By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D.
French toast is a sweet breakfast staple and is delicious and easy to make. However, because french toast mostly consists of, well, toast, choosing the right bread for the job is paramount to a perfectly tender and wonderful dish. It is important that the bread stands up in flavor and structure to the rich batter. Read on to learn how to select the perfect piece of bread for your next french toast breakfast!
What is french toast made of? What are the ingredients for french toast?
French toast has a few main ingredients including bread, eggs, and milk. There are other add-ins that can make the dish more interesting including ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Additionally, you will want to have butter and maple syrup on hand to top your delectable stack of french toast before digging in.
What causes soggy french toast? Why doesn’t my french toast get crispy?
The main culprit for soggy french toast is the slices of bread that are too thin. Thin bread will not be able to withstand the batter and will become soggy, ultimately causing your french toast to fall apart. If your bread is soggy going into the pan, it will not get the crispy outer texture that is signature to french toast.
How long should bread soak for french toast?
Recipes suggest that bread should soak for anywhere between 10 seconds per side to 1 minute per side. This will depend on the bread you use and how thick the slices are. The most important thing that is noted in each recipe is that the bread be fully soaked through, and feel heavy but still hold its shape.
What is the best bread for french toast? What kind of bread is best for french toast?
The best bread for french toast is slightly dry bread that is sliced thick enough to absorb the custard and not fall apart. Bread that is slightly stale, or dry, soaks up the batter better. If all you have is fresh bread, slice it to about ¾ inch thickness and put it in a 300 degree oven for 12 minutes to dry it out. Soft brown or white bread with a thin crust works best, for example brioche, challah, sourdough, ciabatta, or french bread.
Is white bread or wheat bread better for french toast?
White or wheat bread can make a good french toast. As long as the crust is thin, and the slices are relatively thick and somewhat dry, either will work! Be sure to buy whole loaves of bread instead of pre-slice sandwich bread so you are able to slice it to your desired thickness to withstand the batter.
Is brioche good for french toast?
Brioche is a great choice for french toast. Brioche has a somewhat sweet flavor and a spongy texture, which helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without getting too soggy or falling apart. Brioche will yield a decadent french toast.
Is thick or thin bread better for french toast?
Thick bread is much better for french toast than thin bread. Thin bread is not able to absorb as much of the egg mixture without getting soggy. This ultimately causes the bread slices to fall apart and not get the crispy exterior texture that is so important to a good french toast.
Is french toast healthy? Can I eat french toast while losing weight?
French toast is a carb-forward meal. If you are looking to incorporate french toast into your diet while trying to lose weight, try and do so in moderation. Try and use breads higher in fiber and protein, such as sourdough, to keep you feeling fuller for longer. You can also add eggs or breakfast meat to the side of your french toast to increase the protein content. Another important addition is to include fruit to increase fiber, and limit the sugary toppings such as syrup and powdered sugar.
Where can I buy the best bread for french toast online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include brioche sandwich loaf, sourdough demi baguette, sourdough loaf, and sourdough whole wheat. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
