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Crunchy French Toast transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience through the brilliant contrast of textures and flavors. Thick slices of pillowy brioche bread soak up a rich vanilla cinnamon egg mixture before being enveloped in crushed cornflakes that create an irresistible golden exterior. Each bite delivers the perfect balance between the satisfying crunch of the cereal coating and the tender, custard like interior that melts in your mouth. This elevated version of the breakfast classic will forever change how you think about French toast.
I discovered this preparation technique during a weekend getaway at a lakeside bed and breakfast nearly a decade ago. The innkeeper served this crunchy version that had everyone at the communal table asking for the secret. After returning home, I experimented until perfecting my own version, which has since become our family's most requested weekend breakfast.
Essential Components
- Brioche bread: Provides buttery flavor and sturdy texture
- Whole milk: Creates rich custardy interior
- Vanilla extract: Infuses aromatic warmth
- Cornflakes: Forms signature crunchy coating
- Unsalted butter: Ensures golden exterior and rich flavor
Crafting Your French Toast
- Batter Creation
- Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until fully combined
- Cornflake Preparation
- Hand crush cereal into varied textures for maximum crunch
- Bread Selection
- Use thick cut brioche or challah for optimal absorption
- Soaking Process
- Submerge bread 10 seconds per side for full saturation
- Cooking Technique
- Cook in buttered skillet at medium heat until golden brown
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My daughter celebrated her eighth birthday with a sleepover party where I prepared this French toast for six excited girls. Years later, when those friends visit during college breaks, they still request 'that amazing crunchy toast thing' from their childhood.
Delightful Pairings
Serve with warm maple syrup, fresh berries, or crispy bacon. For special occasions, offer vanilla whipped cream or candied orange peel.
Creative Adaptations
- Cinnamon Toast Crush: Substitute cereal for cornflakes
- Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut to coating
- Autumn Version: Incorporate pumpkin puree and pie spice
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This recipe represents the perfect balance between comfort food and special occasion indulgence. Whether serving family or guests, it consistently delivers nostalgic satisfaction and unexpected delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of bread for Crunchy French Toast?
- While brioche and challah work best because of their richness and ability to hold up to the egg mixture without falling apart, you can use other breads like Texas toast or thick-cut sourdough. Just make sure whatever bread you use is cut thick (about 1-inch) and slightly stale for best results.
- → Can I prepare the Crunchy French Toast the night before?
- You can prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. However, I don't recommend dipping the bread until right before cooking, as the cornflakes will get soggy if they sit in the egg mixture too long.
- → What can I use instead of cornflakes for a similar crunch?
- If you don't have cornflakes, try other crunchy cereals like Rice Krispies, crushed graham crackers, crushed Cap'n Crunch, or even finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds. Each will give a different flavor profile but still provide that wonderful textural contrast.
- → Why is my French toast soggy in the middle?
- This usually happens if the bread soaks too long in the egg mixture or if the cooking temperature is too high, causing the outside to brown before the inside cooks. Try soaking the bread more quickly (just a few seconds per side) and cooking on medium heat to allow the inside to cook through properly.
- → Can I freeze leftover Crunchy French Toast?
- Yes! Let the cooked French toast cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container with parchment between layers. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy again.
- → What toppings go best with Crunchy French Toast?
- Beyond the classic maple syrup and powdered sugar, try fresh fruit compotes, whipped cream, Nutella, peanut butter, cream cheese, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert French toast. The crunchy exterior pairs beautifully with both sweet and creamy toppings.