French Toast

Name: French Toast
Total time: 34 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup half-and-half; 3 large eggs; 2 tablespoons honey (warmed in microwave for 20 seconds); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 slices day-old or stale country loaf, brioche or challah bread; 4 tablespoons butter

FFood NetworkYouTube34 minserves 4

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Original video by Food Network on YouTube4:57

About this recipe

French toast is a classic breakfast dish that's both comforting and delicious. This version, brought to you by Alton Brown, emphasizes the importance of using stale bread for the best texture and flavor.

By preparing the custard the night before, you not only save time in the morning but also enhance the custard's flavor. Alton's technique ensures a crispy exterior and a creamy interior, making for the perfect French toast.

Ingredient notes

Honey should be warmed in the microwave for 20 seconds to make it easier to mix into the custard.

Tips from Food Network's video

Using stale bread is crucial as it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Aim for at least eight hours of drying time for the best results.
Letting the soaked bread rest for 1 to 2 minutes before cooking allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread, improving the final texture.
Cooking the French toast twice—first in the pan and then in the oven—ensures a crispy outside and creamy inside.

No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Food Network: watch the original on YouTube.

The recipe

Serves 4 servingsTime 34 min

Ingredients

1 cup half-and-half
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons honey — warmed in microwave for 20 seconds
¼ teaspoon salt
8 slices day-old or stale country loaf, brioche or challah bread
4 tablespoons butter

Steps

1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, honey, and salt. You may do this the night before.
2
Pour the custard mixture into a pie pan and set aside.
3
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
4
Dip bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for 30 seconds on each side, then remove to a cooling rack set in a sheet pan. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes.
5
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a 10-inch nonstick sauté pan over medium-low heat.
6
Place 2 slices of bread at a time into the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
7
Remove the cooked slices from the pan and place them on the rack in the oven for 5 minutes. Repeat with all 8 slices.
8
Serve immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fruit.