French Toast Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale, as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.

Eggs: Acts as the base for the custard mixture, providing richness and structure.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy custard for soaking the bread.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the custard mixture.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that enhances the overall flavor of the French toast.

Butter: Used for cooking the bread slices, giving them a golden-brown, crispy exterior.

When making French toast, it's essential to use stale bread because it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. If you don't have stale bread, you can dry out fresh bread slices in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.

• stale bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent alternative for a more decadent French toast.

• stale bread - Substitute with challah: Challah's soft texture and slight sweetness make it a great substitute, providing a similar richness to the dish.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• eggs - Substitute with banana: Use half a mashed banana for each egg. This adds a natural sweetness and works well as a binder.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar consistency and a slightly nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor, making it a great dairy-free option.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but equally delightful flavor profile, adding a nutty aroma.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a complex flavor.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar cooking medium and adds a slight coconut flavor.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a plant-based alternative that works well for cooking and provides a similar texture.

• Allow the French toast to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
• Place the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours until the French toast slices are solid.
• Transfer the frozen slices to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Be sure to label with the date.
• For reheating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen French toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy.
• If you prefer using a microwave, place the French toast on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even heating.
• Store any leftover French toast in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• To maintain freshness, place a piece of parchment paper between each slice before refrigerating or freezing.
• Enjoy your reheated French toast with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the French toast crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Use a toaster oven for a quick reheat. Set it to medium heat and toast the French toast slices for 3-4 minutes. This method is great for maintaining the texture.
• For a stovetop reheat, melt a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through. This method adds a bit of extra flavor from the butter.
• Microwave the French toast if you're in a hurry. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This method is quick but may make the French toast a bit soggy.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in the basket in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes. This method helps retain the crispiness.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the egg mixture smoothly and incorporate air.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the bread slices evenly.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices to ensure they are golden brown on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the vanilla extract and cinnamon accurately.

• Plate: A dish used to serve the cooked French toast.

• Knife: A utensil used to spread butter in the skillet.

• Serving utensils: Tools like forks and knives used to enjoy the French toast with your favorite toppings.

Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, reducing soaking time.

Pre-mix ingredients: Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon the night before to save time in the morning.

Heat skillet in advance: Preheat your skillet while preparing the bread to ensure it's ready for cooking immediately.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple slices of bread at once if your skillet is large enough to save time.

Use non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet reduces the need for additional butter and speeds up the cooking process.