Hearty French Toast Recipes

Steps:

• Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 300 degrees F.
• Cut the bread into 8 slices about 3/4-inch thick. Arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet (it's ok if they overlap). Bake, flipping them halfway through, until very lightly golden on both sides, about 12 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet until ready to use. Reduce the oven temperature to 200 degrees F.
• Vigorously whisk the eggs in a large bowl until blended and no streaks of whites remain. Add the half-and-half, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg and whisk until completely incorporated. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish.
• Gently press 2 slices of the toasted bread into the custard. Turn to coat and then gently press down on the bread until you feel it start to soak up the custard-this is key for a luscious, moist texture. Let the bread soak for about 1 minute per side; it should feel heavy but still hold its shape and not fall apart.
• Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook 2 of the soaked bread slices until they are a deep golden brown, the custard has set and the insides are cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes per side. The center of the bread will puff slightly while the crust will contract, making it look puckered. You may have to alternate between medium and medium-low heat if the bread browns too quickly or not fast enough. Transfer the slices to a rimmed baking sheet and hold in the warm oven. Repeat with the remaining butter and bread.
• Serve the French toast with butter, maple syrup and a sprinkle of confectioners' sugar.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200 degrees, and place a wire rack on a sheet pan inside.
• In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs, additional yolks, milk, vanilla (if using) and salt until foamy and smooth. Set aside. Place a small lump of butter (enough to coat the bottom of the skillet when melted) in a large, heavy nonstick skillet over low heat. It will melt very slowly.
• When butter is just melted and bubbling, raise heat and bring to a sizzle. Place 2 slices of bread in the bowl with the egg mixture. Turn them a few times in the mixture until evenly saturated, about 5 seconds on each side. Do not soak.
• Lift a slice out of the egg mixture, gently shake off any excess, and place in the pan. Repeat until the skillet is full, and let the slices cook at a sizzle for about 2 minutes, until just turning golden brown on the bottom.
• Add another small lump of butter to the pan and flip the slices over, swirling the pan so that the fresh butter coats the bottom. (This will allow the second side to brown.)
• Continue cooking over low heat until the second side is golden brown. Dust with cinnamon sugar, flip again, and dust the other side. Test for doneness by pressing the center: The dent should slowly spring back. If it remains, the interior is not yet cooked. Continue cooking at low heat, flipping occasionally, until done. Serve immediately, or transfer to the oven to keep warm while cooking remaining bread. Serve as soon as possible. Top with maple syrup, berries, jam, sliced bananas, orange supremes - whatever you'd like.

Steps:

• Beat the eggs in a bowl large enough to hold everything -- preferably one with a pouring spout.
• Beat in the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
• Heat a griddle and butter lightly.
• Pour some of the mix into a wide, shallow dish that will hold a slice of bread.
• Dip both sides of a slice of bread into the mix and lay it on the griddle. Fill the griddle.
• Cook slices until nicely browned, flip and brown the other side.
• Repeat with the rest of the bread. Be sure to beat the mix a few strokes before each refilling of the shallow dish. Add extra cinnamon if too much gets stuck to the early slices.
• Serve with a choice of your favorite toppings.

Steps:

• Slice bread and cut off and discard crusts. Beat milk, eggs, and vanilla together in a bowl until well combined.
• Stir melted butter and brown sugar together until well mixed. Pour into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan; spread evenly. Layer bread slices over top. Pour milk mixture evenly over bread. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover with aluminum foil and chill in the refrigerator, 8 hours to overnight.
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove cover and continue to bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 15 more minutes.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon before serving.

Steps:

• Beat together egg, milk, salt, desired spices and vanilla.
• Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Dunk each slice of bread in egg mixture, soaking both sides. Place in pan, and cook on both sides until golden. Serve hot.