French toast, also known as eggy bread, is a dish made by soaking bread slices in a mixture of eggs and milk, then frying them in butter until golden brown. The precise beginnings of French toast are unknown, although there are a few different hypotheses floating about regarding how it first came to be. In order to make use of stale bread, medieval European cooks may have been the ones who first came up with the idea for French toast. After soaking the bread in a combination of milk and eggs, they would fry it up and serve it as a straightforward yet satisfying breakfast option.
There is also the possibility that French toast originated in ancient Rome when a dish known as “Aliter Dulcia” was prepared by first soaking bread in milk and then frying it. This is an alternative explanation for the origin of French toast. Because it was a means to make use of stale bread or bread that had been left over from another meal, the dish eventually made its way to France, where it was given the name “pain perdu,” which literally translates to “lost bread.”
French toast, regardless of where it first appeared, has developed into a much-enjoyed breakfast food around the world and can be prepared in a wide variety of unique ways and presentations. French toast is not inherently unhealthy, but it can be high in calories, fat, and sugar depending on how it is made and what it is served with. It requires milk to create the custard-like mixture and can be made more protein-rich by using whole-grain bread and adding nuts or seeds. There are many different toppings such as fruit, syrup, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and powdered sugar.
To make French toast, one can use a non-stick skillet, cast iron skillet, or griddle. The temperature of the pan should be set to medium-high heat adjust the heat and rotate the pan as needed to prevent burning. French toast is a popular breakfast food due to its soft and sweet toppings and custard-like texture. It can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and served as a dessert with more indulgent toppings. When making French toast, it is best to choose a bread that can absorb the egg and milk mixture without falling apart.
Examples of good French toast bread include brioche, challah, sourdough, and Texas toast. Whole wheat bread is also a healthier option that can add a nutty flavor and extra nutrition. Ultimately, the best bread for French toast is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
Simple vegan French toast recipe that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 4-6 slices of bread (use vegan bread such as sourdough, whole wheat, or multigrain)
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice
- Coconut oil or vegan butter for cooking
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, ground flaxseed, nutritional yeast, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Melt a small amount of coconut oil or vegan butter in the skillet or griddle.
- Place the bread slices in the skillet or griddle and cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping once.
- Serve hot with your favorite vegan toppings such as fresh fruit, vegan whipped cream, or maple syrup.
Enjoy your delicious vegan French toast!
Simple and healthy French toast recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of whole wheat bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
- Cooking spray or a small amount of butter for cooking
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and honey or maple syrup.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Place the bread slices in the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping once.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries or a drizzle of honey.
This recipe is a healthier version of French toast as it uses whole wheat bread instead of white bread, low-fat milk or almond milk instead of whole milk, and a small amount of honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar. It’s a delicious and nutritious way to start your day!
Simple and decadent French toast recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of brioche bread
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of whole milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or butter for cooking
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter.
- Dip each slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Place the bread slices in the skillet or griddle and cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping once.
- Serve hot with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
This recipe is perfect for when you want to indulge in a rich and decadent breakfast treat. Brioche bread is rich and buttery, and the addition of heavy cream adds an extra level of decadence to the dish. Enjoy!