Savory Eggless French Toast

Growing up, I thought French toast was off-limits if you ran out of eggs. It’s just how things were in our house – no eggs meant no French toast, period. When my daughter developed an egg allergy, I figured our Sunday morning French toast tradition was over for good.

But here’s the thing – I was completely wrong about needing eggs. After some kitchen experiments, I discovered you can make French toast that’s just as soft and tasty without a single egg in sight. The secret lies in a simple mixture that creates that same custardy texture we all love. And the best part? It’s actually easier to make than the traditional version.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

The bread you choose for French toast can make or break your breakfast, even in this eggless version. Day-old bread works better than fresh since it’s slightly dried out and can soak up more of the milk mixture without falling apart. Thick-cut brioche, challah, or French bread are all great options – aim for slices that are about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. If you’re using regular sandwich bread, just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to soaking and has a tight crumb structure. You can even leave your bread slices out on the counter overnight to dry them out a bit if you’re starting with fresh bread.

Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up? Here are some handy substitutions for this eggless French toast recipe:

• Whole milk: You can use any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Coconut milk works too, but use the carton kind, not the canned version, as it’s too thick.
• Cornstarch: All-purpose flour or arrowroot powder work as alternatives – use the same amount. If using flour, make sure to whisk extra well to avoid lumps.
• White sugar: Brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey can replace white sugar. If using liquid sweeteners, reduce the milk by 1 tablespoon to maintain the right consistency.
• Spices: Don’t have all the spices? Just cinnamon works fine on its own. Pumpkin pie spice is a good all-in-one replacement for the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom mix.
• Thick bread: While thick-cut bread is best, regular sandwich bread can work too – just don’t soak it as long. Brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread are good options.
• Toppings: Feel free to swap strawberries with any fresh fruit, and maple syrup can be replaced with honey, agave, or any fruit syrup you like.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge with eggless French toast is getting the right consistency of your milk mixture – if it’s too thin, your bread will become soggy and fall apart, so make sure to whisk the cornstarch thoroughly with a small portion of cold milk first before adding the rest of the ingredients. Another common mistake is rushing the cooking process – cooking on too high heat will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw and gummy, so maintain a medium-low heat and give each slice about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. To make your French toast extra flavorful, don’t skip the resting time after dipping the bread – let each slice sit for about 30 seconds on a wire rack before cooking, which allows the spiced milk mixture to really soak into the bread without making it too wet. For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding your pan and wipe it clean with a paper towel between batches to prevent any burnt bits from sticking to your next slice.

What to Serve With Eggless French Toast?

This breakfast favorite pairs perfectly with all your morning favorites! Fresh fruit is always a winner – try a mix of berries, sliced bananas, or caramelized apples to add natural sweetness and freshness to your plate. A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage adds a savory balance that works really well with the sweet, spiced french toast. For a complete breakfast spread, add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, and maybe even a scoop of vanilla yogurt on the side. If you’re serving this for brunch, consider adding a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to round out the meal.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: If you end up with leftover eggless French toast, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 2 days. I like to place pieces of parchment paper between each slice to prevent them from sticking together.

Freeze: Want to prep ahead? You can freeze your cooked French toast for up to 2 months! Just lay the slices on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can grab just what you need whenever you’re craving some.

Warm Up: To bring back that fresh-made taste, pop your French toast in the toaster or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If frozen, no need to thaw first – just heat them straight from frozen. Add a small pat of butter while warming to keep them nice and moist.

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: 800-900
• Protein: 20-25 g
• Fat: 30-40 g
• Carbohydrates: 110-120 g

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (about 36 grams)
• 2 tablespoons white sugar (approximately 25 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• A pinch of salt
• 6-8 slices of thick bread
• Strawberries, maple syrup, and butter for serving

Step 1: Prepare the Liquid Mixture

In a large bowl (large enough to comfortably fit your bread slices, or use a shallow baking dish if necessary), add the milk and cornstarch together.

Then, add sugar, with an extra tablespoon if you prefer sweeter French toast.

Incorporate vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place a skillet over medium heat.

Add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of butter onto the skillet and let it melt.

Ensure the entire surface of the skillet is coated with the melted butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Dip the Bread in the Mixture

Before dipping each slice, stir the mixture again to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled.

Take a slice of bread and dip one side into the liquid mixture for a few seconds.

Flip and dip the other side until the bread is thoroughly coated.

Repeat this process for each slice.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Carefully place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet.

Fry each slice for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until it becomes golden brown.

Flip the slice and fry the other side as well.

Repeat with all remaining bread slices.

Remember to wipe the skillet clean after each slice and add more butter before cooking the next.

Step 5: Serve Your French Toast

Once all the slices are cooked to a golden perfection, serve them hot.

Top your French toast with fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a pat of butter for a delightful finish.

Enjoy your delicious homemade French toast!