Best French Toast Recipe
User Reviews
5
Best French Toast Recipe
Description
The preparation involves slicing dense, slightly stale bread like challah or brioche into thick pieces to ensure it soaks up the custard mixture without falling apart. The custard is made by whisking together liquid dairy, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Immersion blending is suggested to fully incorporate the cinnamon.
Each slice is soaked evenly on both sides, allowing the mixture to penetrate the bread. Cooking on medium-low heat with butter helps develop a golden crust without burning while allowing the inside to cook through. This slow cooking method keeps the texture custardy and prevents dryness.
The recipe includes ideas for serving, such as classic maple syrup and butter or enhanced combinations like fresh strawberries with whipped cream, chocolate with cream, or mascarpone with berries. These accompaniments provide different flavor profiles from fruity to rich sweet toppings.
The recipe guides users in selecting bread and cooking techniques to achieve an ideal balance between crisp exterior and soft interior. It is designed for those who want a traditional, customizable French toast with attention to texture and taste nuances.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah bread cut into thick slices, or brioche bread
- 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 4 large egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- butter to cook in, salted
Instructions
- Start by slicing challah or brioche bread into thick slices. If you can, use stale, day old bread as it is sturdier and is able to soak up the custard mixture
- Make the custard mixture by whisking together cream/half-n-half, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until all combined. A tip would be to blend it with an immersion blender or blender to ensure the cinnamon gets fully mixed into the custard.
- Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture. Allow to fully soak both sides for about 20 seconds. Carefully pull the bread out of the custard and allow the excess custard to drain off of the bread.
- Cook low and slow. Since the bread is soaked in an egg and milk/cream mixture, it needs time to fully cook through. Cook on a medium-low for low heat to allow the center to fully cook through without the exterior becoming too brown.
- Add a generous amount of butter to the skillet. This is what helps to create the perfect, golden brown outside crust on the French toast and adds so much flavor.
- 6. Cook each side for about 3-5 minutes. If the exterior is browning too fast, reduce the heat to low.
- Serve right away with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, salted butter, and real maple syrup.
Notes
- Use day-old challah or brioche bread for better custard absorption and sturdiness.
- For a smooth custard, blend ingredients thoroughly including cinnamon to avoid clumps.
- Cook French toast slowly on medium-low heat to brown evenly and cook through.
- Consider serving with classic maple syrup and butter or more elaborate toppings like fresh berries with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, ricotta with pistachios and orange zest, or mascarpone with berry syrup.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 406 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 406kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 191mg | 64% |
| Sodium | 384mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 242mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 625IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 177mg | 18% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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