French toast, a beloved breakfast and brunch staple, is often associated with thick slices of artisanal bread or Challah. However, with a few simple tweaks and techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying French toast using regular sandwich bread. In this article, we’ll explore the world of French toast, its history, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make mouth-watering French toast using regular sandwich bread.
A Brief History of French Toast
French toast, also known as pain perdu, has a rich history that dates back to medieval Europe. The dish was originally created as a way to repurpose stale bread, which was a common problem in households before the advent of modern bread preservation techniques. The bread was soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and spices, then fried in a pan to create a crispy and golden-brown treat.
Over time, French toast evolved and spread throughout the world, with various regions adding their own unique twists and ingredients. In the United States, French toast became a popular breakfast and brunch item, often served with maple syrup, fresh fruit, and whipped cream.
The Benefits of Using Regular Sandwich Bread
While artisanal breads like Challah and brioche are popular choices for French toast, regular sandwich bread can be just as delicious and satisfying. Here are a few benefits of using regular sandwich bread:
- Cost-effective: Regular sandwich bread is often cheaper than artisanal breads, making it a more affordable option for families and individuals on a budget.
- Convenience: Sandwich bread is widely available in most supermarkets and can be easily stored in the pantry for up to a week.
- Versatility: Regular sandwich bread can be used to make a variety of French toast recipes, from classic to stuffed and topped with fresh fruit and nuts.
Choosing the Right Bread
While any type of sandwich bread can be used to make French toast, some varieties work better than others. Here are a few tips for choosing the right bread:
- Look for a dense bread: A denser bread will hold up better to the egg and milk mixture, resulting in a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
- Choose a bread with a neutral flavor: A bread with a neutral flavor will allow the other ingredients to shine, rather than overpowering them.
- Avoid breads with nuts or seeds: Breads with nuts or seeds can be difficult to slice and may not hold up well to the cooking process.
Recommended Bread Types
Here are a few types of sandwich bread that work well for French toast:
- White bread: A classic choice for French toast, white bread is a versatile and affordable option.
- Whole wheat bread: A healthier alternative to white bread, whole wheat bread adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your French toast.
- Sourdough bread: A tangy and chewy bread, sourdough adds a unique flavor and texture to your French toast.
Basic French Toast Recipe
Here’s a basic French toast recipe using regular sandwich bread:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of sandwich bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Place the bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining bread slices.
- Serve the French toast warm, sprinkled with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
Variations and Add-ins
Here are a few variations and add-ins to take your French toast to the next level:
- Fresh fruit: Top your French toast with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas.
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, over your French toast for added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the egg mixture for a chocolatey twist.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your French toast for a sweet and sticky treat.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect French toast:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This will help the egg mixture to coat the bread evenly and prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Don’t over-soak the bread: Make sure to coat the bread evenly with the egg mixture, but don’t over-soak it. This will help the bread to cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too soggy.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle: A non-stick skillet or griddle will help to prevent the French toast from sticking and make it easier to flip and cook.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the French toast in batches if necessary, to prevent the slices from sticking together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making French toast:
- Using stale bread: Stale bread can be dry and crumbly, making it difficult to coat with the egg mixture and resulting in a poor texture.
- Over-cooking the French toast: Over-cooking the French toast can make it dry and crispy, rather than golden brown and fluffy.
- Not using enough egg mixture: Not using enough egg mixture can result in a French toast that is too dense and dry.
Conclusion
French toast is a delicious and versatile breakfast and brunch option that can be made with a variety of breads, including regular sandwich bread. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering French toast that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re a fan of classic French toast or like to experiment with new ingredients and toppings, regular sandwich bread is a great option to have in your pantry.
What type of bread is best for making French toast with regular sandwich bread?
When it comes to making French toast with regular sandwich bread, it’s best to use a bread that is a day or two old. This type of bread will soak up the egg mixture better and yield a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. You can use any type of sandwich bread, but it’s recommended to use a bread that is a bit denser, such as whole wheat or white bread with a bit of texture.
Avoid using a bread that is too fresh, as it will not soak up the egg mixture properly and may result in a soggy French toast. Also, avoid using a bread that is too dense or heavy, as it may be difficult to cook evenly.
How do I prepare the egg mixture for French toast?
To prepare the egg mixture for French toast, you will need eggs, milk, and a bit of sugar or honey. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork until they are well beaten. Add in the milk and sugar or honey, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can also add in a bit of vanilla extract or cinnamon to give the French toast a bit of extra flavor.
The key to a good egg mixture is to make sure it’s smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add in a bit more milk. If the mixture is too thin, add in a bit more egg. You want the mixture to be thick enough to coat the bread evenly, but still be able to soak into the bread.
How do I cook the French toast?
To cook the French toast, heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly. Place the bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the French toast is golden brown and crispy.
Make sure the skillet or griddle is hot before adding the French toast. You can test the heat by flicking a bit of water onto the skillet or griddle. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, the skillet or griddle is ready. Also, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet or griddle, as this can cause the French toast to steam instead of sear.
Can I add any toppings to my French toast?
Yes, you can add a variety of toppings to your French toast to give it a bit of extra flavor and texture. Some popular toppings include fresh fruit, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and syrup. You can also add in a bit of nuts or seeds, such as almonds or chia seeds, for added crunch.
When adding toppings, make sure to add them immediately after cooking the French toast. This will help the toppings stick to the French toast and prevent them from falling off. You can also get creative with your toppings and try out different combinations to find your favorite.
Can I make French toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can make French toast ahead of time, but it’s best to cook it just before serving. If you need to make French toast ahead of time, you can prepare the egg mixture and slice the bread, then store them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply dip the bread slices into the egg mixture and cook them on the skillet or griddle.
If you need to cook the French toast ahead of time, you can cook it and then store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat the French toast in the microwave or toaster before serving. However, keep in mind that the French toast may not be as crispy and fresh as it would be if it were cooked just before serving.
How do I store leftover French toast?
If you have leftover French toast, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer. To store in the refrigerator, place the French toast in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store in the freezer, place the French toast in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When storing leftover French toast, make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can also wrap the French toast in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. When reheating leftover French toast, simply place it in the microwave or toaster and cook until it’s crispy and warm.
Can I make French toast in a toaster or toaster oven?
Yes, you can make French toast in a toaster or toaster oven, but it’s not recommended. Cooking French toast in a toaster or toaster oven can result in a soggy or unevenly cooked French toast. This is because the heat in a toaster or toaster oven is not as even as it is on a skillet or griddle.
If you do choose to make French toast in a toaster or toaster oven, make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. You may need to cook the French toast for a longer period of time, and at a lower temperature, to get the desired results. However, it’s still recommended to cook French toast on a skillet or griddle for the best results.