Crispy Almond-Crusted Vanilla French Toast
Indulge in this delightful Crispy Almond-Crusted Vanilla French Toast, a gourmet breakfast treat that's perfect for lazy weekends or special brunches. Inspired by a busy chef's creation, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious masterpiece. Soak thick slices of challah or Italian bread in a rich, custardy mixture of eggs, half-and-half, and aromatic spices. The pièce de résistance is a crunchy topping made from crushed corn flakes and sliced almonds that adds texture and flavor. For an extra touch of decadence, consider serving these golden beauties with fresh fruits and a drizzle of orange liqueur, or enjoy them simply on their own. Either way, this French toast is sure to impress your guests and elevate your morning routine.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggs
8 (beaten)
half-and-half
1 cup (none)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
2 pinches (none)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground or freshly grated)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none)
corn flakes
3 cups (lightly crushed)
sliced almonds
1/2 cup (lightly crushed)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
challah or soft Italian bread
12 slices (cut into 1 1/2-inch-thick slices)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, salt, nutmeg, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3
In another shallow dish, mix the crushed corn flakes and lightly crushed sliced almonds together, creating a crunchy coating for the toast.
4
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5
Coat 4 to 6 slices of bread in the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated, then transfer the coated bread to the dish with the corn flakes and almond mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
6
Place the coated bread slices into the skillet, cooking each side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown.
7
As each batch of toast is done, transfer them to a cookie sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
8
Continue this process with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
9
Once all slices are done, bake the French toast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to ensure they are cooked through and crispy.
10
Serve warm with fresh fruit, maple syrup, and a splash of orange liqueur if desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
20g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Almond-Crusted Vanilla French Toast?
It is a gourmet breakfast dish featuring thick slices of bread soaked in a spiced egg custard, coated in a crunchy mixture of corn flakes and almonds, and then pan-fried and baked.
How many slices of bread are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of challah or soft Italian bread.
What is the recommended thickness for the bread slices?
The bread should be cut into 1 1/2-inch-thick slices for the best texture.
What ingredients are used for the crunchy coating?
The coating is made from 3 cups of lightly crushed corn flakes and 1/2 cup of lightly crushed sliced almonds.
How many eggs do I need?
You will need 8 large beaten eggs.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What type of dairy is used in the custard?
The recipe uses 1 cup of half-and-half.
Which spices are included in the vanilla custard?
The custard is flavored with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground or freshly grated nutmeg, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
How long should I cook the French toast in the skillet?
Cook each side for about 2 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Why is the French toast baked in the oven after frying?
Baking for 10 minutes ensures the thick slices are cooked through and the almond crust becomes extra crispy.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 9 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this French toast?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
Challah or soft Italian bread is recommended.
How much butter is used for frying?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of melted butter, added to the skillet as needed.
What is the first step in preparing the custard?
Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a large shallow dish.
Should the almonds be sliced or whole?
You should use 1/2 cup of sliced almonds that have been lightly crushed.
Can I serve this with alcohol?
Yes, the recipe suggests serving with a splash of orange liqueur if desired.
What are the suggested toppings?
Fresh fruit and maple syrup are recommended toppings for this dish.
Is this recipe good for special occasions?
Yes, it is tagged for Christmas and perfect for special brunches or lazy weekends.
How do I ensure the coating sticks to the bread?
After soaking the bread in the egg mixture, transfer it to the corn flake and almond mixture and press gently to adhere the coating.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients.
What should I use to line the cookie sheet?
The recipe recommends lining the cookie sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is categorized as an 'easy recipe' in the tags.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
Use medium heat to melt the butter and cook the bread.
How many pinches of salt are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 pinches of salt.
What is the preparation for the corn flakes?
The corn flakes should be lightly crushed before mixing with the almonds.
Is this recipe considered savory or sweet?
While it contains cinnamon and vanilla, it is tagged as both savory and a sweet breakfast treat.
What makes this French toast gourmet?
The combination of a rich egg custard with a crunchy almond and corn flake crust elevates it beyond standard French toast.