Thick-cut bread soaked in a simple, cozy custard and fried until golden with buttery crisp edges.
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Texas Toast
The structural base. It must be hearty enough to absorb the custard without disintegrating. Challah, brioche, or Texas toast are ideal choices. Stale bread (day-old) works best as it absorbs less fat during cooking.Cut slices at least 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
Eggs
The binding agent that creates the custard texture. They provide richness and help the exterior set into a golden-brown crust. Use large, fresh eggs. Whisk thoroughly to avoid streaks of yolk or albumen.
Almond Milk
The primary liquid that tenderizes the bread and carries the flavor. Almond milk offers a slight nuttiness and a lighter texture than heavy cream or whole milk. Ensure it is unsweetened to control the overall sweetness of the dish.
Vanilla
The key aromatic. Pure vanilla extract adds a layer of complex flavor that elevates the simple egg and milk mixture. Don’t be shy with the vanilla; a teaspoon or two per batch is recommended.
Butter
The fat used for cooking, which imparts a rich, nutty flavor and contributes to a beautiful golden crust. Use high-quality unsalted butter to control the salt content.
TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST FRENCH TOAST
The Soaking Secret
Use Thick Bread so the Custard Doesn’t Make it Soggy. A thin slice of bread will instantly turn to mush when submerged. Thick slices (3/4″ to 1″) allow the interior to remain slightly bready while the exterior soaks up the flavor.
Let the Slices Sit in Custard for an Even Soak
This is the most crucial step. For thicker bread, a quick dip is not enough. Place the slices in a shallow dish of custard and allow them to rest for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, or until the custard has absorbed about halfway into the slice. The bread should be moist, not dripping wet.
Cook Low and Slow for Golden Edges
High heat will burn the exterior before the custard-soaked interior has a chance to fully cook and set. Preheat your griddle or skillet over medium-low heat. Cook each side for 3 to 5 minutes, turning only when the bottom has developed a deep, uniform golden-brown color. The final texture should be crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside.
Use Clarified Butter for Cleaner Browning
Standard butter contains milk solids, which burn quickly and can leave black specks on your French toast. Clarified butter (ghee) is pure butterfat, allowing you to cook at a slightly higher temperature without scorching, resulting in a cleaner, more beautiful golden-brown color. Add fresh butter for each batch.
Add a Pinch of Salt
Although French toast is a sweet dish, a tiny pinch of salt in the custard is essential. It balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Inclusive Adaptations
Gluten Intolerance
Use Gluten-Free Bread: Look for dense, sandwich-style gluten-free bread that mimics the thickness of traditional options.Gluten-free bread tends to be drier; monitor the soaking time carefully to prevent over-saturation.
Lactose/Dairy Intolerance
Use Lactose-Free or Oat Milk: Oat milk provides a wonderful creaminess and a subtle, pleasant flavor that closely mimics whole milk. Ensure the butter substitute is also non-dairy (vegan butter sticks or coconut oil).
Refined Sugar Avoidance
Swap Sugar for Coconut Sugar or Maple Syrup: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and imparts a mild caramel flavor. Pure maple syrup can also be used in the custard. If using maple syrup in the custard, reduce the amount of liquid slightly.
Lower Fat Cooking
Cook with Nonstick Spray Instead of Butter: A neutral, high-heat cooking spray allows you to achieve a crispy exterior with minimal added fat. If using spray, cook on a non-stick surface to ensure easy release.
Texture Sensitivity
Blend Custard for Those Who Need Smoother Textures. After whisking the eggs, milk, and vanilla, pour the mixture into a blender or use an immersion blender. This breaks down any remaining egg ropes or lumps, creating a perfectly smooth, uniform custard. Strain the final custard through a fine-mesh sieve for the absolute smoothest result.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Cast iron skillet
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups
SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO
Baked Pancakes with Sweet Cream & Berries
Dark Chocolate and Cherry Muffins
Crispy Custard Pita + Cinnamon Honey Butter
ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH
Candied Citrus Rind Tea Infusers
Orange & Cranberry Jam Muffins
Cranberry Chia Jam
Recipe
French toast
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Batter: Whisk together the eggs, almond milk, white sugar, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Soak the Bread: Working with one or two slices at a time, gently place the thick bread into the egg mixture. Allow each side to soak for about 20-30 seconds. The goal is for the bread to be thoroughly moistened but still hold its shape. Note: Thicker bread may need a slightly longer soak.
- Cook: Carefully transfer the soaked bread to a preheated, buttered pan or griddle. Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the French toast is golden brown, cooked through, and has slightly crisp edges. Add more melted butter to the pan between batches as needed.
- Serve: Remove the finished French toast from the pan and serve immediately. This dish pairs excellently with toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream.