If you’re looking to shake up your brunch routine, Crunchy French Toast is about to steal your heart (and your taste buds)! Imagine thick-cut brioche slices dipped in cinnamon-kissed custard, then pressed into a golden, crisp cornflake coating. Each bite is a glorious contrast of creamy, custardy goodness on the inside and outrageously crunchy on the outside. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or aiming to impress overnight guests, this Crunchy French Toast recipe guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things gloriously simple, using just a handful of pantry staples that each play a starring role. The real magic comes from how each ingredient helps layer flavor and texture, taking your French toast from cozy to wow-worthy.
- Thick-cut brioche or Texas toast (4 slices): The rich, pillowy bread soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart, giving your Crunchy French Toast its dreamy interior.
- Large eggs (2): These add structure and richness, creating that classic French toast custard.
- Milk (1/2 cup): A splash of milk helps thin the eggs and adds creaminess for irresistibly tender toast.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): One little teaspoon adds a sweet, aromatic depth that makes each bite cozy.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): The hint of spice wakes up the bread and pairs perfectly with the crunchy coating.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch to bring together all the sweet flavors and keep things balanced.
- Sugar, optional (1 tablespoon): For those who love extra sweetness in every bite, but you can leave it out if your toppings are sweet enough.
- Crushed cornflakes (1 1/2 cups): These are the secret to the recipe—each piece clings to the bread, turning extra crisp during cooking.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Melting this in your skillet helps create that luxe, golden-brown exterior and rich flavor.
- Maple syrup and fresh fruit: For serving—these add brightness and just the right amount of sweetness to finish off your Crunchy French Toast.
How to Make Crunchy French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard
Start by grabbing a shallow bowl and whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and sugar (if you like your toast on the sweeter side). Make sure the mixture is silky-smooth, because this custard is about to infuse every bite of your bread with flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Crunchy Coating
In a second shallow bowl, pour in those crushed cornflakes. A quick tip: Crushing them by hand or gently in a bag keeps a few bigger pieces for extra crunch, which makes this Crunchy French Toast truly crave-worthy.
Step 3: Dip, Soak, and Coat
Now for the fun part! Dip a slice of bread in the egg mixture, letting it soak up the custard, but not so much that it falls apart—just a few seconds per side. Next, press the soaked bread into the cornflakes, turning and gently pressing so every inch is covered in those crispy flakes.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crunchy
Heat your skillet or griddle over medium and melt the butter until it’s shimmering but not browning. Add the coated bread slices and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, adjusting the heat as needed so the crust turns golden and crunchy without burning while the inside cooks through.
Step 5: Serve and Savor!
Transfer your finished Crunchy French Toast to warm plates—now comes the best part! Top with fresh berries, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. The contrast between crisp crust and custardy middle is pure breakfast bliss.
How to Serve Crunchy French Toast
Garnishes
For the ultimate finish, try plenty of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a shake of powdered sugar over the hot toast. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm nut butter also turn this from a humble breakfast into a celebration. Don’t forget a classic pour of maple syrup—its sweet, amber richness is a perfect match for the crunchy exterior.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crunchy French Toast with smoky breakfast sausage, crisp bacon, or scrambled eggs for a full brunch experience. If you’re keeping things lighter, a fresh fruit salad or tangy Greek yogurt on the side adds a refreshing touch and balances the dish’s richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise someone by cutting your French toast into thick strips for a hands-on, dunkable treat; these crunchy “fingers” are a hit with kids and grown-ups alike! For a fancier spread, stack slices and layer with sweetened mascarpone or flavored yogurt for a playful twist on a breakfast parfait. Mini Crunchy French Toast squares skewered with fruit are an irresistible addition to any brunch buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few extra slices (lucky you!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The cornflake coating will lose a bit of its crunch over time, but don’t worry—you can get it back with proper reheating.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Crunchy French Toast! Let the slices cool, then lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month.
Reheating
The best way to revive that signature crunch is to reheat the slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (about 175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. This brings the coating back to life far better than a microwave, which can make things chewy rather than crispy. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche or Texas toast?
You can, but for the best Crunchy French Toast experience, stick with thicker slices of bread like brioche or Texas toast. They hold up far better to soaking and cooking, giving you that pillowy inside and crisp outside that makes this dish special.
How do I keep my French toast from getting soggy?
Let the bread soak just long enough to absorb the custard without falling apart, and make sure your skillet is fully preheated. Day-old bread works best, as it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
Can I make Crunchy French Toast dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or soy), and use a vegan butter or coconut oil for the skillet. The texture and crunch will still be irresistible.
What’s the best way to crush cornflakes for this recipe?
Place cornflakes in a zip-top bag and use your hands or a rolling pin to crush them gently, leaving a few larger pieces for extra crunch. Avoid turning them into dust—a range of sizes gives the coating amazing texture.
Can I prep Crunchy French Toast in advance for a big brunch?
You can assemble the toasts up to the point of coating them with cornflakes, then refrigerate for up to 2 hours before cooking. When you’re ready, just cook in a buttered skillet as directed and serve fresh for that maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about the playful crunch and custardy center of Crunchy French Toast that turns any morning into a mini celebration. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe for weekends, holidays, or whenever you need a little breakfast joy. Grab your ingredients and discover why this is a favorite in so many cozy kitchens—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Crunchy French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crunchy French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Thick slices of brioche or Texas toast are coated in a crispy cornflake crust, resulting in a crunchy exterior with a soft, flavorful center. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 4 slices thick-cut brioche or Texas toast
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Cornflake Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
Other:
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup and fresh fruit for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and sugar (if using) until smooth.
- Coat the Bread: Place the crushed cornflakes in a separate shallow bowl. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides well, then press into the cornflakes, gently pressing to help them stick. Repeat with all slices.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter. Cook the coated bread slices for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning the crust before the center is cooked.
- Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of cornflakes and crushed cinnamon cereal.
- Let the bread soak briefly in the egg mixture to absorb flavor without getting soggy.
- Works best with day-old bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
