How To Make French Toast At Home

Harpreet Kour Updated: Jul 17, 2024 10:08 AM IST

To make classic French toast, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to create a batter. Soak slices of day-old bread in the batter and cook them in a buttered skillet until golden brown. Serve with toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries for a delicious breakfast treat.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 slices of day-old bread (brioche, challah, or thick-sliced white bread)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or other toppings of choice

Instructions:

1.Prepare the Batter:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Ensure the mixture is smooth and the cinnamon is evenly distributed.

2. Prepare the Bread:

  • If the bread is not day-old, you can slightly dry it out by placing the slices on a baking sheet and baking them in a preheated oven at 275 F (135 C) for about 10 minutes. This step helps the bread soak up the batter without becoming too soggy.

3.Soak the Bread:

  • Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish or pie plate. Working with one or two slices at a time, lay the bread in the egg mixture. Let each slice soak for about 30 seconds per side, ensuring it absorbs the batter without falling apart.

4.Heat the Skillet:

  • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt and coat the surface of the pan. If using a non-stick pan, you might need less butter.

5. Cook the French Toast:

  • Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, place the soaked bread slices in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and slightly crispy. If cooking in batches, you can keep the finished slices warm in a preheated oven at 200 F (95 C) while you cook the remaining slices.

6. Serve:

  • Transfer the cooked French toast to serving plates. Top with a pat of butter, drizzle with maple syrup, and add any additional toppings like powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Tips:

For a richer flavor:

  • Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of whole milk.

For a unique twist:

  • Add a tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of rum or brandy to the batter.

For extra crispiness:

  • Sprinkle a bit of sugar on the soaked bread before placing it in the skillet.