French toast is a classic breakfast dish that has been enjoyed for generations. However, not all French toast recipes are created equal. That's why I decided to try Alton Brown's French toast recipe, which promises to deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and richness in every bite.
My journey began with gathering the ingredients, which included bread, eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt. I appreciated how simple the ingredient list was, making it easy to whip up this recipe on a lazy Sunday morning. I sliced a loaf of brioche bread into thick slices and set it aside to use later.
To make the batter, I whisked together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt in a shallow dish. The mixture was fragrant, and I couldn't wait to see how it would translate into the final product. I then dipped each slice of bread into the batter, ensuring that it was fully coated on both sides.
Next, I heated a non-stick pan over medium heat and added a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter was melted, I added the battered slices of bread to the pan and cooked them until they were golden brown on both sides. I repeated this process until all the slices of bread were cooked.
The result was a decadent and satisfying French toast dish that was perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. The brioche bread was a perfect choice for this recipe as it absorbed the batter without becoming too soggy. The addition of cinnamon and vanilla extract elevated the flavor profile of the dish and made it a breakfast treat that I will definitely be making again.
If you're looking to make Alton Brown's French toast recipe, here are the ingredients and steps you need to follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced into thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- ⅔ cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of butter
Steps:
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt in a shallow dish.
- Dip each slice of bread into the batter, ensuring that it is fully coated on both sides.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add the battered slices of bread to the pan and cook them until they are golden brown on both sides.
- Repeat this process until all the slices of bread are cooked.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When it's time to reheat, you can either use a toaster or a non-stick pan to heat them up. I prefer using a non-stick pan as it allows me to get the bread nice and crispy again.
To make this dish even more delicious, you can add toppings such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or challah, to create a unique flavor profile.
FAQs:
Can I use regular bread instead of brioche for this recipe?
Yes, you can use regular bread, but brioche is preferred as it absorbs the batter without becoming too soggy.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to give it a good whisk before using it again.
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for regular milk in this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 4 servings, depending on how thick you slice the bread.
Can I freeze leftover French toast?
Yes, you can freeze leftover French toast. Make sure to wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or oven until heated through.
Conclusion
Alton Brown's French toast recipe is a simple and delicious way to elevate your breakfast game. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a breakfast dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to take on the day.
Alton Brown's French Toast
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 loaf bread, (Brioche, Challah, or Country Loaf)
- 4 Tablespoons butter
Instructions
Before you start:
- Alton Brown advises to cut your loaf into 8 (½ incslices. I much prefer slices 1-inch in size.
- Your slices are MUCH more likely to hold up well if you bake them on wire racks at 300 degrees F for 8 minutes on each side. If your bread is stale, this isn’t as necessary, but fresh bread has a better taste and can obtain the dry constancy that it needs by baking it.
Making the French Toast:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Heat the honey for 15 seconds in the microwave. Whisk it in a pie pan with the eggs, salt, and half and half.
- Place a cooling rack on top of a sheet pan.
- Dip each side of the bread into the custard, allowing it to absorb for about 10 seconds, (it will hold up well if it’s been baked as noted above.)
- Place the bread on the cooling rack for 1-2 minutes.
- Melt 1 Tablespoon of butter in a large pan over low heat.
- Place 2 slices of bread at a time in the pan and cook each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes/side.
- Remove the bread from the pan and place on the middle rack in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Repeat for all slices. Serve immediately with syrup, fruit, and/or whipped cream.
Notes
Make-Ahead Method
- This custard can be prepared the night before and refrigerated.
- Instead of baking the bread to remove some of the moisture, you can place the slices of bread on baking sheets in the oven overnight instead. (Without the heat on.) This tends to work well as ovens still give off some residual heat even when they're off.
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