Alton Brown’s French toast recipe is a favorite breakfast dish. It turns day-old bread into a golden, delicious treat. This recipe is inspired by French “pain perdu,” or “lost bread.” It makes 4 servings and is ready in about 35 minutes.
The recipe’s secret is a custard made with half-and-half, eggs, honey, and kosher salt. The bread, like brioche or challah, soaks in this custard. Then, it’s fried until crispy. This makes a breakfast that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Key Takeaways
- Alton Brown’s French toast recipe is a classic breakfast dish inspired by the traditional French “pain perdu.”
- The recipe yields 4 servings and takes around 35 minutes to prepare.
- The custard mixture includes half-and-half, eggs, honey, and kosher salt for a rich, creamy flavor.
- Ideal bread choices for this recipe include brioche and challah for optimal absorption and texture.
- The cooking process involves frying the soaked bread slices until they achieve a golden-brown color.
Introduction to Classic French Toast
French toast, also known as pain perdu or “forgotten bread,” is a beloved breakfast dish. It has a rich history. It started in France as a way to use up stale bread.
Over time, it became a cherished culinary tradition worldwide.
Origins of Pain Perdu
The origins of pain perdu go back to ancient Rome. Cooks there soaked bread in milk and egg and then fried it. This method made its way to France, where it was used for day-old baguettes and other stale breads.
The name “pain perdu” means “lost bread.” It shows how cooks used to make the most of what they had.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Alton Brown’s French toast recipe is unique. He uses honey as a sweetener and offers a special touch. You can dredge the bread in crushed cornflakes or Frosted Flakes.
This makes the French toast crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside. It’s a delicious twist on a classic breakfast dish.
“French toast is a dish that has been enjoyed and perfected by people for thousands of years. It’s a true culinary classic that deserves a spot in every home cook’s repertoire.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect French Toast
Alton Brown’s French toast recipe is a mix of simple, top-quality ingredients. It includes 1 cup of half-and-half, 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a pinch of kosher salt. These ingredients make a custard-like mix that adds flavor and softness to the bread.
Alton’s recipe doesn’t use a lot of sugar like some others do. Instead, it uses honey for its natural sweetness. Honey adds flavor and has health benefits like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
To make the best French toast, Alton suggests using day-old white sandwich bread, challah, or brioche. This helps the bread soak up the custard mix without falling apart. He also recommends cutting the bread into thick slices, about 3/4 to 1 inch. This way, the inside stays creamy and the outside gets crispy.
With the right ingredients and bread preparation, Alton Brown’s French toast is a treat. It offers a perfect mix of flavors and textures for a delicious breakfast.
The Secret Behind Alton Brown’s French Toast
The secret to Alton Brown’s famous French toast is honey. He warms honey in the microwave for 20 seconds before mixing it with the custard. This adds a sweet touch and extra benefits.
The Role of Honey in the Recipe
Honey adds moisture to the custard, making it creamy. It also brings antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Using honey instead of sugar is a healthier choice for French toast.
Choosing the Right Dairy Components
Alton Brown uses half-and-half for the custard. But, he also suggests mixing milk and heavy cream or using all heavy cream. This lets you adjust the richness and creaminess to your liking.
With honey and the right dairy mix, Alton Brown’s French toast is both decadent and healthier. It’s a breakfast treat that will delight your taste buds.
Best Bread Choices for French Toast
Choosing the right bread is key to making perfect French toast. Alton Brown, a famous chef, suggests using country loaf, brioche, or challah bread. These breads are denser, which means they soak up the custard well. This results in a creamy inside when cooked.
The recipe calls for 8 slices of bread, 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick. This thickness helps the bread soak up the custard without getting too wet. Using day-old bread also keeps the French toast from falling apart and makes it golden brown.
Choosing country loaf, brioche, or challah adds a special touch to your French toast. Each bread brings its own flavor to the dish.
“The bread should be able to soak up the custard without falling apart, and a slightly stale loaf will hold its shape better during cooking.”
By picking the right bread, you can make your French toast even better. It’s a great way to start your day with a delicious breakfast or brunch.
Why Day-Old Bread Makes Better French Toast
Creating the perfect French toast starts with the bread. Alton Brown’s famous recipe uses day-old or stale bread. This type of bread is drier and can soak up the custard better without falling apart.
Proper Bread Preparation Methods
Alton Brown suggests slicing the bread the night before. Then, leave the slices on a wire rack in the oven without heat. This method dries out the bread, making it perfect for the custard.
If you’re using fresh bread, baking the slices at 300°F for a short time can also dry them out. This helps achieve the same result as using stale bread.
Optimal Slice Thickness
The thickness of the bread slices is key for Alton Brown’s French toast. He recommends using 1/2-inch thick slices. This thickness allows the bread to soak up the custard well without falling apart.
Slices that are too thin might get soggy. On the other hand, slices that are too thick might not cook evenly.
By following these bread preparation and slice thickness tips, Alton Brown’s French toast recipe is a hit. Each bite is a perfect mix of stale bread, creamy custard, and a crispy exterior.
Making the Perfect Custard Mixture
At the heart of Alton Brown’s renowned French toast recipe lies the creation of a delectable custard mixture. This essential component is what elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It infuses each bite with a rich, creamy texture and a touch of sweetness.
To craft the perfect custard, Alton Brown’s recipe calls for whisking together 1 cup of half-and-half, 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of warmed honey, and a pinch of kosher salt. This harmonious blend of dairy, eggs, and natural sweetener forms the base. It will transform plain bread into a decadent French toast delight.
The beauty of this custard mixture is that it can be prepared in advance. This makes the morning cooking process a breeze. Simply whisk the ingredients together and refrigerate the mixture overnight. Then, pour it into a pie pan for easy bread dipping when it’s time to cook.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Kosher salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
The resulting French toast custard is a sweetened egg mixture. It perfectly coats and infuses each slice of bread. This creates a custard-like interior and a golden-brown exterior when cooked to perfection. This secret to Alton Brown’s exceptional egg mixture is the key to achieving the ultimate sweetened custard French toast experience.
Step-by-Step Soaking Process
Getting the perfect French toast starts with soaking. Alton Brown’s method divides the custard into two parts. This is done in a 9″x13″ baking dish to soak bread evenly.
- Soak 4 slices of bread at a time, letting each side sit in custard for 30 seconds.
- Move the soaked slices to a wire rack in a half sheet pan. Let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes before cooking.
Timing and Technique Tips
The secret to great bread dipping technique is in the timing. Soaking for 30 seconds per side is key. It keeps the French toast just right, not too soggy.
Common Soaking Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is soaking the bread too long. This makes the French toast dense. Not soaking enough makes it dry inside. Alton Brown’s method helps avoid these issues, ensuring perfect custard absorption.
“The secret to perfect French toast is all in the soaking technique. Alton Brown’s method ensures each slice is evenly coated and ready to be cooked to golden-brown perfection.”
Cooking Equipment and Tools Needed
To make Alton Brown’s signature French toast, you need the right tools. This ensures your French toast turns out perfectly. Here are the essential items you’ll need:
- Medium-sized mixing bowl for preparing the custard mixture
- Whisk for thoroughly blending the ingredients in the custard
- 9″x13″ baking dish for soaking the bread slices in the custard
- Baking sheet with a wire rack for cooking the soaked French toast
- 10-inch saute pan for browning the French toast on the stovetop
- Sturdy spatula for gently flipping the French toast during cooking
- Liquid measuring cup for accurately portioning the custard ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons for precisely measuring all the recipe components
- Oven mitts to safely handle hot pans and dishes
- Sharp knife and cutting board for slicing the bread into the optimal thickness
With these French toast cooking tools and kitchen equipment, you’re ready to make Alton Brown’s recommendations. You’ll be able to create the perfect French toast in your kitchen.
The Proper Cooking Temperature and Timing
To get perfect golden brown French toast, you need to control the temperature and timing well. Alton Brown suggests cooking it over medium-low heat in a 10-inch sauté pan with just 1 tablespoon of butter. This gentle heat helps the custard coating cook through without burning the outside.
Fry the French toast slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn deep, golden brown. This slow cooking makes the inside soft and custardy while the outside gets crispy. After frying, place the slices on a wire rack-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 5 minutes.
This baking step solidifies the custard and makes the French toast evenly cooked. The low oven temperature prevents the outside from getting too brown while cooking the inside fully. You’ll get French toast with a golden brown outside and a creamy, custardy inside.
| Step | Cooking Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fry in Sauté Pan | Medium-Low | 2-3 minutes per side |
| Finish in Oven | 375°F | 5 minutes |
By following Alton Brown’s temperature and timing tips, you’ll make perfect golden brown French toast every time.
Optional Crispy Coating Variations
Alton Brown has a cool trick for making crunchy French toast even better. He suggests coating the bread in crushed Frosted Flakes or cornflakes before cooking. This adds a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft French toast inside.
To get the best results, crush the cereal flakes finely. This makes sure the coating sticks well to the bread. When you bite into it, you’ll get a delightful crispy coating.
| Coating Variations | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Crushed Frosted Flakes | Adds a sweet, caramelized crunch |
| Crushed Cornflakes | Provides a savory, neutral crunch |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | Yields an ultra-crispy, airy texture |
| Ground Nuts (Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts) | Adds a nutty, earthy crunch |
Choose from sweet, savory, or nutty coatings to make your French toast special. This simple step turns a regular breakfast into a decadent treat.
“The crunch of the coating is the perfect contrast to the soft, custardy interior of the French toast. It takes the dish to new heights of flavor and texture.”
–Alton Brown, Celebrity Chef
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
Alton Brown’s French toast recipe is perfect for busy mornings. You can prepare it ahead of time. The secret is in the custard mixture and how you prepare the bread.
Start by making the custard the night before. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. This lets the flavors mix and get richer. Slice the bread and let it dry overnight. This way, it soaks up the custard better without getting soggy.
Preparing Components in Advance
- Make the custard mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it until needed.
- Slice the bread and let it sit out overnight to dry and firm up.
After cooking the French toast, you can store it for up to 2 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, toast the slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside custardy.
| Storage Option | Duration | Reheating Method |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 days | Toast or warm in the oven |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Toast or warm in the oven |
Using these make-ahead tips and storage methods, you can enjoy Alton Brown’s make-ahead French toast and overnight French toast whenever you want. It’s easy and tastes amazing. Enjoy this classic breakfast dish without the rush of last-minute prep.
Classic Topping Suggestions
Alton Brown’s French toast is a hit, and the toppings are endless. He suggests classic and favorite options to make it even better.
Maple syrup is a top choice. It’s sweet and sticky, perfect with the French toast’s custardy texture. For a treat, add whipped cream for a creamy touch.
Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas is also great. They add natural sweetness and juiciness, contrasting nicely with the French toast.
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas)
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon
- Fruit compote or jam
For warmth, try powdered sugar or cinnamon. Homemade fruit compote or jam adds a fruity twist.
Alton Brown’s French toast is a crowd-pleaser. The custard-like inside and golden outside, with your favorite toppings, make it irresistible.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Alton Brown’s French toast is a tasty breakfast choice. But, it’s key to know the nutritional facts. A serving of 2 slices has about 290 calories, 22g of fat, 16.6g of carbs, 7.7g of protein, and 298mg of sodium.
This recipe makes 4 servings, with each serving being 2 slices of French toast. Here’s a detailed look at the nutritional information:
- Total Fat: 22g, accounting for 17% of the daily value
- Saturated Fat: 6g, making up 29% of the daily value
- Cholesterol: 113mg, representing 38% of the daily value
- Sodium: 298mg, which is 18% of the daily value
- Total Carbohydrate: 16.6g, contributing to 13% of the daily value
- Dietary Fiber: 4g, making up 15% of the daily value
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 7.7g, representing 15% of the daily value
- Vitamin A: 7% of the daily value
- Calcium: 3% of the daily value
- Iron: 9% of the daily value
Alton Brown’s French toast is perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast. Just remember the serving size and nutritional facts to enjoy it in moderation.
Creative Recipe Variations
Alton Brown’s classic French toast recipe is a favorite for many. But, you can make it even better with simple changes. Try new things with the custard or toppings to make it a seasonal or flavorful treat.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use seasonal ingredients to make your French toast special. Add pumpkin spice or cinnamon for a cozy fall treat. For a winter twist, use eggnog instead of milk.
In summer, top it with fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries. You can also add maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for extra flavor. The choices are endless to make your French toast unforgettable.
Flavored French Toast
Want to add more flavor to your French toast? Try almond extract for a nutty taste. Brown sugar or cinnamon sugar can give it a sweet crust.
For a unique twist, add vanilla bean, citrus zest, or a splash of liqueur. Alton Brown’s recipe is a great base for your creativity. With these simple changes, you can make French toast that’s truly special.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Making perfect French toast is a delicate task. But with a few tips, you can avoid common problems. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast every time. Let’s tackle issues like soggy centers and burnt exteriors, and find ways to fix them.
Preventing Soggy Centers
Many people complain about soggy French toast centers. To fix this, make sure your bread is dry before soaking it. Letting it sit out overnight or using day-old bread helps it absorb custard better. Also, don’t soak the bread for too long. A quick dip is enough to get the flavor without making it soggy.
Achieving the Perfect Golden Brown
If your French toast browns too fast but is still raw inside, lower the heat. Use a medium or medium-low heat to cook the inside without burning the outside. You can also finish cooking it in a 375°F oven. This ensures the inside is cooked while keeping the crust golden brown.
Preventing French Toast Falling Apart
It’s frustrating when French toast falls apart. To prevent this, use thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah. Also, be gentle when flipping the slices. Avoid pressing down too hard, which can cause them to break.
| Common French Toast Problems | Cooking Tips |
|---|---|
| Soggy Centers |
|
| Burnt Exteriors |
|
| Falling Apart |
|
By following these tips, your French toast will be perfectly cooked. It will have a crisp outside and a moist, flavorful inside. Enjoy your breakfast with your favorite toppings and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Conclusion
Alton Brown’s French toast recipe is a tasty and easy breakfast choice for any day. It uses day-old bread, honey for sweetness, and oven baking. This makes your homemade French toast taste like it’s from a restaurant.
This recipe is great because you can make it your own. You can stick to the classic or try new flavors. Alton Brown’s tips help you make French toast that’s always delicious.
Wake up to the best Alton Brown French toast ever. Enjoy the golden, custard-soaked slices with your favorite toppings. Make this easy breakfast recipe a hit with your family.
FAQ
What is the origin of the French toast recipe?
The French toast recipe comes from France. It’s called “pain perdu” or “forgotten bread.” It uses day-old bread for the best results.
What makes Alton Brown’s French toast recipe stand out?
Alton Brown’s recipe is special because it uses honey for sweetness. It also lets you make extra-crunchy French toast by coating the bread in crushed cornflakes or Frosted Flakes before cooking.
What are the key ingredients in Alton Brown’s French toast?
The main ingredients are 1 cup half-and-half, 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. You also need 8 slices of day-old bread and 4 tablespoons butter.
What is the secret ingredient in Alton Brown’s French toast?
Honey is the secret ingredient. It’s warmed in the microwave for 20 seconds before mixing it into the custard.
What type of bread works best for French toast?
Alton Brown suggests using day-old country loaf, brioche, or challah bread. These breads are denser and soak up the custard well.
Why is day-old or stale bread preferred for French toast?
Day-old bread is better because it’s drier. It can soak up more custard without falling apart. Fresh bread can be dried in the oven at 300°F before using.
How do you make the custard mixture for Alton Brown’s French toast?
Mix 1 cup half-and-half, 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons warmed honey, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a bowl.
What is the proper way to soak the bread in the custard?
Split the custard into two parts. Use a 9″x13″ baking dish. Soak 4 slices at a time for 30 seconds on each side. Then, let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes before cooking.
What essential tools are needed to make Alton Brown’s French toast?
You’ll need a mixing bowl, whisk, 9″x13″ baking dish, and a baking sheet with a wire rack. Also, a 10-inch saute pan, spatula, and liquid measure are important. Don’t forget oven mitts, a sharp knife, and cutting board.
What is the proper cooking method for Alton Brown’s French toast?
Cook the French toast in a 10-inch saute pan with 1 tablespoon of butter. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Then, bake in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes to finish.
How can you make the French toast extra crispy?
For extra crunch, coat the battered bread in crushed cornflakes or Frosted Flakes before cooking.
How can you prepare and store Alton Brown’s French toast in advance?
Prepare the custard the night before and refrigerate it. Slice the bread and let it dry overnight. Cooked French toast can be refrigerated for 2 days or frozen for 2 months.
What are some classic topping suggestions for Alton Brown’s French toast?
Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. Try strawberry compote, powdered sugar, or cinnamon for different flavors.
What is the nutritional information for Alton Brown’s French toast?
Two slices of French toast have about 290 calories. They contain 22g fat, 16.6g carbs, 7.7g protein, and 298mg sodium.
How can you customize Alton Brown’s French toast recipe?
Add almond extract, brown sugar, or cinnamon to the custard. Use pumpkin spice for fall or fresh berries for summer.
What are some common issues that can arise when making French toast?
Issues include soggy centers, burnt exteriors, and falling apart. To avoid these, make sure the bread is dry, cook at the right temperature, and don’t over-soak the bread.
