Challah French Toast Recipe

Challah bread: A rich, slightly sweet bread that absorbs the egg mixture well.

Eggs: Provides the base for the custard-like coating.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the dish.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast, giving it a golden, crispy exterior.

When preparing challah bread for French toast, ensure that the bread is slightly stale. This allows it to absorb the egg mixture more effectively without becoming too soggy. If your challah is fresh, you can dry it out by leaving it uncovered overnight or toasting it lightly before dipping.

• challah bread - Substitute with brioche bread: Brioche has a similar rich and slightly sweet flavor, making it an excellent alternative for French toast.

• challah bread - Substitute with Texas toast: Texas toast is thick and sturdy, which helps it absorb the egg mixture well, similar to challah.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• large eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu per egg. This provides a similar texture and moisture.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in the recipe without altering the flavor too much.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a slight tropical flavor and is a good dairy-free alternative.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant nutty flavor that complements the dish.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness and a unique flavor that pairs well with French toast.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other warm spices, adding a complex flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can stand in for cinnamon.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor and works well for cooking.

• butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• Allow the challah French toast to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation and sogginess when storing.
• For short-term storage, place the cooled slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen French toast in a toaster, toaster oven, or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10 minutes.
• For a quick microwave option, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking for desired warmth.
• To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating in a skillet as it may become too greasy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover challah French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the slices with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispy exterior and soft interior of the toast.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or cooking spray to the skillet. Place the leftover challah French toast in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method helps to re-crisp the outside while keeping the inside tender.

• Microwave Method: Place the leftover challah French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. This is the quickest method but may result in a slightly softer texture.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover challah French toast directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is great for achieving a crisp texture similar to the original.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover challah French toast in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. This method is excellent for a quick and even reheat with a crunchy exterior.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the egg mixture smoothly.

• Skillet: This is where you'll cook the challah French toast to a perfect golden brown.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the bread slices to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the milk and other liquid ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.

• Butter knife: Useful for spreading the butter in the skillet.

• Plate: Place the cooked French toast slices here before serving.

• Serving utensils: Use these to serve the French toast with your favorite toppings.

Prepare the egg mixture ahead: Mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a large skillet: Cooking multiple slices of challah bread at once saves time.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the butter melts quickly and the skillet is ready for immediate cooking.

Slice bread in advance: Pre-slice the challah bread and keep it ready for dipping.

Serve with simple toppings: Use ready-to-go toppings like maple syrup or fresh fruit to save time.