French Toast | Pain Perdu
This French toast is the real French deal. (Pain perdu translates to “lost bread,” referring to how this approach beautifully transforms day-old bread into something you’ll want time and again). It leisurely soaks stale bread in a sweet vanilla custard (no cinnamon allowed!) and then cooks it in butter until crisp on the outside and creamy inside.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 slices sturdy white bread, sliced 3/4 inch (18 mm) thick
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 chunks
- Honey or maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla and then stir in the milk.
- Soak the slices of bread in the mix 1 at a time, waiting until it’s evenly soaked, about 2 minutes per side.
- In a large-ish skillet over medium heat, melt 1 chunk of butter.
- Add 2 slices of bread to the skillet at a time, first allowing any excess milk mixture to drip off. Cook until golden brown and crisp at the edges, 2 to 3 minutes per side. You may need to lower the heat a little to keep the bread from overbrowning.
- Move to a plate. Repeat with the remaining butter and bread.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired. Devour immediately.
Nutrition
Serving: 1portion | Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 174mg | Sodium: 353mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g