Brunch Bliss: Crunchy French Toast

Sweet and crunchy French toast is a twist on a classic.

We love all things brunch and breakfast cereal is a pantry staple in our house so this twist on a brunch classic was an obvious choice. Challenged by a friend to recreate a 20-year-old food memory and loosely inspired by one of our favorite panaderías (bakeries) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this recipe features soft, rich bread with a sweet and crispy exterior. We used Honey Bunches of Oats with almonds (highly recommend), but you could use a combo of Corn Flakes and oats or something similar. If going the Corn Flakes and oats route, you'll need to add some cinnamon and sugar for sweetness and depth of flavor.

The key to success with this recipe is its low and slow cooking time, otherwise the cereal coating can burn.

Bread is the foundation to any French toast, so it might as well be delicious and more importantly, up to the task. These babies are getting well soaked in the egg/milk mixture and then coated in the crushed cereal. Standard sandwich bread simply won't cut it here. For the best flavor and texture, use thick slices of brioche, challah, or Italian bread. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart.

• Brioche has a rich, buttery flavor.

• Challah adds a subtly sweet taste.

• Italian has a chewy exterior, soft inside, and is readily available at most grocery stores.

We had Italian on hand when making this recipe so that's what you'll see here.

What you'll need:

• Loaf of bread

• Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds

• Eggs

• Milk

• Vanilla extract

• Butter (for cooking and serving - optional)

• Mild flavored oil (vegetable or canola, for example)

To make the cereal the perfect consistency, add to a plastic bag and bang on it with rolling pin or meat mallet until about the uniform size of oats and add it to a shallow bowl. If the pieces are too large, they can be a bit too crunchy in the final product. This size allows them to absorb the egg mixture but still retain their texture.

Cut bread into 4 one-inch slices.

Next is the egg mixture. In a medium bowl, combine and whisk until well incorporated:

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using plain cereal)

• A pinch of salt (if using plain cereal)

  
  

Before dipping each slice of bread in the cereal, soak it in the egg mixture for about 20-25 seconds on each side. You want each piece saturated but not falling apart. Allow any excess liquid to drip off, then coat each slice in the cereal mixture, pressing gently to ensure it is evenly covered. This is the good stuff so don't skimp on it!

Getting dressed

Almost ready for its close up

Cooking to Perfection

Patience, as they say, is a virtue. Unfortunately, it is not one I naturally possess.

However, in this case, it is a must.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over low heat and add a generous amount of butter. Once melted and slightly foaming, place your coated slices in the skillet. It's a good idea to gently push the center of one of the slices just after you've added it to the pan to get an idea of how soft it is. You'll notice it firms up once cooked. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, checking occasionally, until they are golden brown and crunchy. Avoid the temptation to turn up the heat. The insides are cooking gently and preventing the outside from getting too dark.

Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. If making a larger batch, keep the cooked slices warm in a preheated oven set to 200°F until everything is ready.

This crunchy French toast stands on its own flavor wise with an extra pat of butter and a little shake of powdered sugar but why stop here when you can take it next level.

Optional Toppings

Crunchy French toast is a canvas for various flavors so you can definitely think outside of the syrup box, but...

Maple Syrup

We are fortunate to live in central New York where real-deal maple syrup is made locally. I know you can buy maple syrup practically everywhere, but it's another thing to see the Maple trees being tapped, drive by the sugar shacks where the sap is transformed, and better yet, know the name of the person bottling it.

Fresh Fruits

Add strawberries, blueberries, banana slices or toasted coconut for a burst of color, flavor, and added texture. Fresh fruit not only enhances the taste but kind of makes this dish healthy. Kind of.

Whipped Cream

For a decadent finish, add a dollop of whipped cream.

It is reallllly good.

Whether hosting a cozy brunch or enjoying a leisurely Sunday morning with family, we think this recipe will impress everyone at the table. As always, we would love to hear from you once you try this recipe and will respond to any questions or feedback you have. Thanks for being here. xo Yaya and Wuelo.