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Crispy Stale Bread French Toast

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A practical and comforting recipe that transforms day-old bread into crispy, tender French toast with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. Perfect for quick breakfasts and reducing food waste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices day-old bread (rustic white, sourdough, or country loaf)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying, can mix with a bit of oil)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
  • Maple syrup or honey (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Slice day-old bread into about ¾-inch thick slices if not pre-sliced. Set aside.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
  3. Place one bread slice at a time into the custard mixture. Soak about 20 seconds per side, longer if very dry, ensuring saturation but not soggy. Gently press if needed.
  4. Heat skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and a small drizzle of oil. Let butter melt and foam without browning.
  5. Place soaked bread slices in pan with space between. Cook 3-4 minutes on first side until golden and crispy. Flip carefully and cook 2-3 minutes more. Adjust heat as needed.
  6. Transfer cooked slices to a cooling rack over a baking sheet or warm oven (200°F/95°C) to keep crisp while cooking remaining slices.
  7. Serve dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup or honey. Add fresh fruit or yogurt if desired.

Notes

Use sturdy day-old bread like rustic white or sourdough for best results. Soak bread about 20 seconds per side to avoid sogginess. Mix butter with a bit of oil to prevent burning. Keep cooked slices on a cooling rack to maintain crispiness. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives. Baking option: bake soaked slices at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast, stale bread recipe, day-old bread, breakfast, crispy French toast, easy breakfast, cinnamon vanilla French toast

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/crispy-stale-bread-french-toast-recipe-5-easy-ways-to-use-day-old-bread-perfectly/