France / Breakfast
French Toast
French toast, sometimes referred to as "eggy bread" in the United Kingdom, is a common breakfast or dessert item made by frying a piece of bread soaked in an egg batter. French toast was developed as a way to use day-old stale bread. The literal translation of pain perdu is lost bread, referring to old or stale bread. When lacking stale bread, toasting your bread lightly will help it absorb more of the egg and milk batter. French toast is usually served with toppings similar to those used for pancakes, waffles, and toast. It can also be served as part of a fried breakfast with savory foods like sausages, tomato (or ketchup), baked beans, fried mushrooms etc. This recipe is easily scalable.
Ingredients
- egg1
- milk, about; 60 ml / 2 oz; or cream; more for softer, less eggy toast, less for firmer, more eggy toast1/4 cup
- bread, see notes2–3 slice
- butter, or margarine or cooking oil
- vanilla extract, or similar1/2 tsp
- nutmeg, or cinnamon or other powdered spices suitable for sweet foods1/4–1 tsp
- sugar, or honey1/2 tsp
- salt1/4 tsp
- pepper1/4 tsp
- maple syrup
- jam, or jelly or fruit syrup
- whipping cream, whipped
- powdered sugar
- nuts
- honey
- bacon
- raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and/or bananas
Quantities are auto-calculated from the original recipe as a guide. Items without numbers (e.g. “to taste”) are not changed.
Method 7 steps
Whisk the eggs, milk, and optional ingredients in a bowl until fully combined and no streaks of egg white remain.
Heat up a frying pan, skillet, or griddle to medium-low heat.
Grease the pan with butter, margarine, or cooking spray.
Soak each side of the bread in the egg mixture only until it is coated and has absorbed a little of the mixture. (See the Notes below for which breads work best.)
Make sure the bread is not falling apart. Soft breads need only a quick dip; sturdier breads can soak a few seconds longer.
Cook, turning once, until both sides of the bread are browned and the inside is cooked through.
Serve on plates, with toppings as desired.
Region evidence: recipe text — “French Toast”
