Name: Crunchy French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 2/3 cup milk; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 thick slices of bread (like Texas Toast); 2 heaping cups crispy rice cereal or crushed corn flakes

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Crunchy French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. By coating thick slices of bread in a cinnamon-infused batter and then pressing them into crushed cereal, I achieve a crispy, golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy interior. This recipe brings a fun and satisfying crunch to every bite, making it a standout choice for breakfast or brunch.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a breakfast that's both comforting and exciting. The combination of the sweet, spiced batter and the crunchy cereal coating creates a texture and flavor that's hard to resist. It's quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings, yet special enough to serve to guests. Plus, it's a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 large eggs
⅔ cup milk
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 thick slices of bread (like Texas Toast)
2 heaping cups crispy rice cereal or crushed corn flakes

Directions

Preheat a griddle to 350°F or heat a skillet over medium heat.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Place the crushed cereal into a separate shallow dish.
Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
Press each side of the soaked bread into the crushed cereal, coating it thoroughly.
Melt a small piece of butter in the skillet or griddle. Place the coated bread slices onto the hot surface.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until equally golden.
Serve warm with your favorite syrup and toppings.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 servings. The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and the cooking time is about 10 minutes, making the total time around 20 minutes.

Variations

Cereal Options: I sometimes switch up the cereal coating by using crushed corn flakes for a different texture and flavor.
Bread Choices: While Texas Toast is my go-to, I've also used brioche or challah for a richer taste.
Flavor Additions: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the batter gives a unique twist.
Toppings: I like to top my French toast with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added indulgence.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftovers, I place the cooled French toast slices in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze the slices with parchment paper between them for up to 2 months.

For reheating, I prefer to use a toaster or oven to maintain the crispiness. I toast them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving is an option, but it may soften the crispy exterior.

FAQs

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

I find that thick slices of bread like Texas Toast, brioche, or challah hold up well to the batter and provide a nice balance between a soft interior and a crispy exterior.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. This makes the morning preparation quicker and allows the flavors to meld.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread and cereal to accommodate dietary needs.

How can I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?

To avoid sogginess, I make sure not to soak the bread slices in the batter for too long and cook them on medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning the exterior.

Can I use a different type of cereal for the coating?

Yes, I enjoy experimenting with different cereals like crushed corn flakes or even granola to vary the texture and flavor of the crust.

Conclusion

Crunchy French Toast is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast that adds a fun twist to the traditional recipe. Its crispy coating and flavorful batter make it a favorite in my household. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

Crunchy French Toast

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Griddle
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crunchy French Toast is a fun and crispy twist on the classic breakfast dish, featuring thick slices of bread coated in a cinnamon-egg batter and crunchy cereal for an irresistible texture.

Instructions

Preheat a griddle to 350°F or heat a skillet over medium heat.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Place the crushed cereal into a separate shallow dish.
Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
Press each side of the soaked bread into the crushed cereal, coating it thoroughly.
Melt a small piece of butter in the skillet or griddle. Place the coated bread slices onto the hot surface.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until equally golden.
Serve warm with your favorite syrup and toppings.