Challah French Toast Recipe

Challah bread: A rich, slightly sweet, and braided bread that absorbs the egg mixture well, making it ideal for French toast.

Eggs: These provide the base for the custard-like mixture that coats the bread, adding richness and flavor.

Milk: Used to thin out the egg mixture, creating a creamy texture that soaks into the bread.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the French toast.

Ground cinnamon: Offers a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the challah bread.

Butter: Used for cooking, it adds a rich, savory flavor and helps achieve a golden brown crust on the French toast.

To achieve the perfect texture for your challah bread French toast, ensure that the bread slices are slightly stale. This allows the egg mixture to soak in without making the bread too soggy. If your challah is fresh, you can dry it out by leaving it uncovered overnight or toasting it lightly before dipping.

• challah bread - Substitute with brioche bread: Brioche has a similar rich and slightly sweet flavor, making it an excellent alternative for French toast.

• challah bread - Substitute with Texas toast: Texas toast is thick and sturdy, perfect for soaking up the egg mixture without falling apart.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. This creates a binding agent suitable for a vegan version.

• eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu per egg until smooth. It provides a similar texture and richness.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that maintains the creamy texture needed for French toast.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical flavor and richness, suitable for a dairy-free alternative.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty and aromatic flavor, offering a different but pleasant twist.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness and a distinct flavor, complementing the cinnamon.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other spices, adding depth and warmth to the dish.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based fat that works well for cooking and adds a slight coconut flavor.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that provides a similar texture and flavor for cooking.

• Allow the challah French toast to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the toast soggy.

• Once cooled, stack the slices with a piece of parchment paper between each slice. This ensures they don’t stick together and makes it easy to grab just one or two slices at a time.

• Place the stacked slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, gently press out as much air as possible before sealing to maintain freshness.

• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to enjoy your French toast within the next 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.

• To freeze, ensure the French toast is in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents the slices from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or bag, again removing as much air as possible. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the French toast directly from the freezer. You can use a toaster, toaster oven, or conventional oven. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

• For a crispier texture, consider reheating on a skillet over medium heat with a touch of butter or olive oil. This will revive the golden-brown crust and add a delightful crunch.

• Serve with your favorite toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries to bring back the delightful flavors of a freshly made breakfast.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the challah French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the toast's crispy exterior while ensuring the inside is soft and delightful.

• For a quick fix, use a toaster oven. Set it to a medium setting and place the French toast slices directly on the rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid over-browning. This method is perfect for when you're in a hurry but still crave that freshly-made taste.

• If you prefer using a skillet, heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Place the French toast slices in the pan and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2 minutes on each side, ensuring they are warmed through and slightly crisped.

• For a microwave option, place the French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking for warmth. This method is the quickest but may result in a softer texture.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives a nice balance between crispiness and warmth, almost like it was freshly made.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to create a smooth and well-blended custard mixture.

• Whisk: A utensil used to beat or stir the egg mixture, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is free of lumps.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the challah bread slices, allowing them to achieve a golden brown crust on each side.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices in the skillet, ensuring even cooking and preventing them from sticking to the pan.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the milk needed for the egg mixture, ensuring the right consistency.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, ensuring precise flavoring of the custard mixture.