Blueberry Lemon French Toast Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale, as it absorbs the egg mixture better.

Eggs: Acts as the base for the custard mixture.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard mixture.

Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Lemon zest: Adds a tangy, citrusy note.

Blueberries: Bursts of sweetness and color.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast.

Maple syrup: A sweet topping for serving.

To ensure your French toast has a perfectly crisp exterior and a soft, custardy interior, use stale bread rather than fresh. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively, preventing the toast from becoming soggy. If you don't have stale bread on hand, you can lightly toast fresh bread slices in the oven for a few minutes before dipping them in the egg mixture.

• stale bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent choice for French toast.

• stale bread - Substitute with challah: Challah has a soft texture and absorbs the egg mixture well, providing a deliciously moist French toast.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that adds a subtle nutty flavor to the French toast.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a rich and creamy texture, adding a hint of tropical flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract gives a slightly different but equally pleasant flavor profile.

• lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest provides a citrusy aroma and flavor, similar to lemon zest.

• fresh or frozen blueberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries offer a tart and sweet flavor that complements the French toast.

• fresh or frozen blueberries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries add a juicy and sweet element, enhancing the overall taste.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a slight coconut flavor and works well for cooking.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a plant-based option that can be used for cooking and serving.

• maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can be drizzled over the French toast.

• maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a vegan-friendly sweetener with a mild flavor that pairs well with French toast.

• Allow the French toast to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Place the cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until they are firm.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store the French toast in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, use within this timeframe to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen French toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the French toast in a toaster or toaster oven. Toast on a medium setting until warmed and slightly crispy.
• If you prefer using a microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through, until heated thoroughly.
• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some fresh lemon zest or blueberries over the reheated French toast before serving.
• Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy your delicious Blueberry Lemon French Toast as if it were freshly made.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the bread while ensuring the blueberries remain juicy.

• For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set it to medium heat and place the French toast slices directly on the rack. Toast for 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to avoid over-browning. This method is perfect for a quick breakfast fix.

• If you prefer using the microwave, place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that this method may make the French toast slightly softer.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method is great for retaining the texture of the French toast.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

• Whisk: A tool used to blend the egg mixture smoothly.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the bread slices until golden brown.

• Spatula: A utensil used to flip the bread slices in the skillet.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the vanilla extract and lemon zest precisely.

• Zester: A tool used to grate the lemon zest.

• Plate: A dish used to serve the cooked French toast.

• Butter knife: A utensil used to spread the butter in the skillet.

• Serving spoon: A spoon used to drizzle maple syrup over the French toast.

• Small bowl: A bowl used to hold the blueberries before sprinkling them over the French toast.

Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better and cooks faster, saving you time.

Pre-mix ingredients: Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest the night before to save time in the morning.

Use a large skillet: Cooking multiple slices of bread at once in a large skillet speeds up the process.

Frozen blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, thaw them in the microwave to save cooking time.

Butter prep: Pre-cut your butter into small pieces for quick and easy addition to the skillet.