The humble French toast is among the most loved and easy-to-make breakfast options. This is because the best French toast recipes require just a handful of pantry staples and fewer than 30 minutes to make. That said, the simplest recipes, as in the case of French toast, are often the hardest to perfect. But with a few tips and tricks, one can whip up fluffy, indulgent French toasts that will have one reaching for seconds.
Classic French toast recipe
French toast is often considered one of the top comfort foods for breakfast, and for good reason. It is soft and fluffy with subtle sweet flavors intensified by cinnamon. Plus, it is versatile and can be paired with fruits, butter, or any toppings of one’s choice.
This classic French toast recipe never fails to please. To make this, choose a thick bread, preferably brioche, as it soaks in all the flavors. In addition, prepare a custard mix by mixing milk, sugar, and eggs with spices, such as cinnamon. Gently soak all the bread slices in the custard mix, one at a time, and place each slice on a heated skillet greased with butter. Cook each side of the bread for a few minutes until it looks golden and crisp. Finally, add the topping of choice to get a wholesome breakfast meal.
Tips to make the perfect French toast
There are a few tips and tricks one can follow to enhance the flavor and texture of French toast and take it to the next level.
1. Pick the right type of bread
While any bread can be used for a basic French toast recipe, selecting the right one adds to the fluffy texture. For starters, the bread must be sturdy and dry enough to completely absorb the custard mix without falling apart. Usually, the best French toast recipes make use of stale bread. This is typically a day-old bread that is dry enough to soak up the right amount of custard mix.
Typically, any bread, including baguettes and boules, can be used. Sometimes, croissants are also used for those who want a flakier texture. If extra richness is what one is looking for, brioche or eggy challah are good options. For a more nutritious version, using whole-grain rye, whole-wheat bread, or whole-grain bread, such as a cranberry-walnut loaf, can also be a good idea.
2. Cut the slice of bread into the right sizes
Often, people cut the bread slices too thin when making French toast. Because of this, the toast does not have its typical signature bite. This is why it is best to cut thicker slices. Ideally, each slice of bread should be between a half inch and an inch thick. A thick slice ensures all the eggy, custardy goodness is soaked. Using store-bought pre-sliced toast can be a good idea to save time during morning rush hour. One can also consider using pre-sliced challah or brioche cut into at least a half-inch thickness.
3. Do the “touch test” to see if the bread has been soaked well
There is no fixed rule on how long the bread must be soaked in the custard mix. How well the bread soaks up the mixture mostly depends on its thickness, dryness, and texture. So, the best way to figure out if the right amount of mixture has been absorbed is by feeling the bread. This means soaking the bread until it is fully saturated without breaking apart. Press down the bread into the mixture to ensure maximum absorption.
4. Make sure to have the right milk-to-egg ratio
The best French toast recipes ensure that the toast is fluffy and airy, which can be achieved by perfecting the custard base that includes eggs and milk. But, if these two components’ ratios are wrong, the texture and taste will be off. Most of the time, it results in undercooked slices with the flavor of scrambled eggs. To avoid this, follow the general rule of using one egg with a quarter cup of milk when making a French toast recipe for two servings. Use only the yolks of some or all the eggs for extra richness.
5. Use whole milk instead of low-fat one
The fats, protein, and lactose in milk give the French toast its fluffy texture and golden brown color. This is caused by the Maillard reaction, which gives a unique caramel flavor and color. Additionally, the milk prevents the toast from getting the rubbery texture caused by eggs’ protein solidifying too quickly. This is why using milk with high-fat content, such as whole milk, is useful. Adding a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream is also preferred to get that extra layer of richness and creaminess on the toast.
6. Use a fork or whisk to combine the custard mixture
A good way to ensure that all the ingredients of the custard mixture are well combined is to use a whisk or fork. Using either ensures that the eggs are nicely broken up and traps the maximum air possible. This also allows the vanilla extracts, spices, sugar, and milk to blend perfectly. All of these things ensure that the custard mix is fluffier and airier. Alternatively, using a fork or whisk, one can beat the sugar and egg whites separately. Once stiff peaks start to form, pour it into the other ingredients of the custard mixture.
