Churro French Toast – A Sweet and Savory Twist on a Classic Breakfast

Churro French Toast is a delightful fusion of two favorite comfort foods: churros and French toast. This decadent breakfast treat takes the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated exterior of a churro and combines it with the fluffy, eggy goodness of French toast. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a breakfast that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for lazy weekends, special brunches, or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, Churro French Toast is sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast repertoire.

This recipe uses thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, which are ideal for soaking up the egg mixture and holding up to the buttery frying process. The result is a golden-brown, crispy exterior with a soft, custardy interior. The finishing touch is a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, just like the classic churro, giving each bite a warm, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a drizzle of syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re serving it to family or enjoying it solo, this Churro French Toast will make any morning feel like a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Churro French Toast is a breakfast lover’s dream come true. It takes the classic French toast and adds a fun, cinnamon-sugar twist, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. The bread soaks up the egg mixture, creating a soft, custardy interior while the cinnamon-sugar coating gives it a deliciously crispy crunch. The combination of rich brioche or challah, creamy custard, and cinnamon sugar is nothing short of irresistible.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this dish ready in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, Churro French Toast is a breakfast that will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• Thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread
• Large eggs
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Butter (for frying)

Variations

• Stuffed Churro French Toast: For an extra indulgent twist, stuff your French toast with cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter before dipping it in the egg mixture and frying. The filling will melt into the bread for an extra creamy bite.
• Fruit Topping: Top your Churro French Toast with fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or caramelized apples for added sweetness and texture.
• Nutty Coating: For a crunchy texture, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the cinnamon-sugar mixture before coating the toast.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the whole milk for a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and use a dairy-free butter alternative for frying.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This mixture will soak into the bread, creating a rich, custardy interior.

Step 2: Coat the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated. Let any excess liquid drip off before placing the bread on a plate. You want the bread to soak up enough of the mixture to become soft, but not so much that it falls apart.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a separate shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the remaining ground cinnamon. Stir well until evenly mixed. This will be the coating that gives your Churro French Toast its signature sweet and spicy crunch.

Step 4: Fry the French Toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the soaked bread slices in the pan. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to add more butter between batches to ensure the toast cooks evenly.

Step 5: Coat the Toast in Cinnamon Sugar

Once the French toast slices are cooked, immediately coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can do this by placing the sugar mixture on a plate and gently pressing each slice into the coating to ensure it sticks evenly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Churro French Toast warm, topped with syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or any toppings you desire. Enjoy this sweet and savory twist on a classic breakfast!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old brioche or challah bread works best for French toast because it’s firm enough to absorb the egg mixture without falling apart. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it before dipping to help it hold up better.
• Don’t Soak Too Long: While you want the bread to soak up the custard mixture, be careful not to leave it in the mixture for too long, or it may become too soggy and fall apart during frying.
• Use Enough Butter: For a crispy, golden-brown exterior, be sure to use enough butter in the pan. This also helps prevent the bread from sticking.
• Toppings: For extra indulgence, top your Churro French Toast with a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a nice touch.

How to Serve

Churro French Toast can be served with a variety of toppings to suit your preferences. Traditional maple syrup is always a favorite, but you could also try honey, dulce de leche, or fresh fruit. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would also take this breakfast to the next level. For a more festive touch, sprinkle with additional cinnamon-sugar or serve with a side of bacon or sausage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Churro French Toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or you can warm them in the microwave for a quicker option.

Freezing

To freeze Churro French Toast, cook it as usual and let it cool completely. Place the slices in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat French toast, bake it in the oven or on a skillet with a little bit of butter until it’s heated through and the exterior is crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, you can use other types of bread such as sourdough or French bread, but brioche or challah gives the best texture for French toast.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a dairy-free butter for frying.

3. Can I add chocolate chips to the French toast?

Absolutely! You can sprinkle chocolate chips onto the bread slices before frying for a decadent twist.

4. How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?

Don’t soak the bread for too long in the egg mixture. It should absorb the custard but not become too saturated. Also, cook on medium heat to allow a golden, crispy exterior.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread in this recipe for a gluten-free version of Churro French Toast.

6. Can I freeze Churro French Toast?

Yes, you can freeze cooked French toast slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing.

7. Can I use egg substitutes?

Yes, you can use egg substitutes such as flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer to make this recipe vegan.

8. How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar coating.

9. How long does it take to cook the French toast?

Each side of the French toast takes about 2-3 minutes to cook on medium heat, so the total cooking time is about 5-6 minutes per slice.

10. Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a crunchy texture.

Conclusion

Churro French Toast is an irresistible breakfast that combines the best of two beloved dishes. With its crispy cinnamon-sugar coating and soft, custardy interior, this twist on the classic French toast will make every morning feel special. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy breakfast or impressing guests with a delicious brunch, Churro French Toast is sure to become a family favorite.

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