Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of buttery, golden French toast sizzling on a skillet. Whether you have a fresh loaf of challah or a leftover piece from Shabbat dinner, this Challah French Toast recipe transforms ordinary mornings into extraordinary ones.
Challah, with its tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor, is the quintessential bread for French toast. It soaks up the rich, spiced custard perfectly without falling apart, creating slices that are crisp on the outside and luxuriously soft inside. Add a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of berries, and you’ve got a breakfast worthy of any weekend celebration.
Perfect for a lazy Saturday morning or an impromptu brunch with friends, this dish is quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this delightful Challah French Toast recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Challah French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Its rich, custard-soaked slices are perfectly crisp on the outside and soft, fluffy on the inside, making every bite a delight. This recipe is quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Versatility is another reason to love this dish. Whether you’re serving it with syrup, fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s endlessly customizable. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or an impressive brunch spread, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients Overview
- Challah Bread: Sturdy and tender, perfect for soaking up the custard.
- Egg Mixture: A blend of eggs, buttermilk, and whole milk enriched with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Butter: For a beautifully golden and crispy finish.
- Toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruits for serving.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, ensuring the spices are well incorporated into the custard mixture.
Step 2: Place a slice of challah into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for 30 seconds. Flip the slice gently and soak the other side for an additional 30 seconds to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Swirl the butter around to coat the pan evenly, creating a rich base for the French toast.
Step 4: Lift the soaked challah slice out of the custard, letting the excess drip off. Place it in the skillet and repeat with three more slices, cooking four at a time.
Step 5: Cook the challah slices for 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Flip carefully with a spatula to ensure even browning without tearing the bread.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked slices to a serving plate and repeat the process with the remaining challah slices. Add more butter to the skillet as needed between batches.
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Use a heavy nonstick skillet for even cooking.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent butter from burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
Variations to Try
- Substitute challah with brioche or Texas toast for a different texture.
- Add orange zest to the custard for a citrusy twist.
- Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh challah?
Yes, fresh challah works beautifully, but slightly stale challah soaks up the custard even better.
2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can use whole milk or make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
French toast is best served fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the toaster or oven.
4. Can I freeze French toast?
Yes, freeze cooked slices in a single layer, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
5. What other toppings can I use?
Try whipped cream, jam, peanut butter, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a toaster, oven, or microwave. Frozen slices can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Challah French Toast is a breakfast classic that combines simplicity with elegance. The rich custard and tender challah bread create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for family breakfasts or special weekend brunches, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. Whether you use fresh or day-old bread, the results are equally delicious. Plus, with endless topping options like maple syrup, fresh fruits, or powdered sugar, you can customize it to suit your preferences.
Leftovers? No problem! This French toast stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy mornings. Simply pop it in the toaster or microwave, and you’re ready to enjoy a delightful breakfast in minutes.
Thank you for exploring this recipe with us! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share your experiences in the comments. And don’t forget to follow Ava Foodie on Pinterest for more amazing recipes and inspiration!
