French Toast Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale, as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.

Eggs: Provide the base for the custard mixture that coats the bread.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making the French toast rich and tender.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the dish with a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice, enhancing the overall taste.

Butter: Used for frying, it gives the French toast a golden, crispy exterior.

To achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and a custardy interior, use stale bread for your French toast. Fresh bread tends to become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture. If you don't have stale bread, you can dry out fresh slices by leaving them out overnight or toasting them lightly before dipping.

• stale bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent choice for French toast.

• stale bread - Substitute with challah: Challah's soft and fluffy texture absorbs the egg mixture well, creating a delicious French toast.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in the egg mixture.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but equally delightful flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a unique flavor to the French toast.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the French toast.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend of spices adds a complex and aromatic flavor.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor and works well for frying.

• butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor, making it a great alternative for frying.

• Allow the French toast to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Place the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are firm.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Separate each slice with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Label the bag or container with the date. French toast can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the slices in a toaster or toaster oven until warm and golden.
• For a quick microwave option, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Serve the reheated French toast with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the slices with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the toast's crispy exterior.

• Toaster Method: Pop the slices into your toaster or toaster oven. Toast on a medium setting until heated through and slightly crispy. This is a quick and easy way to reheat without losing the French toast texture.

• Microwave Method: Place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. This method is the fastest but may result in a softer texture.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until heated through. This method can help restore some of the original crispiness.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and soft.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the egg mixture smoothly.

• Skillet: This is where you'll fry the bread slices to a golden brown.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the bread slices to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the vanilla extract and cinnamon.

• Butter knife: Useful for spreading the butter in the skillet.

• Plate: To serve the French toast once it's cooked.

• Fork: For eating the delicious French toast.

• Toppings: Any additional items like syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit to enhance the flavor.

Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, reducing soaking time.

Pre-mix ingredients: Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon the night before to save time in the morning.

Heat the skillet first: Preheat your skillet while preparing the bread to cut down on cooking time.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple slices of bread at once if your skillet is large enough.

Use a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet requires less butter and makes flipping easier, speeding up the process.