Creating the perfect French toast can truly transform your mornings into a delightful culinary experience. Yet, even the most enthusiastic home cooks among us sometimes stumble upon common yet easily overlooked pitfalls when attempting this sweet breakfast classic. It might surprise you that something as simple as the type of bread you choose or cranking up the heat too high can derail your French toast dreams, leaving you with a dish that’s either too soggy or burnt.
A key component in nailing French toast is not just the ingredients you use, but how you cook it. Chef Kaleena Bliss, culinary expert and the esteemed chef of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel’s chic rooftop restaurant, Cindy’s, wants to make one thing clear: when it comes to French toast, steer clear of the toaster. Yes, you read that right!
In a candid conversation with Mashed, Chef Bliss explains, “While the toaster might look like a convenient option, it’s not designed to handle the moisture from the soaked bread. You’re bound to end up with a sticky mess, and who wants to deal with that early in the morning?” We all know the pain of cleaning up after an unplanned breakfast disaster, and it certainly doesn’t help our morning mood. More importantly, the taste and texture of your beloved French toast will suffer. Instead of enjoying that heavenly, fluffy breakfast we’ve been dreaming of, you’ll be left with sad, unevenly cooked slices that resemble something far from the Pinterest-perfect dish we all aspire to make. Nobody wants breakfast to feel like a chore, right?
Of course, in the mess of trying to experiment with kitchen hacks like using a waffle iron for hash browns or a squeezable bottle for pancake batter, the toaster should definitely not make the list of items to repurpose.
And what if you find yourself with some glorious leftovers from that cozy family brunch or a lazy Sunday breakfast? The idea of reheating French toast can be a tad daunting. But no need to fret! Chef Bliss offers us hope, saying, “While the toaster isn’t your friend for cooking, its smarter sibling—the toaster oven—can be a real game-changer for reheating.” Now that’s a golden nugget of wisdom! If you’re feeling fancy and adventurous, the air fryer is another excellent option.
Here’s how to make the most of that air fryer to breathe life back into your French toast: first, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; this little step ensures the heat is just right for evenly warming your breakfast delight. Your reheating time can vary depending on the thickness of your slices, but typically it should take between three to five minutes—quick and easy! Don’t forget to flip those slices halfway through, which will help both sides get that ideal warm-and-crispy texture we all crave. Lastly, be mindful not to crowd the basket; ideally, your tasty slices should lie in a single layer, allowing the air to circulate. Remember, air circulation is key for that perfectly revved-up French toast!
With Chef Bliss’s expert tips in your back pocket, you’re now equipped to avoid those common French toast pitfalls, whether you’re making it fresh or reheating those delightful leftovers. So go ahead and indulge in breakfast experiences that are not just meals but moments to savor—because every delicious bite deserves to be enjoyed!
