- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Quick summary
“This traditional Christmas French toast uses slices of stale French bread soaked in flavored milk and beaten eggs. Golden in oil and wrapped in cinnamon sugar, they bring a creamy texture inside.”
What you need to know
- Using stale bread with a firm crust prevents the slices from falling apart while absorbing the warm milk.
- The egg wash layer applied after the milk bath creates a protective barrier that seals the moist crumb.
- The oil at an average temperature of 170°C browns the surface without burning the sugar or soaking the bread in fat.
Ingredients
Main
- 4 slices of French bread (stale)
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon of sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Principal
- Start by beating the eggs in a deep dish.
- In a bowl, mix the milk with 1/2 cup of sugar and the cinnamon.
- Dip each slice of bread in the milk mixture, letting it absorb well.
- Pass the slices soaked in the beaten eggs, covering both sides well.
- In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Fry the bread slices until golden on both sides.
- Remove the French toast and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon before serving.
Chef's tips
- Cut the French bread slices with a uniform thickness of 2 centimeters to balance crust and creaminess.
- Drain the excess milk on the edges of the bowl before passing each slice through the plate with beaten eggs.
- Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture on the French toast while still warm so the topping adheres evenly.
Variations
- Oven-baked French toast: arrange the slices on a greased baking sheet and bake at 200°C for 15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Citrus zest touch: add fine lemon or orange zest to the bowl of milk before soaking the bread.
- Version with Port wine: mix two tablespoons of fortified wine with the milk for a classic Portuguese flavor.
Substitutions
- Stale French bread can be replaced by day-old sourdough bread, artisanal baguette, or brioche-type bread.
- Refined white sugar can be replaced by crushed demerara sugar, brown sugar, or xylitol.
- Common cow's milk can be swapped for nut plant-based milk or condensed milk diluted in water.
How to store
Store the already fried French toast in a container covered with a lid or paper towel in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an electric oven at 180°C for 5 minutes or in the airfryer for 3 minutes to rescue the freshness.
Can it be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze ready-made French toast covered with sugar and cinnamon, as the sugar gets soggy and the center becomes watery. If necessary, freeze the slices only golden without sugar for up to 1 month; reheat and sprinkle.
What to serve with
Serve warm or at room temperature as a classic dessert for holiday dinners or festive snacks. Pairs wonderfully with fresh pour-over coffee, red Port wine, black tea with cloves, or warm chocolate sauce.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't the bread be fresh from the day?
Fresh bread has a lot of moisture and a fragile crumb, falling apart when coming into contact with milk and getting soggy in the frying.
What is the right amount of time to soak the bread in milk?
Dip for about 3 to 4 seconds on each side; the slice should absorb the liquid without losing its physical integrity.
How to prevent the oil from foaming during the frying of the French toast?
Beat the eggs gently with a fork without generating excessive foam and remove loose residues from the bottom of the skillet.
Can I make French toast in an air fryer?
Yes, preheat the air fryer to 180°C and bake the slices for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until the surface is golden.
You might also like
