The best Authentic French Toast : pain perdu recipe

French

Transform leftover bread into a delightful treat with this authentic French Toast recipe : Pain perdu!

This classic dish combines eggs, milk, and sugar for a custardy center and crispy edges. Pan-fried to golden perfection, it’s a comforting way to reduce waste and please all ages.

Ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack, French Toast offers simple preparation and irresistible flavor.

Traditional French Toast: A Childhood Classic

French toast know as pain perdu, a beloved childhood treat, began as a clever way to repurpose stale bread into a warm, comforting delight.

Topped with fruit, syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream, it’s now a global favorite for its simplicity and versatility.

At home, it was my mother’s go-to recipe, perfect when pantry staples ran low.

She transformed stale bread into an irresistible snack we all adored.

Today, I cherish its anti-waste charm, often using loaf bread for an equally delicious twist my kids love!

Key Ingredients for French Toast (pain perdu)

• 1 stale baguette, replace by brioche, or  Challah, French baguette works best as it absorbs the custard well. Avoid fresh, soft bread as it may turn too mushy.
• 2 eggs
• 40g caster sugar
• 250ml whole milk

For Cooking:

• Unsalted butter
• Icing sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions for Authentic French Toast

Prepare the Base:

1. In a large bowl, break the eggs.
2. Add sugar (adjust to your taste).
3. Pour in the milk.
4. Whisk until smooth.

Prepare the Bread:

5. Use stale french baguette or slices of loaf bread.
6. Slice the french baguette into pieces about 1.5 cm thick. Shapes can be round, oval, or rectangular based on your preference.

Dip the Slices:

7. Submerge each bread slice in the egg and milk mixture.
8. Let it soak for a few seconds on both sides, ensuring the bread absorbs the mixture without breaking.

Cook:

9. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
10. Melt a generous knob of butter until it turns slightly nutty (avoid burning).
11. Cook the soaked bread slices for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Decorate:

• Serve hot or warm.
• Sprinkle with icing sugar for a light sweetness.
• Pair with fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, or blueberries) or drizzle with maple syrup for extra flavour.

Delicious Variations of French Toast to Try

Bread Variations

• Brioche French Toast: Use buttery brioche instead of baguette for an extra soft, rich, and slightly sweet base. Perfect for a more indulgent version.
• Challah Bread: Slightly sweet and eggy, challah works beautifully for fluffy French toast.
• Whole Wheat or Multigrain Bread: A healthier option with a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Croissant French Toast: Use day-old croissants for a decadent, flaky twist.

Flavor Variations

• Cinnamon & Vanilla: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract to the custard mixture for extra warmth and aroma.
• Citrus Zest: Mix in orange or lemon zest for a fresh, fragrant flavor.
• Spiced French Toast: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for a cozy, seasonal touch.

Sweet Additions

• Chocolate Stuffed French Toast: Spread Nutella or chocolate ganache between two slices before dipping in custard.
• Caramelized Banana Topping: Sauté bananas in butter and brown sugar for a luscious topping.
• Berry Compote: Cook fresh or frozen berries with a little sugar and lemon juice for a tangy sauce.

Savory French Toast

• Cheese & Herbs: Skip the sugar, and mix Parmesan or Gruyère with chopped herbs (parsley, chives) into the egg mixture.
• Ham & Cheese Stuffed: Sandwich ham and cheese between bread slices, dip in custard, and cook until golden.
• Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese: Top savory French toast with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh dill.

Tip: Brioche or challah are ideal if you want soft, luxurious French toast, while baguette or rustic bread works better if you like a crisp outside with a tender middle.

Tips for the perfect french toast

– Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better without falling apart. Fresh bread can be dried out slightly in the oven if needed.

– Choose the Right Bread: Brioche, challah, or thick-cut sandwich bread work best for their soft texture and ability to hold custard.

– Cut Thick Slices: Slices about 1.5–2 cm thick provide the perfect balance of a crisp exterior and a soft, custardy interior.

– Flavor the Mixture: Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, or a pinch of nutmeg to the egg and milk mixture for extra depth.

– Soak Properly: Let the bread soak long enough to absorb the mixture fully, but not so much that it turns mushy.

– Use Butter and Medium Heat: Cook with unsalted butter on medium heat for a golden crust without burning.

– Preheat the Pan: A well-heated pan ensures even cooking and a beautiful golden color.

– Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in small batches to allow even browning.

– Serve Immediately: French toast tastes best fresh and warm. Keep batches warm in a low oven if needed.

– Top Creatively: Experiment with toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, whipped cream, or flavored syrups for unique variations.