What if all it took to experience a moment of pure comfort was a few slices of stale bread, a little milk, and some eggs? The recipe for French toast proves that you can enjoy a delicious treat without making things complicated… or emptying your cupboards!
Soft inside, golden outside, this classic instantly evokes childhood memories. And if it’s still popular today, it’s as much for its zero-waste aspect as for its ease of preparation. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, French toast ticks all the boxes. And in this article, we’ll explain how to make it perfectly… and add your own personal touch!
The origin of this timeless breakfast classic
French toast was born from a very simple and timeless idea: to throw nothing away
In Roman times, an ancient version (panis dulcis) already involved soaking stale bread in milk, frying it, and sweetening it with honey. In France, the name “pain perdu” (lost bread) appeared between the 14th and 15th centuries. It quickly became popular in modest households, which hid it as a clever way to give stale bread a second life.
But the story doesn’t end there. This simple recipe even graced the tables of kings, notably that of Henry IV, who, according to legend, was very fond of it! Since then, it has spread all over the world, under different names: French toast in English-speaking countries, Arme Ritter in Germany, or Pain Doré in Quebec.
And that doesn’t surprise us: it’s an economical, quick, and incredibly comforting recipe that only requires everyday ingredients. So, let’s head to the kitchen to make French toast in its traditional form.
The recipe for traditional French toast
The necessary ingredients
To make traditional French toast, you will only need:
- 6 slices of stale bread (baguette, country bread, or sandwich bread)
- 25 cl of milk
- 2 eggs
- 40g of sugar (adjust according to your preferences)
- 1 sachet of vanilla sugar
- A little butter for cooking
What type of bread should I use to make a successful French toast?
To make it a success, it all starts with… choosing the right bread! Traditionally, country bread or a stale baguette is used, as these have a denser crumb and will better absorb the milk and egg mixture. For a more indulgent version, you can use brioche bread or even milk rolls. As long as the bread isn’t too fresh, the recipe works!
Alternatives for milk, eggs, or sugar
If you suffer from an intolerance or are following a specific diet, don’t worry, French toast can be easily adapted:
- Lactose-free: replace milk with the plant-based drink of your choice (almond, oat, soy) and butter with coconut oil.
- Egg-free: Use a mixture of plant-based milk and corn or potato starch to bind the mixture.
- Without refined sugar: opt for honey, maple syrup, agave, or even stevia leaves for a more natural sweetness.
Simple steps for a soft French toast
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar.
- Then, gradually add the milk to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
- Quickly dip the bread slices into the mixture to soak them well (without breaking them).
- In a hot pan, melt a knob of butter and then place your slices.
- Let them cook for a few minutes on each side until they are nicely golden brown.
- Serve immediately, sprinkled with icing sugar or accompanied by fresh fruit for an even more indulgent treat.
Degusta Box tip: if you like crispy versions, add a little vanilla sugar to the slices while baking. This will give them a slightly caramelized layer!
Ideas and tips for personalizing French toast
For a sweet version,
here are some inspirations that will make your French toast even more delicious:
- Fresh fruit: add banana slices, strawberries, raspberries, or other seasonal fruit just before serving.
- For delicious toppings: icing sugar, cinnamon, homemade spread, salted caramel or maple syrup, it’s up to you.
- Spices: Add spices like cinnamon, orange blossom, nutmeg, or vanilla directly into the milk and egg mixture to flavor the bread.
- Pancake style: serve your slices stacked like pancakes, with a drizzle of syrup, for a guaranteed wow effect.
For a savory version
, or for a more original Sunday brunch, top your slices with a little grated cheese and ham before baking. You can also serve it with salmon and lemon cream, or add fresh herbs (chives, parsley, cilantro) to the batter.
How to store or reheat French toast?
French toast is best enjoyed immediately, while it’s still warm and crispy. But if you’ve made a slightly larger batch, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. And to reheat it, a quick zap in the oven is preferable to the microwave to avoid losing its texture!
The recipe for traditional French toast is a true invitation to indulgence: simple, inexpensive, and endlessly customizable. It transcends time without ever going out of style, is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, and transforms leftover bread into a delightful and memorable experience. So, it’s your turn to play and adapt it to your liking.
