Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

Bread: Preferably thick slices, as they soak up the egg mixture better and provide a hearty texture.

Eggs: These help to bind the ingredients together and give the French toast its rich, custardy texture.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making the French toast soft and flavorful.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor that is quintessential to this dish.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast, giving it a golden, crispy exterior.

When preparing French toast, ensure that the bread is slightly stale or dry. Fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out by placing the slices in a low oven (around 200°F) for about 10 minutes before dipping. This will help the bread absorb the egg mixture more evenly and result in a perfectly crispy exterior.

• 4 slices bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent alternative for French toast.

• 4 slices bread - Substitute with challah: Challah has a similar texture to brioche and absorbs the egg mixture well.

• 2 eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.

• 2 eggs - Substitute with mashed banana: Use ¼ cup of mashed banana per egg. This adds a natural sweetness and works well as a binder.

• ½ cup milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in French toast.

• ½ cup milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a slight coconut flavor.

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor similar to cinnamon.

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a complex flavor.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract gives a nutty, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• 1 tablespoon butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor.

• 1 tablespoon butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that works similarly to butter in cooking.

• Allow the French toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the toast soggy.
• Place a sheet of parchment paper between each slice of French toast to prevent them from sticking together.
• Store the slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to keep the French toast fresh.
• For freezing, lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This flash-freezing method ensures the slices don't stick together.
• Once the slices are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the French toast by placing it in a toaster, toaster oven, or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
• For a quicker option, you can microwave the French toast on a microwave-safe plate for about 1-2 minutes, though this might result in a slightly softer texture.
• Always check the French toast for any signs of spoilage before reheating and consuming.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain the crispy texture.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. This method is quick and keeps the toast crispy.

• Microwave Method: Place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for about 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. This method is the fastest but may result in a softer texture.

• Toaster Method: If your French toast slices are not too thick, you can reheat them in a toaster. Simply place the slices in the toaster and toast on a medium setting until they are heated through and crispy. This method is convenient and keeps the toast crispy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. This method is great for retaining the crispiness without adding extra oil.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the egg mixture smoothly.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the French toast on the stovetop.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cinnamon and vanilla extract precisely.

• Plate: Used to serve the cooked French toast.

• Butter knife: Used to spread the butter in the skillet.

• Tongs: Optional tool to handle the bread slices without getting your hands messy.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract the night before. Store in the fridge for a quick start in the morning.

Use a large skillet: Cooking multiple slices of bread at once saves time. Ensure your skillet is big enough to fit all slices without overcrowding.

Preheat the skillet: Heat the skillet while you prepare the egg mixture. This way, it's ready to go as soon as you dip the bread.

Opt for thick bread: Thick slices absorb the egg mixture better and cook more evenly, reducing the risk of soggy or undercooked French toast.