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The Best French Toast

  • Author: jessy mattix
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What truly sets exceptional French toast apart from the ordinary? Join me as I embark on a culinary adventure to discover the secrets of making this breakfast staple, exploring key ingredients and techniques that elevate this classic breakfast dish to new heights.

My Bread of Choice

For me, the key to outstanding French toast lies in the choice of bread. While any bread can technically be used, day-old brioche stands out as the undisputed champion. Its rich, buttery texture and slightly stale consistency provide the ideal foundation for soaking up the custard mixture without becoming soggy. This unique quality ensures that each bite is luxuriously moist on the inside while retaining a satisfying crispness—a hallmark of true culinary excellence.

Shhh! Don’t Share My Secret Ingredient… (Heavy Cream)

When it comes to crafting a decadent custard mixture, heavy cream is my go-to secret ingredient. Its high fat content adds a velvety richness and depth of flavor that simply can’t be matched by other dairy products. With each slice of bread luxuriously coated in this creamy concoction, every bite becomes a symphony of indulgence that tantalizes the taste buds and satisfies the soul.

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Photo by Blaine Young | New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung

How to Substitute Bread for Gluten-Free Alternatives

As someone who values inclusivity in the kitchen, I understand the importance of accommodating dietary restrictions. If you follow a gluten-free lifestyle, rest assured that you can still enjoy this recipe to its fullest. By swapping traditional bread for gluten-free alternatives such as Udi’s gluten-free sandwich bread, everyone can indulge in the joy of French toast without compromise. With a bit of creativity and experimentation, GF brunch sweets can be delicious and satisfying!

How to Substitute Heavy Cream for Non-Dairy Alternatives

In my kitchen, I strive to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of my guests. If you’re a fan of dairy-free options, you can seamlessly incorporate non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk. These non-dairy alternatives still provide the creamy richness that is essential for creating exceptional French toast.

Ways to Elevate French Toast to Gourmet Heights

While classic French toast is undeniably delicious on its own, I love experimenting with creative ways to take this beloved breakfast dish to the next level. Whether it’s adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the custard mixture for an extra burst of flavor, or topping with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a decadent finishing touch, the possibilities are endless. With a touch of imagination and a willingness to explore new flavor combinations, your breakfast can become a gourmet masterpiece that delights the senses and brings joy to the table.

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The Best French Toast

French toast constitutes the cornerstone of our brunch board, as its warm, cinnamon-scented aroma is universally inviting. The secret to the perfect French toast boils down to a richly flavored custard imbued with a mélange of sugar, cinnamon, brandy, and vanilla. Using thick slices of day-old bread such as brioche or challah adds a touch of decadence and texture that holds up to the custard without falling apart.
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 Eggs Large
  • 2 Cups Heavy Cream or Milk
  • 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1/4 Cup Brandy or Rum (Optional)
  • 2 Tsp Vanilla Paste or Extract
  • 12 Slices Day-Old Brioche or Challah Bread Thick Slices
  • 2 Tbsp Butter or Cooking Spray

Instructions
 

Prepare the custard mixture:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream (or milk), sugar, salt, cinnamon, brandy (if using), and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will form the custard base for soaking the bread slices.

Select a suitable pan:

  • To ensure each slice of bread is evenly soaked and flavored, use a large rectangular pan that allows all slices to be laid out flat in a single layer. Avoid stacking the bread, as this can lead to inconsistent soaking and potentially soggy or under-flavored pieces. Working in batches may be necessary.

Soak the bread:

  • Dip your choice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring each side is thoroughly coated. Let the bread soak for 10 minutes on each side. This step is crucial for achieving the quintessential French toast texture—crispy on the outside while remaining soft and custardy inside.

Heat the skillet:

  • Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of butter to coat the surface. Wait for the butter to melt and lightly bubble, indicating that the pan is at the perfect temperature for cooking the soaked bread.

Cook the french toast:

  • Place the custard-soaked bread slices into the pan without overcrowding. Cook each piece for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until the edges begin to brown to a beautiful golden hue.
  • Carefully flip the slices over and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes on the opposite side. The medium-low heat allows the custard inside the bread to cook through and set without burning the exterior.

Check for doneness:

  • Once both sides have reached a consistent color and the French toast feels firm but springy to the touch, indicating the custard is fully cooked, remove the slices from the pan.

Keep warm and serve:

  • As you continue cooking the remaining slices, avoid stacking the cooked French toast on top of each other, as this can lead to a soggy texture. Instead, arrange each piece side by side on a wire rack or keep them warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven until ready to serve.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade French toast with its perfect balance of crispy exterior and custard-soft interior, infused with the delightful flavors of cinnamon and vanilla!
 
 
 
 
 
Jessy-Mattix-Supper-Social

Hi there! I’m Jessy Mattix, your go-to food lover and writer with a a collection of unique experiences in boutique catering. My culinary adventure began with preparing healthy meals, and it flourished in the cozy corners of intimate gatherings where my skills in organizing dinner parties truly sparkled.

Come along with me as I share tales of culinary exploits, inviting you into a world where every dish has a tale, every meal sets the scene, and every dinner party celebrates our collective happiness.

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