Are you ready to explore the indulgent world of French toast? Buckle up, my food-loving friends! 😋 We’re about to dive deep into this heavenly breakfast treat that’s enjoyed around the globe, with a sizzling pan and a dash of sweet, sweet déjà vu. We’ll be uncovering the age-old history of this beloved brunch staple and giving a step-by-step guide on how to whip up a perfect batch of fluffy French toast. Plus, we’ll be taking a delightful detour to the Netherlands to compare our recipe with the Dutch version known as wentelteefjes. And if you’re after a little diversification, fret not, we’ll be rounding things up with a sprinkle of exciting variations you can try out. So, grab your fork, get your appetite up, and come along with us on a delicious ride through the world of French toast! 🍞🍳🍁
A Brief History of French Toast
The history of French Toast is not confined to France but spans across different cultures and centuries. This simple yet delightful breakfast staple has ties to ancient Rome and medieval Europe.
Origins and Evolution
French Toast, also known as “pain perdu” in French, which literally translates to ‘lost bread,’ has a rich and intriguing back story. Despite its French moniker, the basic idea of soaking stale bread in a liquid and frying it can be traced back to ancient times.
Ancient Recipes
French toast was not always a mouth-watering breakfast drizzled with sweet syrup. Instead, it started out as a means to make stale bread palatable. The earliest reference to this dish comes from the Roman Empire, where it was known as ‘aliter dulcia’ or ‘another sweet dish.’ The Romans would dip bread in milk (and sometimes also egg) before frying it, turning otherwise unusable bread into a tasty and nourishing meal.
Medieval Popularity
The dish soared in popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in England, where it was known as “pain perdu” or “lost bread,” as it provided an opportunity to use stale or otherwise “lost” bread. The medieval implementation of French toast was quite similar to the Romans’, and the bread was typically soaked in a mixture of eggs and milk. The dish was often consumed during Lent as a symbol of frugality and simplicity.
Modern Adoption
In modern times, French Toast is a staple in various cultures worldwide, each adding their unique component to this versatile dish. In France, the bread is often day-old baguettes, immersed in an egg, milk, and sugar mixture. The sugar caramelises when cooked, adding a sweet, crisp exterior that beautifully contrasts the soft, custardy interior.
The name “French Toast” gained widespread use in 17th-century England and was brought to America by early settlers. The modern version that we enjoy today—thick slices of bread soaked in a mix of eggs, milk, and flavourings, then fried until golden brown with crispy edges—turn into a sweet feast with the final touches of maple syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar.
From its humble beginnings as a way to save stale bread, French toast has evolved into a beloved breakfast delicacy cherished by many. Whether you like it drenched in maple syrup, fruits or whipped cream, there’s no denying the allure of this timeless dish. So, the next time you savor a slice of this delightful meal, you’ll appreciate the fascinating journey that French toast has been on to arrive at your breakfast table!
Essential Ingredients for French Toast
When it comes to making the perfect French toast, the choice of ingredients plays a crucial role. The two main components of this delightful dish include the right bread and a flawlessly prepared egg mixture.
Choosing the Right Bread
Types of Bread
Although French toast can technically be made with any type of bread, not all breads are created equal when it comes to soaking up the egg mixture and providing the ideal texture. The humble white bread, for instance, tends to fall apart when soaked, while denser breads, like sour dough or whole grain, may not absorb the mixture as well, resulting in a less flavourful toast.
Brioche, Challah, and Others
The best breads for French toast, therefore, are those that strike a perfect balance between density and absorbency. Brioche and Challah, with their mild sweetness and rich texture, top the list. These breads have a firm yet tender crumb that stands up to soaking and provides a wonderful custard-like centre once cooked. Other good choices might include Pullman loaves, baguettes, or any kind of stale bread that you have on hand.
Egg Mixture Components
The egg mixture, or custard, is equally important in making French toast. This is what gives the toast its soft, rich center and crispy, golden exterior.
Eggs and Dairy
The backbone of this mixture is made of eggs and dairy—typically milk or cream. The eggs contribute structure and richness, while the dairy lightens the mix and adds a touch of sweetness.
Flavour Additions: Vanilla and Cinnamon
Vanilla extract and ground cinnamon are often added to the egg mixture to further enhance the flavor profile of French toast. Vanilla lends a subtle aromatic sweetness, while cinnamon imparts a warming spice note. But the possibilities don’t stop here: nutmeg, almond extract, citrus zest—these can all be used to customise your French toast to your taste buds’ delight.
The Role of Salt
A pinch of salt is a final, crucial ingredient in the egg mixture. Salt may seem out of place in a sweet dish like French toast, but in reality, it works to balance and amplify the flavours, making the toast taste more “toasty” and the sweet notes shine.
So there you have it—all the essential building blocks of magnificent French toast. Remember that the quality of each ingredient counts, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different breads or additions to the egg mixture to find your perfect combo. Happy cooking! 🍞🍳🥛
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making French Toast
Creating the perfect French toast involves a trifecta of steps: preparing the egg mixture, cooking the toast, and serving with style. Below are detailed instructions to guide you through each phase.
Preparing the Egg Mixture
Making the egg mixture is the first and fundamental step, and its importance cannot be overstated. This is what gives the bread its iconic custardy inside.
Whisking Ingredients
Start with whisking together your liquid base. Crack two large eggs into a bowl and add 1/2 cup of milk. These two form the backbone of your French Toast batter. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the richness of the eggs and milk. If you aspire for a hint of warmth and spice, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon does the magic. Finally, a pinch of salt enhances and balances the sweetness. Whisk all these ingredients together until the mixture becomes well combined and uniform.
Cooking the Toast
After preparing your batter, the next phase is to transform your slices of bread into that perfect golden brown toast we all love.
Heating the Skillet
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter to coat the surface. The toast gets its glossy, golden brown colour from the butter. Be careful not to let the butter burn; it should sizzle and melt but not smoke.
Soaking the Bread
The next step is to soak your thick-cut bread slices (Brioche works great) in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side. Make sure both sides are well coated but not overly soaked to avoid soggy slices.
Place the dunked bread in the heated skillet and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side or until each side turns a pleasing golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve prepared your French Toast, it’s time for the fun part: serving!
Best Toppings
While serving warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup is a classic option, you can play around with other fun toppings. Fresh berries, banana slices, a sprinkling of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of nuts can elevate your French Toast to a whole new level.
Creative Presentation Ideas
You can also get creative with your presentation. Stack a couple of slices on a plate, arrange the fruits in a colorful pattern, and let the syrup cascade down in a delicious waterfall. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! Be as modest or extravagant as your taste buds desire. Your homemade French Toast is now ready to be savoured and enjoyed. Bon appétit!
Variations of French Toast
When it comes to the classic French toast, its versatility lends itself to numerous variations that can satisfy every taste bud, from those who enjoy the traditional sweet recipes to those who favor savory options.
Sweet and Savory Twists
Whether you prefer a simple traditional French toast, or want to create an over-the-top brunch spectacular, let’s explore some delectable twists.
Stuffed French Toast
Stuffed French toast takes the classic breakfast dish to the next level. Instead of simply soaking and frying the bread, a filling is placed between two slices before it’s cooked. The filling commonly consists of sweet elements like cream cheese, fresh fruits, or chocolate spread, creating a French toast sandwich that is rich and bursting with flavor.
Savoury Options
While most people associate French toast with sweet flavours—from the simple dusting of powdered sugar to the decadent drizzle of maple syrup—savoury French toast is a delightful choice that shouldn’t be overlooked. Simply omit the vanilla and cinnamon from the egg mixture and consider adding mix-ins like herbs, cheese, or spices. A sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar or dollop of creamy goat cheese, for instance, can transform the dish into a savory sensation.
Regional Variants
Across the globe, the method of reviving stale bread with an egg mixture and heat is not unique to France. Indeed, many different cultures have their own take on French toast.
International Styles
In Spain, the dish is known as “torrijas,” traditionally served during Holy Week. While in Hong kong, French toast, or “western toast” as it’s often referred to, is a popular snack item typically served with a thick layer of peanut butter or kaya (coconut jam), then fried and topped with condensed milk.
Unique Ingredients
Different regions might substitute locally available ingredients to modify the classic toast. For instance, in the much-beloved Texan French toast, “Texas toast”—a type of packaged bread known for its extra-thick slices—is typically used. In the Indian version, known as “Bombay toast”, the bread is usually dipped in a spicy egg mixture then fried, serving a savory rather than a sweet tooth.
These variations prove the extent of French toast’s versatility, and how this seemingly simple dish can be transformed by tweaking just a few ingredients or the cooking method. It provides a universal canvas for culinary creativity and a way to take a basic breakfast staple to new heights of flavor and texture.
Comparison with Dutch Wentelteefjes
Diving head first into the world of international breakfast delights, let’s dare to compare our beloved French toast with its Dutch cousin, the Wentelteefjes.
Similarities in Ingredients and Preparation
Under the umbrella of international cuisine, it’s interesting to note the similarities that exist when it comes to recipes as simple as a sweet toast.
Common Flavour Profiles
The essential components of a French toast recipe are mirrored in the making of Dutch Wentelteefjes. Both recipes call for a base of eggs, milk, and flour, featuring thick slices of stale bread as the main ingredient. A touch of sweetness is often included in the form of sugar or, in the case of the French recipe, maple syrup. The end result being a delightfully sweet and heartwarming toast, perfect for a cosy breakfast.
Cooking Techniques
The cooking technique is another shared attribute between French toast and Wentelteefjes. The bread slices are first soaked in the wet mixture and then fried until golden brown. These techniques produce a toast that’s equally crisp on the outside and custardy on the inside—a delectable contrast that’s undeniably comforting.
Differences in Taste and Texture
While the similarities are plentiful, the differences give these sweet toasts their signature appeal. These variations mainly involve the choice of bread and the specific flavor tones.
Bread Choice Variations
The type of bread used in each recipe greatly affects the final product. While a rich, eggy bread like brioche or challah is often used in French toast, Wentelteefjes commonly uses standard white bread, bringing about a different textural experience. The Dutch version would be a bit firmer and chewier, while French toast tends to be softer and more pillowy.
Spice and Sweetness Levels
Wentelteefjes often includes a punch of flavor with the addition of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, setting it apart from the subtler French toast. Furthermore, powdered sugar is commonly used for serving the Dutch toast, whereas the French variant leans more towards a drizzle of maple syrup.
In conclusion, while French toast and Dutch Wentelteefjes share several similarities, their differences make them uniquely delightful. Therefore, whether it’s the creamy and subtle French toast or the firm and spiced Dutch Wentelteefjes, there’s a sweet breakfast treat for everyone.
French Toast
3
servings5
minutes15
minutes450
kcal20
minutesEnjoy a deliciously simple French toast recipe made with thick-cut bread, eggs, and vanilla. Perfect for a sweet breakfast or brunch, this recipe is quick to prepare and endlessly customisable with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream. A family favourite that’s sure to please everyone!
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
6 slices bread (thick-cut, like brioche)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract or bean paste
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp sugar (optional)
Pinch salt
Butter (for frying)
Maple syrup (for serving)
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar and salt until well combined.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter to coat the surface.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side.
- Place the soaked bread in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove from skillet and serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Bread Selection: Use slightly stale bread—it absorbs the egg mixture better and holds its shape while cooking. Fresh bread may become too soggy. Brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread works best.
- Freezing Instructions: Cooked French toast freezes well. Place slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven as needed.
- Toppings Galore: Besides maple syrup, try serving with powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt. For a savoury option, skip the vanilla and cinnamon, and serve with cheese, avocado, or bacon.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @mommyreviewsau on Instagram and hashtag it with #mommyreviewsau
Like this recipe?
Follow @mommyreviewsau on Pinterest
Join our Facebook Group!
Follow Mommy Reviews Recipes on Facebook