4.4 from 96 votes
Challah French Toast
Challah French Toast uses thick slices of stale or toasted challah bread soaked in a sweet custard made with egg yolks, whole milk, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt. The soaking time saturates the bread, resulting in a tender and rich toast. Cooking over low heat ensures a golden crust and fully cooked center, making the dish indulgently soft and flavorful.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Additional Time
11 hrs 20 mins
Total Time
12 hrs
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
437 kcal
Course:
Breakfast
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 8 lices challah bread sliced ½-inch thick
- 1½ cups milk whole
- 6 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted, unsalted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter divided (for cooking, unsalted
Instructions
- Stale the bread by setting it out on a cooling rack uncovered overnight.
- Whisk milk, egg yolks, sugar, melted butter, salt, and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Transfer milk mixture to 13x9-inch baking pan.
- Working with 3 slices of bread at a time, dip into custard for 20 seconds. Using a spatula turn bread over and soak for another 20 seconds. (Bread should be saturated but not falling apart.) Transfer soaked bread to baking sheet or tray and continue until all bread is soaked.
- Heat ½ tablespoon of butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. When foaming subsides, use slotted spatula to transfer 2 slices soaked bread to skillet until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until second side is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes longer. Wipe out skillet with paper towels. Repeat cooking remaining bread, 2 pieces at a time, adding ½ tablespoon of butter for each batch. The French toast should be served immediately, but can be kept warm in a 200-degree oven until served.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use sturdy breads like challah, brioche, or sourdough sliced ½ inch thick for best soaking and texture.
- Stale the bread overnight uncovered or dry it in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes if time is short.
- Cook French toast over medium-low heat so the custard cooks fully without burning the exterior.
- Avoid lowering fat content: whole milk, egg yolks, and butter are important for texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately with butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar or fresh fruit for a classic presentation.
Nutrition Information
Calories
437kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
42g
(14%)
Protein
13g
(26%)
Fat
23g
(35%)
Saturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Cholesterol
332mg
(111%)
Sodium
492mg
(21%)
Potassium
264mg
(6%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
17g
(34%)
Vitamin A
885IU
(18%)
Calcium
223mg
(22%)
Iron
2.8mg
(16%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 437
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 437kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 332mg | 111% |
| Sodium | 492mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 264mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 17g | 34% |
| Vitamin A | 885IU | 18% |
| Calcium | 223mg | 22% |
| Iron | 2.8mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.