Introduction
Challah French Toast is more than just breakfast—it’s a warm, cozy hug wrapped in golden, custardy deliciousness. Challah bread, with its rich egg flavor and fluffy texture, is *perfect* for soaking up all the goodness of the egg custard without getting soggy. This recipe brings soft-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside French Toast vibes that’ll have your family running to the breakfast table.
Whether you’re planning a lazy weekend brunch or just looking to treat the kids to something special, this Challah French Toast is the answer. Ready to dive in?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Indulgent: Challah’s fluffy texture makes for a French toast that’s creamy on the inside with the perfect golden crust.
- Easy to Make: Just mix, dip, and cook! You’ll have brunch-worthy French toast on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: This recipe acts as a blank canvas. Experiment with toppings, from berries to whipped cream to elegant maple syrup.
Ingredients Breakdown
- 6 slices of thick-cut Challah bread: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without getting mushy.
- 4 large eggs: The base of that rich, flavorful custard.
- 1 cup whole milk: You need the extra creaminess from whole milk to make this French toast *extra* velvety.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: A little touch for added warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Cinnamon brings coziness to the next level!
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Just a hint of sweetness builds flavor as the toast gets a golden crust.
- Butter for cooking: Butter gives you those crispy, golden edges we all love in French toast. Use unsalted if you can.
- Toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream — this is where you can get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar until everything is well combined. This is your magical custard mixture.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small pat of butter (you want just enough to coat the surface without drowning it!).
- Dip each slice of Challah bread into the custard mixture. Gently press the bread into the mixture for a few seconds on each side, making sure it’s well-soaked but not falling apart. Let any excess drip off.
- Place the dipped slices onto the hot skillet. Cook each slice for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You want to watch carefully for that perfect golden crust!
- Remove from skillet and serve hot. Generously drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and top with your favorite fresh fruit.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Day-old bread works best: Stale Challah will hold up better and absorb more custard without getting soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can pop it in the oven at 250°F for about 10 minutes to dry it out.
- Nail the heat: Stay on medium heat so the bread cooks through and browns perfectly without burning before the middle is set.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add a swirl of flavor: Mix some orange zest or nutmeg into the custard for a citrusy or warm fall twist.
- Turn it into a “stuffed” French Toast: Spread a layer of cream cheese or Nutella between two slices of challah and then dip it in the custard. Voila, indulgence times two!
- Serving Ideas: Try pairing this French Toast with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad for a full-on brunch spread.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? The French Toast is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it warm in a low oven (200°F) while you make multiple servings.
- Can I freeze this French Toast? Yes! Let the cooked French toast cool completely, then place parchment paper between slices and store them in a freezer-friendly bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. To reheat, just pop them in the toaster or bake them at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- What toppings work best? Maple syrup is always a classic go-to, but you can add a fancy twist with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Challah French Toast
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 slices of thick-cut Challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Butter for cooking
- Your favorite toppings (berries, maple syrup, whipped cream, etc.)
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar together in a large mixing bowl.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter to coat the pan.
- Dip each slice of Challah bread into the custard mixture, coating well.
- Cook the bread slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings!