Challah French Toast Recipe

Challah bread: A rich, eggy bread that absorbs the custard mixture well, creating a soft and flavorful French toast.

Eggs: Provide the base for the custard mixture, adding richness and helping to bind the ingredients together.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard mixture, ensuring the French toast is moist and tender.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the custard mixture with a sweet, aromatic note.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the custard mixture, complementing the sweetness of the challah bread.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast, giving it a golden, crispy exterior.

When making French toast, ensure the challah bread is slightly stale. Fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by placing the slices in a low oven (around 200°F) for about 10 minutes. This will help the bread absorb the custard mixture without falling apart, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, custardy interior.

• challah bread - Substitute with brioche bread: Brioche has a similar texture and richness, making it an excellent alternative for French toast.

• challah bread - Substitute with Texas toast: Texas toast is thick and sturdy, which helps it soak up the egg mixture without falling apart.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu per egg. This provides a similar texture and is a great vegan option.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in French toast recipes.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a warm, complex flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can stand in for cinnamon.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar taste but a different texture, so use slightly more if substituting.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a slight coconut flavor.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy option that can be used in the same way as butter.

• Allow the challah French toast to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy when stored.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• If you plan to keep the French toast for a longer period, lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen slices on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the French toast in a toaster or toaster oven. This method works well if you prefer a crispier texture.

• For a quick microwave option, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, checking for doneness.

• When ready to serve, top with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover challah French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the slices with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

• Toaster Oven Method: Set your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices directly on the rack or on a small baking tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway to ensure they don’t overcook. This is a quick and efficient way to reheat a small batch.

• Microwave Method: Place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking to see if they’re heated through. This method is the fastest but may result in a softer texture.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method helps to regain some of the original crispiness.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is great for maintaining a crispy exterior.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

• Whisk: A tool used to blend the egg mixture smoothly.

• Griddle: A flat cooking surface used to cook the coated challah bread slices evenly.

• Large skillet: An alternative to a griddle, used to cook the bread slices.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt precisely.

• Bread knife: Used to slice the challah bread into thick slices if not pre-sliced.

• Plate: Used to serve the cooked French toast.

• Serving utensils: Tools like forks and knives for eating the French toast.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt the night before to save time in the morning.

Pre-slice bread: Slice the challah bread in advance and store it in an airtight container to streamline your morning routine.

Use a large griddle: Cooking multiple slices at once on a large griddle or skillet will reduce overall cooking time.

Quick toppings: Have maple syrup, fresh berries, and powdered sugar ready to go for quick serving.