Crisp & Delicious French Toast
This recipe transforms traditional French toast into a breakfast delight with a perfectly crisp exterior and a soft, custardy interior. Using a blend of eggs, milk, and aromatic spices, along with a careful cooking method, this French toast is ideal for a leisurely brunch or a special weekend treat. It’s customizable, easy to make, and sure to impress anyone at your table.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking the egg mixture.
- Whisk or Fork: To blend the eggs and spices.
- Shallow Dish or Pie Plate: For dipping the bread slices.
- Non-Stick Skillet or Griddle: For pan-frying the French toast.
- Spatula: To flip and remove the toast.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Cooling Rack (Optional): To keep the toast crisp while serving.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bread brioche, challah, or French bread work best
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream for an extra rich flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar optional, for added crisp and sweetness
- Zest of 1 orange optional, for a citrusy note
- 2-3 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and (if using) the granulated sugar and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Preheat the Skillet:
- Place your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter or oil to lightly coat the surface.
- Dip the Bread:
- Pour a portion of the egg mixture into a shallow dish (or use the bowl if it’s wide enough). Dip each bread slice into the mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20–30 seconds on each side. Ensure the bread is well-saturated but not overly soaked to avoid sogginess.
- Cook the Toast:
- Place the dipped bread slices onto the preheated skillet. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and crisp. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking without burning.
- Drain & Serve:
- Transfer the cooked French toast to a cooling rack (if available) to maintain its crispness. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired, and serve immediately with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
- Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 18–20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American, Continental
- Diet: Vegetarian (adaptable to gluten-free using gluten-free bread)
- Keywords
- French toast, crispy, breakfast, brunch, easy recipe, indulgent, crisp exterior, custardy interior
- Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Based on using whole milk, brioche bread, and butter; values may vary with ingredient choices:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 250–300 kcal
- Sugar: ~8 g
- Sodium: ~350 mg
- Fat: ~12 g
- Saturated Fat: ~6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g (trace amounts may occur naturally in butter)
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~9 g
- Cholesterol: ~150 mg
Notes
Bread Choice: For extra texture, try using slightly stale or day-old bread, which absorbs the egg mixture more effectively without falling apart.
Pre-Toasting Option: For an extra layer of crisp, lightly toast the bread before dipping it in the egg mixture.
Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to maintain a consistent temperature and crisp texture.
Customization: Experiment with different spices (like nutmeg) or substitute a portion of the milk with cream cheese for a tangy twist.
Serving Tip: Keep finished slices in a warm (200°F) oven on a cooling rack to preserve their crispiness until serving.
Enjoy your deliciously crisp French toast as a memorable breakfast or brunch treat!
Pre-Toasting Option: For an extra layer of crisp, lightly toast the bread before dipping it in the egg mixture.
Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to maintain a consistent temperature and crisp texture.
Customization: Experiment with different spices (like nutmeg) or substitute a portion of the milk with cream cheese for a tangy twist.
Serving Tip: Keep finished slices in a warm (200°F) oven on a cooling rack to preserve their crispiness until serving.
Enjoy your deliciously crisp French toast as a memorable breakfast or brunch treat!