French toast is a breakfast classic that’s beloved by children and adults alike. It's a versatile dish that can be simple or gourmet, and it’s perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or a special brunch. For parents, it's an excellent way to sneak in some extra nutrition. Here are some easy and delightful French toast recipes and creative twists that will make breakfast fun and nutritious for your kids.
Classic French Toast
Before diving into creative variations, let's start with a simple, classic French toast recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (preferably thick-cut)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (any type)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
- Place the bread slices in the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Banana-Stuffed French Toast
This recipe adds a delightful banana filling that kids will love. It's like having dessert for breakfast!
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- Follow the same steps to prepare the egg mixture as in the classic recipe.
- Place banana slices between two slices of bread to make a sandwich.
- Dip the sandwich in the egg mixture, coating both sides.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast
Turn a favorite lunchtime sandwich into a fun breakfast treat with this twist.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp jelly or jam
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on another, then put them together to make a sandwich.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Dip the sandwich in the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Slice into triangles and serve.
French Toast Roll-Ups
These roll-ups are fun for kids to eat and can be filled with various ingredients, making them customizable.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bread, crusts removed
- 1/4 cup cream cheese or Nutella
- 1/4 cup sliced strawberries or bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or Nutella on each slice.
- Add a few slices of strawberries or bananas on one end of the bread, then roll it up tightly.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture, ensuring it's well-coated.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of syrup.
Savory French Toast
For a different twist, try a savory version of French toast that incorporates cheese and herbs. It’s a great way to introduce new flavors to your kids.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or basil
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and herbs.
- Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top of each slice.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted.
- Serve with a side of tomato slices or avocado.
Rainbow French Toast
Brighten up your kids' breakfast with this colorful twist on French toast.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Food coloring (red, blue, green, yellow)
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Divide the mixture into four separate bowls and add a few drops of different food coloring to each bowl.
- Dip each slice of bread into a different colored mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with a variety of fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for extra fun.
Tips for Perfect French Toast
- Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, making for a more flavorful French toast.
- Opt for Thick-Cut Bread: Thick slices hold up better when soaked in the egg mixture.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures the bread cooks through without burning.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the flavors in both sweet and savory French toast.
- Experiment with Toppings: Fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, or even a sprinkle of granola can add texture and nutrition.
French toast is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that can be adapted to suit any taste. Whether your kids prefer sweet, savory, or something in between, there’s a French toast recipe here that will delight them. So, next time you’re looking for a fun and delicious breakfast option, try one of these creative French toast recipes. Your kids will love the variety, and you'll love how easy they are to make!