Cinnamon French Toast Triangles 

French toast is a beloved breakfast recipe classic that brings warmth and comfort to the morning meal. This decadent dish transforms humble bread into a custardy, golden-brown delight with its rich egg batter and hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Not only is French toast incredibly delicious, but it's also an ingenious way to breathe new life into stale bread, reducing food waste.

Preparing French toast is a simple affair that even novice cooks can master, making it an approachable and satisfying kitchen project. The process of dipping bread into the luscious egg mixture and sizzling it to perfection on the griddle fills the kitchen with tantalizing aromas that awaken the senses. Serving up platefuls of this indulgent treat is sure to put smiles on loved ones' faces and make any morning feel extra special.

Why This Recipe Works 

With its versatility, French toast can be a canvas for all sorts of delectable toppings and accompaniments, from fresh fruit to savory meats. The possibilities are endless for customizing this breakfast staple to suit any taste or dietary preference. Whether enjoyed as a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick weekday meal, classic French toast is a comforting and delicious way to start the day off right.

What You Need To Make French Toast Recipe 

• Bread: The base of French toast. Thick slices of bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best as they can soak up the egg mixture without getting soggy.
• Eggs: The main binding agent that gives French toast its custard-like texture when cooked. The eggs help the bread hold together.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture. You can use dairy or non-dairy milk.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
• Cinnamon: A classic spice that complements the French toast perfectly with its sweet and woody notes.
• Sugar: Sweetens the egg mixture and helps create a crisp, caramelized exterior when cooked.

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How To Make The Recipe 

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until fully combined.
2. Soak the Bread: Working one slice at a time, dip the bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak up the liquid on both sides. Avoid over-soaking, which can lead to soggy French toast.
3. Cook the French Toast: Melt butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the soaked bread slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Serve: Transfer the cooked French toast to a plate and serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

What's The Best Type Of Bread For French Toast?

1. Brioche - This enriched French bread has a high egg and butter content, giving it a tender, rich texture that soaks up the egg custard mixture beautifully without getting soggy.
2. Challah - Another egg-based bread, challah has a similarly rich, slightly sweet flavor and tight crumb structure ideal for French toast.
3. French/Italian bread - Loaves like pain de mie, Italian bread, or French bread have a tight, fine crumb that absorbs the custard well while maintaining structure.
4. Day-old or slightly stale bread - Fresher breads tend to fall apart when soaked in the egg mixture. Stale bread holds its shape better.

Toppings For Cinnamon French Toast

Sweet Toppings

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Fruit compote or syrup (apple, berry, etc.)
• Whipped cream
• Nutella or other nut butter

Savory Toppings

• Crispy bacon or ham
• Sautéed apples or bananas
• Toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
• Cream cheese frosting or sweetened mascarpone
• Lemon curd
• Chocolate chips or shavings

Crunchy Toppings

• Granola or streusel topping
• Crushed graham crackers or gingersnaps
• Toasted coconut
• Candied nuts

Pro Tips 

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread, as it will absorb the egg mixture better without becoming overly soggy.
• Adjust the amount of milk or cream in the egg mixture to achieve your desired consistency – more milk for a richer, creamier texture, and less for a firmer result.
• For extra richness, substitute some of the milk with cream or half-and-half.
• Experiment with different bread varieties like brioche, challah, or sourdough for unique flavors and textures.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or other warm spices to the egg mixture for an extra flavor boost.
• Cook the French toast over medium heat to ensure even browning without burning the exterior before the center is cooked through.
• Serve the French toast immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. If making a large batch, keep the cooked slices warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven until ready to serve.

How To Store 

For short-term storage, keep the cooked French toast triangles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze, arrange the cooled triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

 When ready to enjoy, reheat the refrigerated triangles in a skillet with a bit of butter or in the toaster oven until warmed through. For frozen triangles, no need to thaw – simply pop them straight into a hot skillet or toaster oven and cook until heated through and crispy on the outside.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use milk alternatives like almond or oat milk?

Yes, you can substitute milk alternatives for whole milk, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?

 Use stale or day-old bread, and cook the French toast over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

How should I serve French Toast Triangles for a brunch gathering?

For a brunch gathering, you can arrange the French Toast Triangles on a platter, sprinkle with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and serve alongside fresh fruit for an impressive and satisfying spread.