Growing up in the 1960s Dad worked in a bakery and brought home so many whole loaves of bread it would get stale and Mom was the best repurposed food person on earth.
With just some simple pantry ingredients like eggs, milk, vanilla, and a little orange zest, this will be your new favorite recipe.
Remember stale bread is the best, and don't oversoak the bread it will be a soggy mess.
Serve this up with fried meats of any kind or a boiled egg on the side and you can even have breakfast for dinner and a hearty delicious meal.
Add a few side dishes and this will become a family favorite but don't take my word for it, give this one a try first to see.
You may also like to try our Cannoli Stuffed French Toast or bookmark this Italian French Toast plus another easy breakfast recipe like our Homemade Sausage and Cheddar Biscuits, they're so yummy.
Don't forget to add a dollop of mascarpone cheese if you have any it's amazing!
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Best French Toast Tips
- always heat the griddle first for the best results
- use unsalted butter or olive oil to fry the toast in
- do not over-soak the bread or it will be a soggy mess
- for sweeter-tasting French toast add a teaspoon of sugar
- always use thickly cut bread and the best result is slicing from a whole loaf of Italian bread never use American bread
- try using melted Tiramisu ice cream in place of heavy cream or another melted ice cream
Shopping List for the Best Italian French Toast Recipe
- eggs
- whole milk
- heavy cream
- pinch of cinnamon
- pinch of baking powder
- vanilla
- grated fresh orange zest
Side Dishes or Additions (set up a breakfast bar station and let them choose )
- cooked bacon
- cooked breakfast or Italian sausages
- fried deli ham
- Candian bacon
- leftover steak
- leftover pork chops
- chopped vegetables of any kind
- fresh fruits
- toppings: jam spreads, flavored syrups, whipped butter, strawberry cream cheese, powdered sugar
- sliced tomatoes
- homefries
- tater tots
- whipped cream
- chocolate chips
- chocolate syrup
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Yield: 12
Italian Style French Toast
Thick flavorful Italian-style French toast, it's the best!
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 6 MinTotal time: 16 Min
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- pinch of cinnamon
- pinch of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh orange zest
- Note: Mom would add Grand Marnier
- You will need a 1-lb whole loaf sliced by hand and thick ( cut 2 to 3 inches thick sliced) should be stale hard bread not fresh
- Bread Suggestions: best cut from a whole loaf of Italian bread, egg bread, panettone, ciabatta, Cuban bread, Artisan, and brioche.
Instructions
- In a large baking square deep dish, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, baking powder, and vanilla and peel together.
- Lay the bread slices in the dish and let soak for 30 to 45 seconds.
- Using a griddle heated on medium, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- Place the thickly sliced bread on the griddle and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown (we wait for crispy edges).
- Serve with real maple syrup, honey, fresh ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, or jam.
- Garnish with whipped cream if you prefer. You can sprinkle pecans on top or chocolate chips too for a real treat.
Notes
Best French Toast Tips
- always heat the griddle first for the best results
- use unsalted butter or olive oil to fry the toast in
- do not over-soak the bread or it will be a soggy mess
- for sweeter-tasting French toast add a teaspoon of sugar
- always use thickly cut bread and the best result is slicing from a whole loaf of Italian bread never use American bread
- try using melted Tiramisu ice cream in place of heavy cream or another melted ice cream
Side Dishes or Additions (set up a breakfast bar station and let them choose )
- cooked bacon
- cooked breakfast or Italian sausages
- fried deli ham
- Candian bacon
- leftover steak
- leftover pork chops
- chopped vegetables of any kind
- fresh fruits
- toppings: jam spreads, flavored syrups, whipped butter, strawberry cream cheese, powdered sugar
- sliced tomatoes
- homefries
- tater tots
- whipped cream
- chocolate chips
- chocolate syrup
Nutrition Facts
Calories
165.09Fat (grams)
6.22 gSat. Fat (grams)
3.13 gCarbs (grams)
20.64 gFiber (grams)
0.87 gNet carbs
19.77 gSugar (grams)
2.62 gProtein (grams)
6.55 gSodium (milligrams)
256.73 mgCholesterol (grams)
66.99 mgThe default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
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