Challah French Toast

As seen on

brown eyed baker

Total Time

12 hrs

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Rating

(32)

Ingredients

4 servings

8 slices challah bread, sliced ½-inch thick
1½ cups (366 ml) whole milk
6 egg yolks
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (for cooking)

American Kid-Friendly Dairy Eggs ...

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Preparation

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Step 1

Stale the bread by setting it out on a cooling rack uncovered overnight.

Step 2

Whisk milk, egg yolks, sugar, melted butter, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended. Transfer milk mixture to a 13×9-inch baking pan.

Step 3

Working with 3 slices of bread at a time, dip into custard for 20 seconds. Using a spatula turn bread over and soak for another 20 seconds. (Bread should be saturated but not falling apart.) Transfer soaked bread to baking sheet or tray and continue until all bread is soaked.

Step 4

Heat ½ tablespoon of butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. When foaming subsides, use a slotted spatula to transfer 2 slices soaked bread to skillet until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until second side is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes longer.

Step 5

Wipe out skillet with paper towels. Repeat cooking remaining bread, 2 pieces at a time, adding ½ tablespoon of butter for each batch. The French toast should be served immediately, but can be kept warm in a 200-degree oven until served.

Chef’s notes

Bread:

Use Challah, brioche or another hearty bread like Italian, sourdough, or a sturdy wheat bread.

Take the time to stale the bread overnight:

This ensures that the bread is dry enough to soak up the custard mixture without falling apart. If the bread is too soft, it can’t soak up as much custard. As a result, you will lose a lot of flavor. If you forget to set the bread out the night before, don’t panic! Just place the bread in a 300 degrees F oven for about 15 minutes. Halfway through, turn the slices of bread over.

Don’t turn up the heat:

Although it takes a little longer to cook, I promise you, this classic French toast is worth it! The lower heat ensures that the custard cooks all the way through the bread, while also browning the outside. At a higher temperature, the bread browns much too quickly without the inside cooking through. This will cause your French toast to be mushy.

Keep it indulgent! I beg of you – please do not try to make this recipe healthier by lowering the fat and/or calories. If you try to use low-fat milk, egg whites instead of yolks, etc., you’ll have some texture issues. More importantly, you will lose so much flavor! Challah French toast is not an everyday meal, but it’s definitely one you want to enjoy to its fullest when you do make it!

Serving Suggestions:

Butter and maple syrup (classic!), a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a fruit compote or syrup.

French Toast Casserole:

Looking for a make-ahead option that’s perfect for holiday mornings? Try my Baked French Toast Casserole with Praline Topping.

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Challah French Toast

Ingredients

Preparation

Step 1

Step 2

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Step 4

Step 5

Chef’s notes

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