French Toast Recipe

This French Toast recipe is a delightful and simple breakfast option that turns basic bread into a delicious, custardy treat. The combination of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a rich and flavorful coating for the bread, which is then pan-fried to golden perfection. Whether served with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar, this comforting dish is perfect for lazy mornings or special brunches.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 lb bread (French bread, sourdough, challah, white bread, or brioche), cut into 3/4 inch slices (about 16 slices)
• Butter for cooking

Optional Toppings:

• Butter
• Maple syrup
• Fresh fruit
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar

Equipment:

• Large skillet or griddle
• Medium bowl
• Large casserole dish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Custard:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish to make dipping easier.
   Tip: The cinnamon can sometimes clump when whisked, so to ensure it’s evenly distributed, you can first mix it with the sugar before adding it to the egg mixture.
2. Heat the Skillet:
   • Melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the pan hot enough to cook the French toast evenly, but not too hot that it burns the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
   Tip: Using a combination of butter and a neutral oil (like vegetable oil) can help prevent the butter from burning while still giving you that rich flavor.
3. Dip the Bread:
   • While the butter is melting, dip several slices of bread into the milk mixture, letting each slice soak for about 3 seconds on each side. Make sure the bread is fully coated, but not soggy.
   Tip: Day-old bread works best for French toast because it absorbs the custard without falling apart. If you’re using fresh bread, you can dry it out in the oven for a few minutes to help it soak up the custard better.
4. Cook the French Toast:
   • Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
   Tip: Keep an eye on the heat—if the toast is browning too quickly, lower the temperature to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the exterior.
5. Keep Warm:
   • To keep the French toast warm while cooking the rest, place the finished slices on a cookie sheet and keep them in a 250°F oven until you’re ready to serve.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the French toast warm with your choice of toppings. Whether it’s a pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or some fresh fruit, the options are endless!

Final Tips:

• Bread Choice: Brioche or challah bread will give you the richest, most indulgent French toast, while sourdough or French bread will add a slightly tangier flavor.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can make French toast ahead of time and freeze it. Simply place cooked and cooled slices on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or toaster when ready to eat.
• Add Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a bit of orange zest to the egg mixture or swapping out the vanilla for almond extract.

This French Toast is a classic that can easily be customized to your taste and is sure to impress any breakfast or brunch crowd!