How to Make French Toast for Breakfast

 

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French toast is a popular breakfast dish made by dipping bread in beaten eggs and then frying it. The bread is usually soaked in the egg mixture for a few minutes on each side before being cooked in a pan with butter or oil. French toast is typically served with syrup, butter, and powdered sugar and can be topped with fruit or whipped cream.

A Little History

The origins of French toast are somewhat disputed, but it is believed to have originated in ancient Rome. The Roman cookbook "De re coquinaria" has a recipe for a dish called "pan dulcis," similar to French toast. The recipe calls for the bread to be soaked in milk and then fried in oil.

The dish likely made its way to France during the Middle Ages, where it was known as "pain perdu," or "lost bread." At the time, bread was a valuable commodity, and it was not uncommon for households to have leftover or stale bread that they needed to use up. Soaking the bread in eggs and then frying it was a way to give the bread new life and make it taste fresh again.

Over time, the dish became known as French toast in English-speaking countries. It was first mentioned in print in the 17th century in a British cookbook called "The Accomplished Cook," which included a recipe for "French toasts" that called for bread to be soaked in a mixture of milk, eggs, and sugar, then fried in butter.

French toast became a popular breakfast dish in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was often served in hotels and boarding houses as a cheap, easy breakfast option. In the 20th century, it became a staple at diners and cafes, and it is now a common breakfast item at restaurants and cafes worldwide.

In addition to the traditional version of French toast made with bread, there are now many variations of the dish. For example, some make it with bagels, croissants, or donuts. There are also savory versions of French toast made with ingredients like cheese, herbs, and spices.

Despite its widespread popularity, French toast remains a simple dish. It can be prepared in just a few minutes with just a few ingredients, making it a convenient and delicious option for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night snack.

What About The Bread?

Many different types of bread can be used to make French toast. However, some of the most common types of bread used include:

1. White bread is a classic choice. It is often used because it is soft and absorbs the egg mixture well.
2. Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that is perfect for it because it is soft and slightly sweet.
3. Sourdough: This bread has a chewy texture and a tangy flavor that works well for it.
4. Challah: This is a Jewish bread made with eggs and a soft, fluffy texture. It is often used because it soaks up the egg mixture well.
5. Texas toast: This is a thick, white bread often used for French toast because it is sturdy enough to withstand the egg mixture and grilling process.
6. Multigrain or whole wheat bread: These types add a nutty, earthy flavor to French toast and are a good option for those seeking a healthier alternative to white bread.
7. Cinnamon bread: This bread is flavored with cinnamon and is a good option for those who want to add a little extra flavor.
8. Baguette: This long, thin loaf of bread has a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. It can be sliced into thin pieces and used to make French toast.

Ultimately, the best type of bread for French toast is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer softer, sweeter bread like brioche or cinnamon bread, while others prefer a heartier, more savory option like sourdough or multigrain. Experiment with different types of bread to find the one you like best.

What Toppings Are Great for French Toast?

The Montecristo

A Montecristo is a type of sandwich made with ham, cheese, and sometimes turkey and served on bread that has been dipped in beaten eggs and then grilled or fried, similar to French toast. The sandwich is usually served warm and is often dusted with powdered sugar and served with syrup on the side.

The Montecristo sandwich is believed to have originated in France and is named after the Alexandre Dumas novel "The Count of Monte Cristo." The sandwich was reportedly created at a restaurant called La Belle Époque in Cannes, France, and it quickly became a popular dish at cafes and bistros throughout the country.

In the United States, the Montecristo sandwich is often served at diners and cafes, and it is a popular menu item at many breakfast and brunch establishments. It is typically made with thick slices of bread coated in a mixture of eggs and milk, then grilled or fried until golden brown. The bread is then filled with slices of ham, cheese, and sometimes turkey, and the sandwich is served warm.

There are many variations of the Montecristo sandwich; some versions include additional ingredients such as mustard, mayonnaise, or tomato. Some people also like to add a little extra flavor to their Montecristo by using flavored bread or adding spices to the egg mixture.

What's Your Favorite French Toast Recipe?

Let me know how you like to make French Toast at home in the comment area below.  What's your favorite bread? What's your favorite topping? Share your ideas.

📖 Recipe