Crispy French Toast with Crème Anglaise

Name: Crispy French Toast with Crème Anglaise
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 slices stale bread (such as brioche or challah); 3 eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 1 cup milk; 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped); 3 egg yolks; 1/4 cup sugar

40 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Delight in this crispy French toast paired with a rich crème anglaise, perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch.

Prep

20 min

Cook

20 min

Total

40 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Crispy French toast, or 'pain doré croustillant', is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favourite. This version combines the comforting familiarity of French toast with a satisfying crunch, making it an irresistible morning treat. The addition of a rich and velvety crème anglaise elevates this dish to a whole new level of indulgence. The origins of French toast can be traced back to Roman times, but this crispy version owes its texture to a clever technique of double frying. Paired with the creamy sweetness of crème anglaise, it becomes a luxurious breakfast dish that is sure to impress.

Instructions

Prepare the French Toast Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.

Pro tip: Make sure the mixture is smooth to coat the bread evenly.

Coat the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Then press each side into panko breadcrumbs.

Pro tip: Use stale bread for a better absorbency and texture.

Fry the French Toast

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the bread slices until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Pro tip: Ensure the oil is at 180°C (350°F) for optimal crispiness.

Prepare the Crème Anglaise

In a saucepan, heat milk and vanilla bean over medium heat until simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale.

Pro tip: Do not let the milk boil, as it could curdle.

Combine and Thicken

Gradually add the hot milk to the egg yolks while whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened slightly.

Pro tip: The crème anglaise is ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Serve

Serve the crispy French toast immediately, drizzled with warm crème anglaise.

Pro tip: Garnish with fresh berries for an added touch.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use stale bread for better texture.
Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying.
Whisk the crème anglaise continuously to avoid curdling.
Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pain doré croustillant?

Pain doré croustillant is a crispy version of French toast, often coated with breadcrumbs for added crunch.

How do you make French toast crispy?

To make French toast crispy, coat the soaked bread slices with panko breadcrumbs before frying.

Can I make crème anglaise in advance?

Yes, you can make crème anglaise up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

What type of bread is best for French toast?

Stale bread such as brioche or challah works best for French toast as it absorbs the egg mixture well.

What temperature should the oil be for frying?

The oil should be heated to 180°C (350°F) for frying the French toast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crispy French toast warm, generously drizzled with crème anglaise. This dish pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness. If you're planning a brunch, prepare the crème anglaise ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For storage, keep any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain its crispiness. However, it's best enjoyed fresh to preserve the texture.

Nutrition per serving

450

Calories

10g

Protein

20g

Fat

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