Ella Walter
French toast is a popular breakfast dish that can be made in a variety of ways. While the bread, egg, and milk are standard ingredients, the type of bread, additional spices, and toppings can all be customized. One important aspect of making French toast is whether or not to butter the pan. Some recipes suggest melting butter in the pan before adding the bread, while others recommend a combination of butter and oil to prevent burning. The choice of pan and oven rack position can also impact the sticking and browning of the French toast. Ultimately, the decision to butter the pan for French toast may depend on personal preference, the specific recipe, and the equipment being used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Butter the pan | Yes, melt butter in the pan before adding the bread |
| Bread | Thick slices of white, whole wheat, brioche, sourdough, French, Italian, or cinnamon-raisin bread |
| Custard mixture | Milk, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, sugar, orange zest, triple sec, and/or heavy cream |
| Toppings | Butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, bacon, sausage, ham, fresh fruit, yogurt, etc. |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
French toast is best made with butter in the pan
French toast is a delicious breakfast or brunch treat, and it's even better when cooked in butter. While there are many ways to make French toast, and it can be cooked in a variety of fats, the best French toast is made with butter in the pan.
The key to achieving the perfect French toast is to get the outside golden-brown and crispy, while keeping the inside soft and custardy. Butter in the pan helps to achieve this ideal texture and colour. It also adds a rich, indulgent flavour that other fats can't match. The butter should be melted in the pan first, before adding the bread. This ensures an even coating and helps to prevent the bread from sticking.
French toast is typically made by dipping slices of bread into a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and cinnamon, and then frying until golden-brown. The bread should be thick-sliced, and slightly stale, so that it can soak up the egg mixture without falling apart. The classic way to serve French toast is with butter and maple syrup, although other toppings such as powdered sugar, fresh berries, or bacon can also be used.
While French toast can be cooked in other fats, such as oil, butter adds a unique flavour that elevates the dish. The butter can also be combined with a little oil to prevent the toast from burning. The combination of butter and oil can also help to achieve the perfect golden-brown colour.
Using butter in the pan is the best way to make French toast as it adds flavour, helps to create the ideal texture, and ensures the toast becomes golden-brown and crispy. The butter should be melted first, and then the bread added, to ensure an even coating and prevent sticking. So, for the perfect French toast, don't forget to add butter to the pan!
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Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking
To make French toast, a non-stick pan is ideal for preventing sticking. While French toast can be made in any type of pan, a non-stick pan is the best option to ensure the bread doesn't stick and burn.
Non-stick pans are designed with a coating that prevents food from adhering to the surface. This is especially useful for French toast, as the egg and milk mixture can easily stick to the pan and cause the bread to tear or burn. By using a non-stick pan, you can minimize the chances of this happening and create a more even, golden-brown crust on your French toast.
It is important to note that the condition of your non-stick pan is crucial. Over time, the non-stick coating can degrade, become worn, or accumulate cooking residue, reducing its effectiveness. If your non-stick pan is not in good condition, it may be advisable to use an alternative method, such as cooking spray or lining the pan with parchment paper, to prevent sticking.
Additionally, the type of bread you use can also impact sticking. Thicker, heartier breads, such as brioche or challah, are less likely to stick to the pan because they can better withstand the moisture of the custard mixture. On the other hand, thinner, flimsier breads may become too soggy and fall apart, increasing the likelihood of sticking.
By using a non-stick pan in good condition and choosing an appropriate type of bread, you can greatly reduce the chances of your French toast sticking to the pan and create a delicious, evenly cooked breakfast treat.
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Preheat the oven and pan to maintain warmth
To maintain warmth while cooking French toast, you can preheat your oven to 170°F and place a baking sheet inside. Transfer the cooked slices of French toast to the baking sheet in a single layer to keep them warm while you cook the remaining slices.
Alternatively, you can preheat your oven to 350°F and place the slices of French toast on a sprayed baking sheet. Bake the French toast in the oven, flipping once, until heated through.
If you are making sheet pan French toast, preheat your oven to 425°F and generously spray a large non-stick rimmed half sheet pan (18x13 inches) with cooking spray. Use a light-coloured sheet pan so the French toast doesn't brown too fast.
If you are using a dark pan, use the middle rack of the oven instead and start checking the French toast at 8 minutes to ensure it is not getting too brown.
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The best bread for French toast
French toast is a versatile dish that can be made with any type of bread. However, some types of bread are better suited for French toast than others. Here are some tips for choosing the best bread for French toast:
Thickness
It is generally recommended to use thick-sliced bread for French toast. Thicker slices can better absorb the custard mixture without falling apart or becoming too soggy. Soft, thick-sliced bread is ideal, as it provides a nice contrast between the crispy exterior and the fluffy interior.
Staleness
Stale bread is often preferred for French toast because it soaks up liquids better than fresh bread. Day-old bread or bread that is a few days old will firm up, allowing it to hold its structure and absorb the custard mixture more effectively.
Type of Bread
While you can use any type of bread, some popular choices for French toast include brioche, challah, French bread, sourdough, and homemade or bakery-bought white bread. Brioche and challah are enriched with eggs, butter, and sugar, making them ideal for the custard-soaking process. They also provide a rich and dense texture. If you're looking for something different, you can experiment with sweet Hawaiian rolls, pound cake, or even croissant French toast.
Bread Alternatives
While bread is traditional, you can also get creative and use other baked goods as a base for your French toast. Some alternatives to consider are Italian pandoro, Texas toast, or even croissant French toast.
In conclusion, the best bread for French toast is thick-sliced, slightly stale, and made from a rich, dense dough. However, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread and alternatives to find your perfect French toast combination.
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French toast toppings and sides
French toast is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. While it can be delicious on its own, toppings can take it to the next level. The classic topping combination is butter and maple syrup, but there are numerous other options to choose from.
For a simple breakfast, French toast can be served with plain butter or powdered sugar. For something a little fancier, you could make a strawberry compote with whipped cream, vanilla, and sugar, or top it with warm apple pie filling and maple syrup. Roasted strawberries and whipped honey butter is another indulgent option. If you prefer your French toast with a savoury twist, you could try it with hot sauce, or pair it with sausage links and eggs.
French toast can also be served with fresh fruit such as berries, or with yogurt, orange slices, and syrup. For a truly decadent option, dark chocolate and zesty marmalade can be added to the brioche before frying, resulting in an indulgent brunch or dessert. A sophisticated option is to top French toast with spiced roasted pineapple, or rhubarb simmered with a vanilla pod, caster sugar, and orange juice and zest.
French toast can also be served with sides such as bacon, sausage, ham, eggs, or a smoothie. For a vegan option, the custard can be made with coconut milk, or for those avoiding dairy, non-dairy milk can be used, although the custard will not be as rich or creamy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you should butter the pan when making French toast. Melt butter in the pan before adding the bread.
You should use a non-stick skillet or frying pan. If you are making sheet pan French toast, use a light-colored pan in the lower portion of the oven. If you are using a dark pan, use the middle rack.
Thick-sliced, slightly stale bread is best for French toast. Brioche, sourdough, French bread, challah, Italian, or Texas toast are all good options.
The classic toppings for French toast are butter and maple syrup. However, you can also top it with powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a combination of these ingredients.
