Crunchy French Toast Delight

This crunchy French toast has completely transformed my weekend breakfast routine, offering that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, custard-like interior that regular French toast often misses. The secret is in the crispy cereal coating that creates an irresistible texture my family can't get enough of.

I first made this recipe when trying to impress my in-laws during their first overnight visit. Years later, it's still requested every time they come to stay, and has become our special occasion breakfast tradition.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs: provide the rich custard base that soaks into the bread
• 2/3 cup milk: creates the perfect consistency when combined with eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: helps create a thicker batter that adheres well to the bread
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: adds just the right sweetness without overpowering
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: adds warmth and classic French toast flavor
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: brings depth and aromatic quality
• 8 thick slices of bread: look for Texas Toast or day-old brioche for best results
• 2 heaping cups crispy rice cereal or crushed corn flakes: creates the signature crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Cooking Surface:

Preheat your griddle to 350°F or heat a skillet over medium heat. This temperature ensures perfect golden browning without burning.

Set Up Your Cereal Station:

Add the crispy rice cereal or crushed corn flakes to a shallow pie dish or plate, arranging it in an even layer for consistent coating.

Create Your Custard Mixture:

Combine eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a blender or a shallow dish. Blend or whisk thoroughly until well incorporated. If whisking by hand, small flour lumps are acceptable as they will cook into the toast.

Coat Your Bread:

Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully saturated but not soggy. Immediately press the wet bread gently into the cereal, flipping to coat both sides completely with the crispy cereal.

Cook To Golden Perfection:

Melt a small piece of butter on your preheated cooking surface. Place the coated bread slices onto the hot surface without overcrowding. Cook for approximately 3 minutes until the bottom side develops a beautiful golden brown color. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook the other side until equally golden and crispy.

Serve While Hot:

Transfer immediately to plates and serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.

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The rice cereal coating was actually a happy accident in our kitchen. I had run out of traditional cinnamon for coating and spotted my daughter's cereal box on the counter. That improvisation turned into our family's signature breakfast, proving sometimes kitchen mistakes lead to the best discoveries.

Make-Ahead Options

This French toast can be completely prepared through the cooking stage, then cooled and frozen for up to two months. Place cooked pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy again. This makes weekday morning French toast entirely possible even on the busiest days.

Perfect Pairings

Elevate this already special breakfast by serving with macerated berries. Simply toss fresh berries with a small amount of sugar and let them sit for 15 minutes to create their own syrup. The contrast between the crispy toast and juicy berries creates a perfect texture balance. For an adult version, add a splash of Grand Marnier to the berries for an elegant brunch option.

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Choosing The Right Bread

The bread selection significantly impacts your final result. Texas toast works wonderfully because of its thickness, but brioche, challah, or even a good sourdough can create interesting variations. The key is using slightly stale bread that will hold up to the custard mixture without falling apart. Fresh bread tends to become soggy, while day-old bread maintains its structure while still absorbing the flavorful egg mixture.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best for crunchy French toast?

Thick-cut bread like Texas Toast or brioche works best as it can absorb the egg mixture without falling apart while maintaining structure for the cereal coating. Day-old bread is ideal as it's slightly drier and less likely to become soggy.

→ Can I prepare this French toast in advance?

For best results, cook immediately after coating with cereal to maintain the signature crunch. However, you can prepare the egg mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. If needed, cooked pieces can be kept warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes before serving.

→ What toppings pair well with crunchy French toast?

Classic maple syrup is perfect, but also try fresh berries, sliced bananas, a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a decadent version, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert French toast.

→ How can I make this French toast dairy-free?

Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use a plant-based butter alternative for cooking. The egg mixture will still create a rich custard base, and the cereal coating will maintain its signature crunch.

→ Why is my French toast soggy instead of crunchy?

Several factors can cause sogginess: soaking the bread too long in the egg mixture, using very fresh bread that's already moist, cooking at too low a temperature, or letting the cereal-coated bread sit before cooking. For maximum crunch, coat each slice just before it goes into the pan.

→ Can I freeze leftover crunchy French toast?

Yes! Cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or 350°F oven. While reheated pieces won't be quite as crunchy as fresh, they'll still be delicious.