Take your bread from bland to grand with just a few simple ingredients that will transform it into French toast. If you don’t know how to make French toast, you may assume it’s a lengthy and challenging process. But here’s a little secret: It’s actually a snap to prepare using staples you probably already have on hand — like eggs, milk, vanilla and spices.
Simply combine the eggs, milk and vanilla into a frothy mixture, brighten it with a shake of cinnamon or other add-ins (read on for some delicious ideas) then coat the plain bread and grill it. Voila! A treat that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts.
While any bread will work, thicker types like brioche, sourdough or challah might be your slices of choice as they tend to hold up better in the liquid. And French toast is an ideal use for bread that might be past its prime. That’s because the porous nature of stale or slightly dry bread means it can absorb the flavours in the batter mixture more effectively, and its sturdier texture allows it to hold up better to dunking so it doesn’t become soggy or mushy.
Part of French toast’s charm lies in the small tweaks you can make to put a creative spin on each batch. Experiment with different types of bread, mix-ins and garnishes or use the easy French toast recipes below to serve up an innovative breakfast dish for family and friends.
QUICK AND EASY FRENCH TOAST
Let’s start with a classic. The ingredients in this French toast recipe may inspire nostalgia from the comforting mix of beloved standards, with a homey flavour derived from Pure Vanilla Extract and Ground Cinnamon. The blank palate leaves plenty of room to play with new sweet and savory topping ideas, from crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms to homemade fruit compotes — although you can’t go wrong with a pour of maple syrup.
COCONUT STUFFED FRENCH TOAST
What’s better than French toast? Two layers of French toast, infused with a rich, creamy filling. First you’ll whip up a simple concoction of cream cheese, brown sugar and Imitation Coconut Extract and spread it between two layers of bread. Then you’ll dip the sandwich in your regular French toast batter and grill it up for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
OVERNIGHT FRENCH TOAST
Overnight French toast is the breakfast dish any busy cook deserves. You’ll do most of the “work” the night before, then add a delicious mix of strawberries and bananas just before you bake it. A shake of Cinnamon Sugar over the bread slices lends just the slightest touch of sweetness without overpowering the tangy juiciness of the fruit.
HOLIDAY MORNING FRENCH TOAST
Don’t miss a minute of holiday festivities with this make-ahead treat. Spend a few minutes prepping it at night, and in the morning you can just slide the baking dish out of the fridge and into the oven without lifting another finger. This festive confection is studded with apples and dried cranberries, offering a photo-worthy presentation that delivers holiday taste in every bite.
OVERNIGHT EGGNOG FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE
Want an even simpler overnight French toast bake? We’ve got you covered with this French toast recipe that also gives holiday vibes, thanks to the addition of Imitation Rum Extract and Ground Nutmeg, which immediately conjure up a vision of rich, creamy eggnog. Once again a few minutes spent at night will yield a morning stunner.
BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE
Wait…is this dessert or breakfast? There’s no question it could be both, given the tantalizing mix of two favorite combined tastes: chocolate and banana. This French toast recipe takes a classic to a new level through a layering process that looks elegant but takes mere moments. Use your slow cooker for this one, so make sure to allow ample time, and be prepared for shouts of “When’s it ready?” as the enticing aroma fills your home.
