French toast, a beloved breakfast classic, has a long history and universal appeal. Whether you’re making it on a lazy Sunday morning, serving it at a special brunch, or indulging in it as a comforting snack, French toast is the perfect combination of crispy, golden edges and a soft, custardy center. The dish has traveled through centuries and across cultures, transforming in countless ways while maintaining its status as a favorite.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of French toast, explore the traditional method of preparing it, and discuss variations and tips to elevate your French toast to gourmet status. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or an experienced chef, this guide will inspire you to make the perfect French toast.
The Origins of French Toast: A Rich History
Despite its name, French toast is not exclusively a French creation. In fact, variations of this dish can be found in culinary traditions from all over the world, with some tracing its origins back to ancient Rome.
In Latin, a Roman recipe for a dish called “Pan Dulcis” instructed cooks to soak bread in milk and eggs, then fry it in oil or butter. This dish was a way to use up stale bread, turning it into something delicious and filling. Over time, this concept spread across Europe, where it evolved into various regional versions of what we now call French toast.
In France, the dish is known as “pain perdu,” which translates to “lost bread,” referencing its use of stale or leftover bread. Similarly, in England, it was called “poor knights’ pudding,” a thrifty way to give new life to old bread. Eventually, French toast made its way to the United States, where it was dubbed “French toast” and became a breakfast staple.
The Classic French Toast Recipe
Traditional French toast is surprisingly simple to make. However, a few key details will help you create a truly perfect version of this breakfast favorite. Below is a step-by-step guide to making the classic version of French toast.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer custard)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 8 thick slices of day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread works best)
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. This creates the custard base that the bread will be soaked in. If you like your French toast extra rich, substitute the milk with half-and-half or a mix of heavy cream and milk.
2. Prepare the Bread
French toast works best with slightly stale bread, as it will absorb the custard without becoming too soggy. If your bread is fresh, leave the slices out on a baking sheet for a few hours to dry them out slightly. Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal because they are soft, rich, and slightly sweet, though any sturdy bread will work.
3. Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. Be careful not to soak the bread for too long, as this can make it mushy. The goal is to saturate the bread while keeping it firm enough to fry.
4. Fry the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet. Cook each slice for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
5. Serve Immediately
French toast is best served fresh and hot. Plate your slices and drizzle them with warm maple syrup. For an extra indulgent breakfast, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, and add fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a dollop of yogurt for a lighter touch.
Variations on French Toast
While the classic version of French toast is always delicious, there are countless ways to add your own spin to the dish. From incorporating unique ingredients to changing up the cooking method, here are some variations that take French toast to the next level.
1. Stuffed French Toast
Stuffed French toast is a decadent twist on the classic version. By spreading a filling between two slices of bread, you can create a delightful surprise inside every bite. Popular fillings include sweetened cream cheese, Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves.
To make stuffed French toast, simply sandwich your filling of choice between two slices of bread, then dip the sandwich into the custard mixture and cook as you normally would. Serve with syrup or fresh fruit for an indulgent breakfast or brunch.
2. French Toast Casserole
If you’re cooking for a crowd, a French toast casserole is the perfect solution. This variation is prepared by layering slices of bread in a baking dish and pouring the egg mixture over them. It’s then left to soak for a few hours or overnight, allowing the bread to absorb all the flavors before being baked to golden perfection.
To make a French toast casserole, layer thick slices of bread in a buttered baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure every slice is evenly coated. For added texture, sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
3. Savory French Toast
French toast doesn’t have to be sweet! For a savory variation, skip the sugar and vanilla in the custard mixture, and add salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices instead. You can even incorporate grated cheese for extra richness.
Once cooked, savory French toast can be topped with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. For a more substantial meal, serve it with crispy bacon, smoked salmon, or a poached egg.
4. Banana Bread French Toast
If you’re a fan of banana bread, this version of French toast is sure to become your new favorite. Instead of using regular bread, make French toast with thick slices of homemade or store-bought banana bread.
To make banana bread French toast, follow the same steps as the classic recipe, but be mindful of the cooking time, as banana bread tends to brown more quickly than regular bread. Serve with caramelized bananas and a drizzle of maple syrup for an indulgent twist.
5. Vegan French Toast
For those following a plant-based diet, you can still enjoy French toast! Instead of eggs, use a combination of plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) and a thickener like ground flaxseed or chickpea flour to create the custard.
Simply whisk together your vegan custard ingredients, dip your bread, and cook as usual. You can also use coconut oil for frying. Vegan French toast pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and agave syrup or maple syrup.
6. French Toast Roll-Ups
For a fun and portable version of French toast, try making roll-ups. These bite-sized treats are perfect for kids or for serving at a brunch party.
To make French toast roll-ups, flatten slices of bread with a rolling pin, spread on a filling (such as Nutella or cream cheese), and roll them up tightly. Dip the rolls into the egg mixture, then fry until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with syrup for dipping.
Tips for Perfect French Toast
Here are some essential tips to help you make the best French toast, no matter which variation you choose:
- Choose the right bread: Use slightly stale, thick-cut bread like brioche, challah, or French bread. Stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Don’t skimp on the custard: The egg and milk mixture is the key to a rich, flavorful French toast. Adding a splash of cream or half-and-half will make the custard even creamier.
- Soak the bread properly: Let the bread soak in the custard for about 20-30 seconds per side, but don’t over-soak it. This will ensure the bread absorbs enough custard without falling apart.
- Cook at the right temperature: Keep the heat on medium to prevent burning the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. If the pan is too hot, your French toast will be crispy but raw in the center.
- Use butter for cooking: Butter adds flavor and creates a golden crust. However, to avoid burning, you can mix a little oil with the butter.
Final Thoughts
French toast is a beloved breakfast dish for good reason. Its versatility allows for endless possibilities, from classic recipes to creative and indulgent variations. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, traditional or stuffed, French toast is a dish that can easily be tailored to suit your tastes and preferences.
Now that you have the tools and tips to make perfect French toast, why not treat yourself to a delicious breakfast this weekend? With the simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen, you can whip up a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.