift the bread out and place it on the hot cooking surface. Repeat this process with each slice of bread until you have filled the pan, leaving enough space between slices for flipping.
Cook each slice of bread for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Be sure to adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning. Flip each slice of bread using a spatula or tongs, being careful not to tear the bread. The second side should only take 1-2 minutes to cook. Once all of the slices are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a serving platter.
If you are cooking for a crowd, keep the cooked slices warm in a 200-degree oven while you finish cooking the remaining slices. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy their French toast hot and fresh.
From here, you can simply serve your French toast as is or add some delicious toppings. Some popular options include a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of syrup, fresh berries or fruit, whipped cream, or even a dollop of Nutella or peanut butter. Whatever toppings you choose, French toast is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Serving and Toppings
Now that you’ve learned how to make French toast, it’s time to talk about serving and toppings. French toast is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The classic way to serve French toast is with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a side of crispy bacon. But if you want to up the ante, here are some creative toppings that will take your French toast to the next level.
1. Fruit Toppings
Adding fruits to your French toast brings not just color to the plate, but it can also add more depth to the flavor profile. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries can be cooked down to make a natural fruit syrup that can replace the maple syrup altogether. Bananas, fresh peach slices, or even canned peaches can be heated up with a little caramel or cinnamon sauce and then poured over your French toast for a more complex flavor.
2. Nutty Toppings
Add crunch and texture to your French toast with nuts. Chopped walnuts, pecans, and almonds are the perfect complement to the soft, warm bread. You can toast the nuts in a pan with a bit of honey or maple syrup to give them a nice glaze, then sprinkle them over your French toast. If you want something a bit more indulgent, try Nutella or peanut butter as a topping. They will not only add sweetness but also creaminess and nutty goodness.
3. Savory Toppings
If you prefer something savory, try topping your French toast with bacon, ham, or sausage. You can even add a fried or poached egg on top for an extra touch of richness and protein. Experiment with herb-infused cream cheese, smoked salmon or even some sriracha hot sauce to give it some heat.
4. Whipped Cream and Chocolate
If you’re feeling decadent, why not try topping your French toast with whipped cream and chocolate? Whipped cream can be flavored with vanilla extract or even almond extract to give it a unique flavor. Top the cream off with chocolate chips or chocolate sauce. For added luxury, try dusting your French toast with gold leaf, it’s sure to impress your guests!
5. Stuffed French Toast
If you want to take your French toast to the next level, consider making stuffed French toast. Cut a pocket in the bread and fill it with cream cheese, fruit, or even chocolate. You can even use brioche or croissants instead of regular bread to make it even more indulgent. Dip it in the egg mixture and cook it as you would any other French toast recipe. Trust us, once you’ve had a bite of this heavenly dish, you won’t be able to go back to plain old French toast!