Baked French Toast

Baked French Toast Recipe - Taste the Authentic French Delicacy

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 18-20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Baked French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic French toast recipe, offering a healthier and more convenient option for breakfast or brunch. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, Baked French Toast is sure to become a favorite.

History

French toast, also known as eggy bread or gypsy toast, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The concept of soaking bread in a milk and egg mixture before cooking it has been documented in many cultures. However, the term "French toast" was first used in 17th-century England. The recipe evolved over time and spread across the world, with each culture adding its unique twist. The baked version of French toast is a more recent innovation, offering a hands-off approach that is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

0.67 cup of low fat cottage cheese
0.25 cup of skim milk
2 tbsp of sugar
1 large egg white
0.5 tsp of vanilla extract
4 slices of whole grain bread

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a food processor or blender, blend the cottage cheese, milk, sugar, egg, egg white, and vanilla until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish, place the bread in it, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Flip the bread over and let it sit for another 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, grease a baking sheet and place it in the preheated oven for 7 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven, place the bread on it, and bake for 6 minutes.
Flip the bread over and bake for 5 to 6 minutes.
Flip the bread again and bake for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown.

Variations

For a sweeter version, add a layer of sliced bananas or apples between the bread before baking.
Make it savory by omitting the sugar and vanilla, and adding shredded cheese and chopped herbs to the egg mixture.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Baked French Toast turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use slightly stale bread as it absorbs the egg mixture better without falling apart.

- Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for the recommended time to ensure it's fully saturated.

- Preheating the baking sheet helps to start cooking the bottom of the French toast immediately, preventing it from becoming soggy.

- Flipping the bread during baking ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Baked French Toast with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of fresh berries for added flavor and nutrition. A side of mixed fruit or a glass of orange juice complements the meal perfectly.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, providing a hands-off approach that allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Preheating the baking sheet is a unique technique that ensures a crispy bottom.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute almond milk or oat milk for skim milk for a dairy-free version.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.

- Whole eggs can be used instead of just the egg white for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the egg mixture and soak the bread the night before. Store it in the refrigerator overnight, and simply bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Baked French Toast on a platter garnished with powdered sugar and fresh mint leaves. Offer a variety of toppings on the side, such as nuts, seeds, and fruit compote, for a beautiful and customizable presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Baked French Toast with a light and fruity white wine, such as a Riesling or a Moscato, for a brunch treat. For a non-alcoholic option, a freshly brewed coffee or a matcha latte complements the flavors wonderfully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Baked French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Baked French Toast contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a filling breakfast or brunch.

Carbohydrates

This Baked French Toast recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The primary source of carbohydrates is the bread, with a small amount contributed by the sugar and milk.

Fats

Each serving of Baked French Toast contains about 2 grams of fat, primarily from the skim milk and the egg white. Using low-fat cottage cheese and skim milk helps keep the fat content minimal.

Proteins

This recipe is a good source of protein, providing about 15 grams per serving. The protein comes from the cottage cheese, milk, and egg white, making it a satisfying and muscle-friendly option for breakfast.

Vitamins and minerals

Baked French Toast is rich in several vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the milk and cottage cheese, vitamin D from the milk, and selenium from the egg. It also provides small amounts of iron and B vitamins.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as dairy (milk, cottage cheese) and eggs. It may also contain gluten, depending on the type of bread used.

Summary

Overall, Baked French Toast is a nutritious meal option, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's relatively low in calories and can be modified to suit various dietary needs.

Summary

Baked French Toast is a versatile and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion, from a lazy weekend breakfast to a special brunch gathering. With its rich history, customizable options, and easy preparation, it's a recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Baked French Toast. It was a cold winter morning, and I was searching through an old recipe box that belonged to my grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and stained scraps of paper, I came across a faded recipe for Baked French Toast that caught my eye.

The recipe was written in my grandmother's elegant script, with notes and tweaks scribbled in the margins. It was obvious that this was a recipe she had perfected over the years, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

I remembered my grandmother telling me stories of how she learned to make this dish when she was a young girl. She had grown up in a small village in France, where her mother ran a quaint bakery that was famous for its delicious pastries and breads.

One day, a renowned French chef visited the village, and my grandmother's mother invited him to stay with them for a few days. During his stay, the chef took my grandmother under his wing and taught her the secrets of French cuisine.

One of the dishes he taught her to make was Baked French Toast. He explained that it was a simple yet decadent dish that could be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. My grandmother watched intently as he dipped thick slices of bread in a rich custard mixture and then baked them until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside.

After the chef left, my grandmother practiced making Baked French Toast over and over again until she had perfected the recipe. She would make it for special occasions and family gatherings, and it soon became a beloved dish in our family.

As I read through the recipe card, memories of my grandmother's kitchen flooded back to me. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla, the sound of eggs being whisked, the warmth of the oven as the French Toast baked to perfection. I knew that I had to make this dish and carry on my grandmother's legacy.

I gathered the ingredients and followed the recipe step by step, just as my grandmother had written it. I dipped the bread in the custard mixture, letting it soak up all the flavors, and then arranged the slices in a baking dish. As I popped the dish into the oven, I could hardly wait for the delicious aroma to fill the kitchen.

When the Baked French Toast emerged from the oven, golden and puffed up, I knew that I had done my grandmother proud. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't resist taking a bite right away. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the custard, the warmth of the cinnamon, the crunch of the toasted bread. It was a taste of my childhood, a taste of my grandmother's love.

I served the Baked French Toast to my family, and they devoured it with smiles on their faces. They couldn't believe that I had made such a delicious dish, and they begged me for the recipe. I knew that my grandmother would be looking down on me with pride, knowing that her love for cooking had been passed down through the generations.

And so, every time I make Baked French Toast, I think of my grandmother and the joy she felt when she first discovered this recipe. I am grateful for her legacy, for the recipes she passed down to me, and for the love that she poured into every dish she made. Cooking will always be a way for me to connect with her, to honor her memory, and to share her delicious creations with the ones I love.