Strawberry Basil French Toast Recipe

Bread: Preferably thick slices to absorb the egg mixture well.

Eggs: Acts as the base for the custard mixture.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard mixture.

Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet and aromatic flavor.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the custard mixture.

Strawberries: Fresh and sliced, they add a sweet and tangy flavor.

Basil: Fresh and chopped, it adds a unique aromatic touch.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast to a golden brown.

To enhance the flavor of your French toast, consider infusing the milk with vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon before mixing it with the eggs. This will add a subtle depth of flavor. Additionally, make sure your bread is slightly stale; fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture. For a more even cook, use a non-stick skillet and keep the heat at medium to prevent burning the butter. Finally, macerate the strawberries with a bit of sugar beforehand to draw out their natural juices, adding an extra layer of sweetness to your dish.

• thick slices bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it an excellent alternative for French toast.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in French toast recipes.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note.

• sliced strawberries - Substitute with sliced peaches: Peaches offer a similar sweetness and texture, making them a good alternative.

• chopped fresh basil - Substitute with mint leaves: Mint leaves provide a fresh and aromatic flavor similar to basil.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• Allow the French toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the toast soggy.
• Place the cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm. This step ensures that the slices won't stick together.
• Once the slices are frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking.
• Label the bag or container with the date. French toast can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen French toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a toaster or toaster oven.
• If you prefer to store the French toast in the refrigerator, place the cooled slices in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 days.
• When ready to serve, reheat the refrigerated French toast in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use a toaster oven for a quicker option.
• For best results, always top the French toast with fresh strawberries and basil after reheating to maintain their vibrant flavors and textures.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover French toast on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the French toast with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to regain some crispiness.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the French toast slices in the skillet.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast slices on the toaster oven rack or a baking sheet.
  3. Heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook.

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

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the egg mixture until smooth and well-combined.

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

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices in the skillet to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and other liquid ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the vanilla extract and sugar precisely.

• Knife: Used to slice the strawberries and chop the fresh basil.

• Cutting board: A surface used to prepare and chop the strawberries and basil.

• Plate: Used to serve the finished French toast.

• Serving spoon: Used to distribute the sliced strawberries and chopped basil evenly over the French toast.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Slice the strawberries and chop the basil the night before to save time in the morning.

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

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the butter melts quickly and the bread cooks evenly by preheating the skillet.

Mix the egg batter ahead: Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar and store in the fridge overnight.

Use thick bread: Thick slices of bread absorb the egg mixture better and cook faster.