IRRESISTIBLE STRAWBERRY FRENCH TOAST

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Author: Emaa Wilson
Published:
A tempting image of Strawberry French Toast, showcasing its juicy strawberries and golden-brown toast.

Imagine sinking your teeth into golden-brown French toast, its crispy edges giving way to a soft, custardy interior, all while bursting with the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a Strawberry French Toast experience that will brighten your day and leave you craving more – and I’m here to show you exactly how to make it, perfectly, every single time!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

French Toast Base:

  • Bread: 6 slices of your favorite bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work wonderfully!)
  • Eggs: 3 large
  • Milk: 1/2 cup (whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness)
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny pinch!
  • Butter: For greasing the pan

Strawberry Goodness:

  • Fresh Strawberries: 1 pint, hulled and sliced
  • Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (for macerating the strawberries)

Optional Toppings (Because Why Not?):

  • Powdered Sugar: For dusting
  • Maple Syrup: The classic choice
  • Whipped Cream: Homemade or store-bought
  • Chocolate Sauce: Because everything’s better with chocolate!
  • Fresh Mint: For a touch of elegance

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Close-up of delicious Strawberry French Toast, showcasing the juicy strawberries and golden-brown toast.

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
  2. Gently toss the strawberries to coat them evenly with the sugar.
  3. Let the strawberries sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour) at room temperature. This process, called maceration, draws out the strawberries’ natural juices and creates a delicious, syrupy sauce. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Prepare the French Toast Custard

  1. In a shallow dish (like a pie plate or baking dish), whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk! This is your liquid gold for the French toast.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

  1. Heat a lightly buttered griddle or large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to cook the French toast without burning it.
  2. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. Don’t overcrowd the dish! You want each slice to absorb the custard without falling apart.
  3. Lift the bread and let any excess egg mixture drip back into the dish before placing it on the hot griddle.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

  1. Place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated griddle or skillet.
  2. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You might need to adjust the heat slightly to prevent burning.
  3. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown. The inside should be soft and custardy.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

  1. Remove the cooked French toast from the griddle and place it on a plate.
  2. Top with the macerated strawberries and their delicious juices.
  3. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, add a dollop of whipped cream, or go wild with your favorite toppings!
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry French Toast

Bread Selection Matters:

Choose a bread that’s sturdy enough to soak up the custard without becoming soggy. Brioche, challah, Texas toast, or even slightly stale sourdough work best. Regular sandwich bread can work in a pinch, but be careful not to over-soak it.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:

Cook the French toast in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and result in soggy French toast. Give each slice enough space to brown evenly.

Keep it Warm:

If you’re making a large batch of French toast, keep the cooked slices warm in a preheated oven (200°F or 93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.

Get Creative with Toppings:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings! Try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a drizzle of Nutella, or a scoop of ice cream. You can even experiment with different types of fruit, like blueberries, raspberries, or bananas.

Strawberry French Toast Variations to Try

Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast:

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the bread before dipping it in the egg mixture for an extra-creamy and decadent twist. You can even mix a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese for added sweetness.

Stuffed Strawberry French Toast:

Make a sandwich with two slices of bread, filled with a mixture of cream cheese, sliced strawberries, and a sprinkle of sugar. Then, dip the entire sandwich in the egg mixture and cook as usual. It’s like a French toast sandwich with a sweet and creamy surprise inside!

Baked Strawberry French Toast Casserole:

For a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch, try baking your Strawberry French Toast in a casserole dish. Arrange the soaked bread slices in a baking dish, pour the remaining egg mixture over the top, and bake until golden brown and set. Top with the macerated strawberries after baking.

Other Delicious Breakfast Ideas

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your next breakfast or brunch, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy. For a cool and refreshing treat, try Strawberries And Cream Overnight Oats. If you want another casserole, Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is an excellent choice. For a dessert twist, consider Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches. Or for a fancy appetizer, Deviled Strawberries Ultimate Cheesecake Bites are a must! For another fun twist, consider Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Rolls or for a fall twist you could make Pumpkin Spice French Toast.

How to Store Leftover Strawberry French Toast

If you happen to have any leftover Strawberry French Toast (though I doubt it!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm it up in a skillet over low heat. You can also reheat it in the oven for a crispier texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

  • Calories: 350-450
  • Protein: 12-15g
  • Fat: 15-20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for the most irresistible Strawberry French Toast you’ll ever taste! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking!

What type of bread is best for Strawberry French Toast?

Sturdy bread like brioche, challah, Texas toast, or slightly stale sourdough is ideal because they can soak up the custard without becoming soggy. Regular sandwich bread can work, but be careful not to over-soak it.

Why do I need to macerate the strawberries?

Macerating the strawberries with sugar draws out their natural juices, creating a delicious, syrupy sauce that enhances the flavor of the French toast.

How do I keep the French toast warm if I’m making a large batch?

You can keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.

Can I store leftover Strawberry French Toast?

Yes, you can store leftover Strawberry French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave, a skillet, or the oven.

A tempting image of Strawberry French Toast, showcasing its juicy strawberries and golden-brown toast.

Irresistible Strawberry French Toast

This Strawberry French Toast recipe delivers a delightful breakfast experience with crispy, golden-brown bread and a soft, custardy interior. The sweet, juicy flavor of macerated fresh strawberries elevates this classic dish to a truly irresistible treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices bread brioche, challah, or Texas toast recommended
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Butter for greasing
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for macerating strawberries
  • Powdered sugar for dusting optional
  • Maple syrup for drizzling optional
  • Whipped cream optional
  • Chocolate sauce optional
  • Fresh mint optional

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Shallow dish (pie plate or baking dish)
  • Whisk
  • Griddle or large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Plate
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
  2. Gently toss the strawberries to coat them evenly with the sugar.
  3. Let the strawberries sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour) at room temperature to macerate.
  4. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  5. Heat a lightly buttered griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
  6. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak for about 15-20 seconds per side.
  7. Lift the bread and let any excess egg mixture drip back into the dish before placing it on the hot griddle.
  8. Place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated griddle or skillet.
  9. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.
  10. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown.
  11. Remove the cooked French toast from the griddle and place it on a plate.
  12. Top with the macerated strawberries and their juices.
  13. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, add a dollop of whipped cream, or add other desired toppings.
  14. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Choose a sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast for best results. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave, skillet, or oven. For Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast, spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the bread before dipping. For Stuffed Strawberry French Toast, make a sandwich with cream cheese and sliced strawberries before dipping. For a crowd-pleasing option, try a Baked Strawberry French Toast Casserole.

Emaa Wilson

Emma is a passionate home cook and recipe developer who specializes in bridging traditional family recipes with modern techniques. Growing up learning from her sister's expertise, she focuses on creating approachable dishes that celebrate both heritage and innovation. Alongside her cooking partner Olivia, Emily develops recipes that emphasize the joy of collaborative cooking and the power of shared meals to bring people together.

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