If you’re looking to spice up your brunch menu with something absolutely toasty and delightful, then Crunchy French Toast is your golden ticket! This scrumptious dish is all about turning a classic favorite into a crispy, textural treat that will have everyone clamoring for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Combination of Soft and Crispy: This dish delivers a delightful contrast with creamy insides and a crispy outer layer.
Easy to Make: You can whip up this comforting breakfast in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Customizable Toppings: From fresh fruits to extra cinnamon sugar, the sky’s the limit for garnishing!
Kid-Approved: Crunchy French Toast is a sweet treat that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

Crunchy French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather up these simple yet essential ingredients to craft a breakfast masterpiece! Each one plays a starring role in delivering the perfect Crunchy French Toast experience.

4 large eggs: The backbone of our custard base, providing richness and structure.
2/3 cup milk: Smooths out the custard, giving it the right consistency.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the batter stick perfectly to the bread.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy warmth to the dish.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a luscious aroma to the custard.
8 thick slices of bread (like Texas Toast): The perfect canvas for your crunchy masterpiece.
2 heaping cups crispy rice cereal or crushed corn flakes: Creates the signature crunch you’ll adore.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Crunchy French Toast is truly versatile, making it as easy to adapt as it is to enjoy! Tailor it to fit your needs or preferences.

Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free bread to cater to dietary restrictions.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut milk and pair with a dairy-free margarine for a lactose-free version.
Nutty Twist: Add a spoonful of almond or peanut butter to the batter for a nuttier flavor.

How to Make Crunchy French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla until it combines into a smooth, rich custard. Place your cereal or corn flakes into another shallow dish to have ready for dipping.

Step 2: Coat the Bread

Take each slice of bread and dip it into the custard, making sure both sides are thoroughly soaked. Once that’s done, lay the soaked slice in your cereal dish, pressing gently to adhere the crunchy coating. Flip and repeat to cover both sides.

Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection

Melt a small pat of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the coated slices for a few minutes on each side until they achieve a beautiful golden brown hue. Make sure your skillet is not too hot to prevent burning the crust.

Pro Tips for Making Crunchy French Toast

Perfect Batter Consistency: A well-mixed batter should be smooth without noticeable lumps, which ensures even coating and texture.
Even Crunch: Crush your cereal or corn flakes to a similar size for a consistent crunch on each bite.
Temperature Control: Cooking on medium heat is crucial to achieving that perfect golden crust without burning.
Bread Type Matters: Use thick-cut bread for the best structure and ability to soak the custard without falling apart.

How to Serve Crunchy French Toast

Garnishes

Top your Crunchy French Toast with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a scoop of your favorite fruit preserves for a pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing your toast with a side of crispy bacon, sausages, or a refreshing fruit salad to balance the toast’s richness with light and fresh taste combinations.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your toast stacked high for brunch delight, or cut into halves or quarters for charming snack-sized pieces perfect for dipping in different flavored syrups.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep your Crunchy French Toast fresh for up to three days.

Freezing

To freeze, lay slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can keep for up to a month.

Reheating

Reheat your stored or frozen toast by popping it into the toaster or an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through and crisp again, about 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cereal for the Crunchy French Toast?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cereals like granola or crushed Cheerios for a unique twist on the classic crust.
What if I don’t have a blender to mix the batter?

No worries! A whisk and a bit of elbow grease will work just fine to blend the ingredients smoothly by hand.
Can I add some spice or flavors to the batter?

Of course! You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra burst of flavor that complements the cinnamon.
What’s the best way to keep the toast warm while finishing the rest?

Keep the cooked toast in a warm oven set at the lowest temperature until ready to serve your entire batch.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crunchy French Toast recipe brings joy and warmth to your table as it does mine. It’s a deliciously indulgent way to start the day or to share with loved ones for brunch. Go ahead, give it a try, and experience the delightful crunch for yourself!

Crunchy French Toast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 114 reviews

Author: Jessica
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Crunchy French Toast recipe combines the classic comfort of French toast with a crispy cereal coating, creating a delightful breakfast treat that’s perfect for a weekend brunch or special morning. The recipe features thick slices of bread dipped in a flavorful egg mixture, then coated with crushed crispy rice cereal before being pan-fried to golden perfection. Serve it warm with your favorite syrup for an irresistible breakfast experience.

Ingredients

Egg Mixture

– 4 large eggs

Liquid Components

– 2/3 cup milk

Dry Ingredients

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating

– 8 thick slices bread (like Texas Toast)
– 2 heaping cups crispy rice cereal or crushed corn flakes

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Instructions

Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat a griddle to 350°F or heat a skillet over medium heat to ensure a proper cooking surface for the French toast.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a blender or a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined. It’s okay if the mixture isn’t perfectly smooth.
Set Up Coatings: Pour the cereal into a shallow dish. Pour the egg mixture into another shallow dish for dipping the bread.
Dip the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, then press gently into the cereal to coat both sides thoroughly, pressing to adhere the cereal evenly.
Cook the French Toast: Melt a small piece of butter in a skillet or on the griddle over medium heat (or lightly spray with cooking spray). Place the coated bread slices on the hot surface and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the other side is also golden and crispy.
Serve: Serve the crunchy French toast warm with your favorite syrup and toppings.

Notes

Use thick slices of bread to prevent sogginess and achieve a crispy coating.
Crushing the cereal into small chunks helps create a more even crispy coating.
Adjust cooking time for thicker slices to ensure they are fully cooked through.
For an extra flavor twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or powdered ginger to the egg mixture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg