Finding a breakfast that’s both comforting and suitable for those who can’t have dairy can feel like an impossible task. Between rushing to get the kids ready for school and trying to make it to work on time, the last thing you need is to spend precious morning minutes figuring out what to eat that won’t upset your stomach or trigger allergies.
That’s where this dairy-free French toast comes in – it’s just as soft and satisfying as the classic version, easy to whip up on busy mornings, and perfect for anyone avoiding dairy products. Plus, you can make it with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Why You’ll Love This French Toast
- Allergy-friendly breakfast – This dairy-free version tastes just as good as traditional French toast, making it perfect for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance.
- Quick preparation – With just 6 simple ingredients and less than 35 minutes, you can have a delicious breakfast ready for the whole family.
- Basic ingredients – You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, and the plant-based milk is the only special item you’ll need.
- Classic comfort food – This recipe gives you that same cozy, weekend breakfast feeling without the dairy – crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside.
What Kind of Texas Toast Should I Use?
Texas toast is basically thick-cut white bread, usually about twice the thickness of regular sandwich bread. For French toast, you’ll want to look for slices that are about an inch thick – they’ll hold up better when soaked in the egg mixture without falling apart. Day-old bread actually works better than fresh since it’s a bit drier and can soak up more of the custard mixture without getting mushy. If you can’t find Texas toast at your store, you can substitute any thick-cut white bread, or even slice your own from an unsliced loaf of white bread. Just make sure whatever bread you choose isn’t too fresh or too soft, as it might turn soggy during cooking.
Options for Substitutions
This dairy-free French toast recipe is pretty adaptable. Here are some easy swaps you can try:
- Texas toast: If you can’t find Texas toast, any thick-cut bread will work – try brioche, challah, or even regular sandwich bread (though you’ll need more slices since they’re thinner). Just make sure the bread is slightly stale for best results!
- Plant-based milk: Any non-dairy milk works here – almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk are all good options. Just avoid strongly flavored ones unless you want that taste in your French toast.
- Eggs: Eggs are pretty crucial for traditional French toast texture, but if you need it vegan, try using 1/4 cup mashed banana or 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour mixed with 3/4 cup water per egg.
- Sugar: Feel free to swap regular sugar with maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or any granulated sweetener of choice. Start with the same amount and adjust to taste.
- Vanilla essence: You can skip vanilla if you don’t have it, or try almond extract (use half the amount), maple extract, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for different flavor notes.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making dairy-free French toast is ending up with a soggy middle – to avoid this, make sure your bread slices aren’t too thick and don’t soak them for more than 30 seconds on each side. Another common mistake is cooking with too low heat, which prevents that golden-brown crust from forming; keep your pan at medium heat and let it warm up properly before adding your first slice. To prevent your French toast from tasting bland (a frequent issue with dairy-free versions), don’t skip the pinch of salt, and consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your egg mixture for extra flavor. For the crispiest exterior, avoid overcrowding your pan – leave enough space between slices so they don’t steam each other, and wipe your pan clean between batches if any egg mixture starts to burn.
What to Serve With French Toast?
When it comes to serving French toast, fresh fruit is always a winning choice – try sliced strawberries, bananas, or a mixed berry medley to add natural sweetness and color to your plate. A drizzle of pure maple syrup is a must-have, and if you want to keep things dairy-free, try a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top. For a complete breakfast spread, pair your French toast with some crispy plant-based breakfast sausages or a side of hash browns, and don’t forget a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice to wash it all down. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few mint leaves can make your plate look like it came straight from a breakfast cafe.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Got leftover French toast? No problem! Place the cooled slices in an airtight container with parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick breakfast fixes during busy mornings.
Freeze: This dairy-free French toast is great for freezing! Let the slices cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag with parchment paper between each piece. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months – perfect for those mornings when you need a quick breakfast fix.
Warm Up: When you’re ready to enjoy your stored French toast, pop it in the toaster or microwave for a quick warm-up. For the best texture, heat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until they’re warm and slightly crispy on the outside. Add your favorite toppings, and they’ll taste almost as good as freshly made!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 30-35 g
- Fat: 45-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-160 g
Ingredients
- 12 slices of texas toast
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or alternative sweetener)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Small pinch of coarse salt
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the dairy-free milk, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and coarse salt.
Ensure all ingredients are well combined to form a smooth, flavorful egg mixture.
Step 2: Preheat the Cooking Surface
Heat a large griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
This will ensure the toast cooks evenly and achieves a nice golden-brown color.
Step 3: Dip the Bread Slices
Take each slice of bread and dip it into the prepared egg mixture.
Make sure both sides are evenly coated by submerging the bread for about 1 – 2 seconds per side.
This will infuse the bread with the flavors from the egg mixture.
Step 4: Cook the Toast
Place the dipped slices of bread onto the preheated griddle or skillet.
Cook each side until it turns golden-brown, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
Repeat the process until all slices are cooked to perfection.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the slices are cooked, serve them hot with your favorite toppings, such as fruit, syrup, or powdered sugar.
Enjoy your delicious, dairy-free French toast!