Whether you call it "pain perdu" in France, "eggy bread" in the UK, or simply "French toast," there's no denying that this dish has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. But as simple as French toast may seem, achieving that perfectly fluffy and soft texture can be a bit of a challenge.
Do you soak the bread in the egg mixture for too long or too little? Do you use milk or cream? Should you add vanilla extract or cinnamon? With so many variables to consider, it's no wonder that many home cooks struggle to make the perfect French toast. But fear not, we'll be sharing some tips and tricks that will help you make the best French toast of your life. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound French toast skills!
French toast is a classic breakfast dish that is made by dipping slices of bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk or cream, and usually sugar, vanilla extract, or cinnamon. The bread is then cooked on a griddle or in a frying pan until it is golden brown, slightly crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.
French toast is often served with toppings such as butter, syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or powdered sugar and can be enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch dish. It's a simple yet delicious way to transform leftover bread into a scrumptious morning meal.
A Brief History Of The French Toast
The history of French toast can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was known as "Pan Dulcis". This dish was made by soaking stale bread in a mixture of milk and eggs and then frying it in oil or butter. It was a popular way to use up leftover bread, which was a common staple in ancient Rome.
Over time, French toast became a popular dish in many different countries and cultures, and each region put its own unique spin on the recipe. In France, it is known as "pain perdu," which translates to "lost bread," and is traditionally made with day-old baguette slices, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. In England, it is called "eggy bread" or "Gypsy toast" and is often served with bacon or sausage.
French toast became particularly popular in the United States during the early 20th century when it was often served as a sweet breakfast or brunch dish. It has since become a staple of American breakfast cuisine and is enjoyed by millions of people each day. Today, French toast continues to be a beloved breakfast dish around the world, with countless variations and adaptations to suit different tastes and preferences.
Tips For Making The Best French Toast
Choose The Right Bread
When it comes to making French toast, the bread you choose can make all the difference. While it may be tempting to use whatever bread you have on hand, choosing the right bread is crucial if you want your French toast to turn out deliciously crispy and golden brown on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.
So, what makes good French toast bread? A bread that's thick and sturdy enough to hold up to the soaking and frying processes but also light and airy enough to absorb the custard mixture is the right kind of bread for French toast. Breads that work well for French toast include brioche, challah, sourdough, and even sturdy white or whole wheat breads. Avoid using thinly sliced breads or anything that's too soft or delicate, as they can quickly become soggy and fall apart.
Mix The Batter Well
When it comes to making French toast, mixing the batter well is a crucial step that shouldn't be overlooked. The batter is what gives the French toast its rich, custardy flavour, and mixing it well ensures that all the ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed.
To make the batter, you'll typically whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar. Some recipes may call for additional ingredients like nutmeg or orange zest for extra flavour. Whisk the mixture until it's smooth and there are no lumps remaining. This ensures that the custard mixture is fully combined and that each slice of bread gets an even coating of the batter. When you dip your bread in the batter, make sure it's fully coated on both sides before frying.
Balance Between Milk And Egg Ratio
The balance between the egg and milk ratio is important when making French toast to achieve the perfect texture and taste. The eggs provide structure and richness, while the milk adds creaminess and flavour. If there is too much milk in the mixture, the French toast can turn out soggy and lack structure. On the other hand, if there are too many eggs, the French toast can turn out too dense and eggy.
A good rule of thumb is to use a 1:1 ratio of eggs to milk. For example, if you use 3 eggs, you would use 3/4 cup of milk. However, you can adjust the ratio to your liking, depending on how rich or creamy you want your French toast to be. Some recipes may call for a higher ratio of milk to eggs for a creamier texture, while others may use more eggs for a firmer texture.
Soaking The Bread
Soaking the bread in the egg and milk mixture is crucial for French toast because it ensures that the bread is evenly coated and absorbs the liquid. This results in a creamy and custardy texture that is characteristic of French toast.
When the bread is soaked in the egg and milk mixture, the liquid seeps into the bread and saturates it. This allows the bread to cook evenly and prevents it from becoming dry or rubbery. Additionally, soaking the bread allows the flavours of the egg, milk, and any additional ingredients, such as cinnamon or vanilla, to be fully infused into the bread.
It's important to note that the length of time you soak the bread can also affect the final texture of the French toast. If you soak the bread for too long, it may become too soggy and fall apart when cooked. However, if you don't soak it long enough, the bread may not absorb enough liquid, resulting in a dry and tough texture.
Grease The Pan Well
Greasing the pan is crucial for making French toast because it helps prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and breaking apart. French toast tends to have a sticky surface due to the egg and milk mixture, and without proper greasing, the bread may tear or burn while cooking.
Additionally, greasing the pan helps to ensure that the French toast cooks evenly and develops a golden-brown crust. It is recommended to use butter or cooking spray to grease the pan before cooking the French toast. A properly greased pan also adds a subtle buttery taste to the French toast, enhancing its taste.
The Right Temperature
Cooking French toast at the right temperature is important because it affects the texture and flavour of the dish. If the heat is too low, the French toast may turn out soggy and undercooked, while if the heat is too high, the outside of the bread may burn while the inside remains uncooked. It is recommended to cook French toast over medium heat to ensure that the bread is cooked through and the outside is golden brown and crispy.
Cooking the French toast at the right temperature also allows the egg and milk mixture to set properly, giving the French toast a soft, custardy texture. Additionally, cooking French toast at the right temperature helps to avoid uneven cooking, ensuring that all slices are cooked evenly and at the same rate.