Introduction
Indulging in a delicious breakfast can set a positive tone for the whole day. One such delightful dish is the classic French toast, elevated by transforming simple ingredients into a delicious dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy brunch. This recipe will guide you through making a sweet and satisfying treat using slightly stale white bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Serve it with a generous drizzle of maple syrup for an irresistible finish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 thick slices of slightly stale white bread (1 inch/2.5 cm thick)
2 large eggs (or 3 small eggs)
1/4 cup milk
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
3 tablespoons butter, divided
Maple syrup for serving
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
6 minutes
Total Time
16 minutes
Yield
Serves 2-4
Enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe that can easily be adapted to suit your taste. With just a few steps, you’ll create a delightful breakfast that warms the soul. Serve warm with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Bread
Remove the crusts from the bread slices and cut each slice into 9 equal cubes.
Mix the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Combine Sugar and Cinnamon
In a shallow bowl, mix the white sugar and cinnamon powder together until evenly combined.
Melt Butter
Melt 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat, watching closely to ensure that the butter does not brown.
Coat Half of the Bread Cubes
Quickly dip half of the bread cubes into the egg mixture, making sure to shake off any excess coating.
Cook the Bread Cubes
Place the coated bread cubes into the frying pan. Using a wooden spoon, constantly stir and sauté them until browned on all sides, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Once cooked, immediately transfer the bread cubes into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss them to coat evenly. After coating, place them onto a serving plate.
Repeat with Remaining Cubes
Repeat the dipping and cooking process with the remaining bread cubes, adding the remaining butter to the pan as necessary.
Serve
Serve the warm bread cubes immediately with maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
Staleness of Bread
Slightly stale bread helps achieve a better texture; fresh bread might become too soft during cooking.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure the eggs and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and coating.
Variations
Feel free to add vanilla extract to the egg mixture or substitute brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These can be enjoyed individually for breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day, complemented with fruit or whipped cream if desired.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Bread
Use slightly stale bread for better texture when frying. Cut the crusts off and dice into uniform cubes for even cooking.
Whisking Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and salt thoroughly to create a homogenous mixture for coating the bread.
Creating Cinnamon-Sugar Mix
Combine white sugar and cinnamon powder in a shallow bowl to ensure the even coating of the fried bread cubes.
Melting Butter
Melt the butter in your frying pan over medium-high heat, ensuring it does not brown, which can alter the flavor.
Coating the Bread
Dip the bread cubes quickly into the egg mixture, making sure to shake off any excess before frying.
Frying Technique
Sauté the bread cubes in the pan, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until they are golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Coating in Cinnamon-Sugar
Immediately transfer the cooked bread cubes to the cinnamon-sugar mix and toss until evenly coated for a sweet finish.
Serving
Serve the fried cubes hot, accompanied by maple syrup for dipping to enhance flavor and enjoyment.
FAQ
Can I use fresh bread instead of slightly stale bread?
While you can use fresh bread, slightly stale bread holds up better during frying and absorbs the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy.
What can I substitute for milk?
You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk as a substitute for traditional cow’s milk in this recipe.
How do I know when the bread cubes are done frying?
The bread cubes should be golden brown on all sides. It usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes of continuous stirring over medium-high heat.
Can I make this recipe without egg?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a vegan alternative like flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer.
What other toppings can I use instead of maple syrup?
You can try honey, agave syrup, or fruit preserves as alternative toppings for serving.
Conclusion
This deliciously simple recipe transforms slightly stale bread into a delightful treat with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful center. The combination of cinnamon and sugar provides a timeless sweetness that pairs beautifully with maple syrup, making for an indulgent breakfast or dessert option.
More recipes suggestions and combination
French Toast Casserole
Layer bread cubes in a baking dish and pour a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla over them. Bake until set for a crowd-pleasing brunch dish.
Berry Compote Topping
Sauté mixed berries with a touch of sugar and lemon juice for a fresh topping instead of maple syrup for a fruity twist.
Nutty Banana Bread Pudding
Add sliced bananas and chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the bread mixture before cooking for a richer flavor profile.
Chocolate Chip Bread Bites
Incorporate chocolate chips into the bread mixture for a decadent dessert version that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Coconut Cream Sauce
Serve the bread bites drizzled with a warm coconut cream sauce made with coconut milk and a hint of vanilla for tropical flair.
