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This crunchy twist on French toast has completely changed how I do weekend breakfasts. It gives you that amazing contrast between a crispy outside and soft, custardy inside that you just can't get with regular French toast. The trick? That crunchy cereal coating that creates a texture my family always begs for.
I whipped this up for the first time when my in-laws stayed over and I wanted to wow them. Now, years later, they still ask for it whenever they visit, and it's turned into our go-to celebration breakfast.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs: form the rich, custardy base that drenches the bread
- 2/3 cup milk: teams up with eggs for the perfect soaking mixture
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: makes the coating stick better to the bread slices
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: delivers just enough sweetness without going overboard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: cuts the sweetness and boosts all the flavors
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: brings that cozy, classic breakfast feel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: adds richness and wonderful aroma
- 8 thick slices of bread: Texas Toast or day-old brioche works best
- 2 heaping cups crispy rice cereal or crushed corn flakes: delivers that amazing crunch factor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Ready Your Cooking Area:
- Get your griddle hot at 350°F or warm a skillet over medium heat. This temp will give you that nice golden color without burning.
- Arrange Your Cereal:
- Put your crispy cereal in a flat dish or plate, spreading it out evenly so each slice gets the same crunchy coating.
- Mix Up Your Custard:
- Throw eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla into a blender or shallow bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything's combined. Hand-whisking works too - small flour bits will cook out anyway.
- Dunk Your Bread:
- Dip each bread slice in the egg mix until coated but not mushy. Then quickly press both sides into the cereal, making sure it's completely covered with crunchy bits.
- Cook Till Golden:
- Drop a bit of butter on your hot cooking surface. Lay your coated bread down without crowding the pan. Cook about 3 minutes until the bottom turns nice and golden. Carefully flip and cook the other side till it matches.
- Enjoy Right Away:
- Put straight onto plates and serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or whatever toppings you love.
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The cereal coating happened by complete chance in my kitchen. I'd run out of cinnamon for the usual coating and spotted my kid's cereal box sitting there. That spur-of-the-moment switch became our family's breakfast trademark, showing that sometimes kitchen slip-ups lead to the tastiest discoveries.
Make-Ahead Options
You can cook this French toast completely, let it cool, and freeze it for up to two months. Just lay the cooked pieces on a baking sheet to freeze separately, then pop them in a freezer bag. When you want some, stick the frozen pieces in your toaster or a 350°F oven until they're hot and crispy again. This trick makes fancy French toast possible even on crazy-busy mornings.
Perfect Pairings
Make this special breakfast even better by adding some sweet berries. Just mix fresh berries with a little sugar and wait 15 minutes until they make their own juice. The juicy berries next to the crunchy toast creates an amazing texture combo. For a grown-up version, splash some Grand Marnier into the berries when hosting a fancy brunch.
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Picking Your Bread
Your bread choice really matters for the end result. Texas toast works great because it's thick, but you can try brioche, challah, or even sourdough for different flavors. The key is using slightly stale bread that won't fall apart in the egg mixture. Fresh bread gets too soggy, while day-old bread holds its shape while soaking up all that tasty egg mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of bread is best for crispy French toast?
Brioche or Texas Toast is your top choice. These thicker, sturdier breads can soak up the egg mix without losing their shape, which is essential. Day-old bread makes it even better by being less moist and more absorbent.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's better to cook and eat right after coating to keep that great crunch. But you can mix up the egg batter a day in advance and refrigerate it. If needed, cooked slices can stay warm in a 200°F oven for about 30 minutes.
- → What are good toppings for crispy French toast?
Maple syrup is classic, but you can't go wrong with fresh berries, banana slices, a dollop of cream, powdered sugar, or even chocolate drizzle. If you're feeling fancy, serve it with ice cream for a sweet treat.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Switch out regular milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use a plant-based butter alternative when cooking. The egg mix will still hold up, and the cereal coating will be crunchy as ever.
- → Why isn't my French toast crunchy?
The toast might turn soggy if: the bread's soaked too long, it's too fresh, you're cooking on low heat, or you've let it sit after coating. To keep it crunchy, fry it right after dipping in cereal, and use slightly older bread.
- → Can I freeze crispy French toast leftovers?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, lay them out on a tray, and freeze. Then pack into freezer bags. Reheat in a toaster or 350°F oven. They won't be as crisp as fresh, but they'll still taste great.