Crunchy Nut French Toast

If you’re craving a breakfast that’s both indulgent and satisfying, Crunchy Nut French Toast is just what you need! Imagine golden, crispy toast packed with a layer of crunchy nuts and served with a drizzle of syrup. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This dish is perfect for a special weekend breakfast or brunch with friends and family!

Why You’ll Love Crunchy Nut French Toast

This recipe is everything you want in a breakfast:

• Crunchy & Delicious: The nuts give the French toast a satisfying crunch and rich flavor.
• Easy & Quick: With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this warm, comforting meal in no time.
• Customizable: You can choose your favorite nuts and toppings, making it easy to make this dish your own.
• Indulgent Yet Simple: It’s a great way to elevate traditional French toast into something extra special without much fuss.
• Great for Sharing: Whether you’re serving one or a crowd, this recipe is easy to scale up and sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the French Toast

• Bread: Thick slices of your favorite bread work best—brioche, challah, or Texas toast give the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Eggs: Eggs form the base of the custard for dipping the bread, giving the French toast its richness and flavor.
• Milk: Whole milk or a dairy-free alternative adds creaminess to the egg mixture.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to the French toast.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

For the Crunchy Nut Coating

• Chopped Nuts: Choose your favorite nuts—walnuts, pecans, or almonds are all great options. They add the necessary crunch and richness.
• Cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes create a crispy, golden coating when fried.
• Sugar: A little sugar added to the nut mixture helps caramelize the coating as the French toast cooks.

For Topping and Serving

• Maple Syrup: The perfect way to sweeten up your French toast. Drizzle generously over the top.
• Powdered Sugar: Lightly dusted for a pretty finishing touch.
• Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries adds a burst of color and a fresh, fruity flavor to balance the richness.

(Note: The full list of measurements will be in the recipe card.)

Instructions

Making Crunchy Nut French Toast is as easy as it is delicious:

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Crunchy Nut Coating

In another shallow dish, mix together the chopped nuts, crushed cornflakes, and sugar. This will create the crispy coating for your French toast.

3. Dip the Bread

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, then press the bread into the nut and cornflake mixture, pressing down lightly so the coating sticks.

4. Cook the French Toast

Place the coated bread slices on the hot skillet or griddle and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Once cooked, serve the French toast immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries. Enjoy the crunch and sweetness in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Crunchy Nut French Toast

This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Here are a few ideas to serve it:

• Fresh Fruit: Pair it with fresh fruit like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the French toast.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Bacon or Sausage: Serve with a side of crispy bacon or savory sausage to balance out the sweetness.
• Hot Chocolate or Coffee: A warm drink like hot chocolate or coffee pairs perfectly with this indulgent breakfast.

Additional Tips

• Use Stale Bread: If you have leftover bread, it works even better for French toast as it absorbs the egg mixture more easily without getting soggy.
• Make It Ahead: You can prep the bread and the egg mixture the night before. Just store them in the fridge, and the next morning, you can quickly assemble and cook your French toast.
• Add Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or warm them on a skillet.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?

A1: Yes, you can use any bread you like! Brioche, challah, and Texas toast are great choices, but even regular sandwich bread will work if that’s all you have.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A2: Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread and gluten-free cornflakes to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Q3: Can I use a different type of nut?

A3: Yes, feel free to use whatever nuts you prefer—almonds, cashews, or even hazelnuts would all be delicious.

Q4: Can I make the nut coating ahead of time?

A4: Yes, you can mix the nuts, cornflakes, and sugar ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.

Q5: Can I use frozen bread for French toast?

A5: Yes, frozen bread works great! Just make sure to thaw it out before dipping it into the egg mixture.

Q6: How can I make this dish dairy-free?

A6: Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk and a dairy-free butter substitute for cooking.

Q7: How do I know when the French toast is done?

A7: The French toast should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft, warm interior. If it’s still too soft, continue cooking for another minute or two.

Q8: Can I use maple syrup substitutes?

A8: Yes, you can use honey, agave nectar, or a fruit syrup if you prefer.

Q9: Can I make this recipe in the oven?

A9: Yes, you can bake the French toast at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as the pan-fried version but will still be delicious.

Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?

A10: You can reheat French toast in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat to preserve the crispiness. You can also microwave it, but it may lose some of its crunch.

Conclusion

Crunchy Nut French Toast is an indulgent breakfast that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crunchy nut coating, warm, soft bread inside, and a drizzle of syrup, it’s a delicious twist on a classic dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe will bring joy to your morning. Enjoy the crunch, the sweetness, and every satisfying bite!

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