How to Turn Homemade Bread into the Best French Toast: A Sunday Breakfast Must-try!

When it comes to Sunday breakfast, few dishes are as comforting as French toast. Imagine waking up to the rich aroma of bread baking in your kitchen, followed by the simple joy of digging into a golden, buttery slice of French toast made from your very own homemade bread. If you want to elevate your weekend mornings, you’re in the right place! This guide will take you through creating perfect sandwich bread and transforming it into the best French toast you can enjoy.

Why Homemade Bread?

There’s something enchanting about homemade bread. The wonderful fragrance filling your space, the fluffy texture, and the satisfying crust cannot be matched by store-bought loaves. Beyond the sensory experience, making your own bread is rewarding. You control the ingredients and can tailor it to suit your tastes.

For instance, adding whole grains can boost the nutritional value of your bread, while substituting in herbs or spices can give it a unique twist. Imagine savoring French toast made with a loaf containing whole wheat flour, which offers up to 50% more fiber than white bread! It’s this personalized touch that makes Sunday breakfast truly special.

Recipe for Homemade Sandwich Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 packet active dry yeast (approximately 2 ¼ teaspoons)

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)

  
  

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

   
   

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

   
   

3. Mix Everything Together: Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients, along with the softened butter. Stir until it forms a rough dough.

   
   

4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add more flour as needed.

   
   

5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

   
   

6. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

   
   

7. Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.

   
   

8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

   
   

Freshly baked sandwich bread cooling on a wire rack.

Transforming Homemade Bread into French Toast

With your homemade bread ready, let's turn it into a delicious French toast. This recipe is simple yet flavorful, ensuring you wake up eager to dive into breakfast.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of homemade bread

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup milk (or your choice of plant-based milk)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Butter or oil for frying

• Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for serving

  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.

   
   

2. Heat the Pan: Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil, allowing it to melt.

   
   

3. Dip the Bread: Take a slice of your homemade bread and dip it into the egg mixture. Let it soak for a few seconds on each side, but avoid making it too soggy.

   
   

4. Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat for remaining slices.

   
   

5. Serve: Serve the French toast warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit.

   
   

Tips for Best Results

• Use thick slices of homemade bread for a heartier texture. This not only enhances the experience but also prevents the bread from becoming too soggy.

• Let the bread soak a little longer in the egg mixture if you prefer a custardy texture.

• Experiment with toppings! Try adding whipped cream, Nutella, or even yogurt for a fun twist.

• Pair your French toast with a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice, enhancing the overall Sunday breakfast experience.

  
  

Savor Every Bite

French toast crafted from homemade bread is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that adds warmth and joy to your Sunday mornings. Whether you are enjoying a meal with family or savoring it solo, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Not only do you get to enjoy something delicious, but you also have the joy of cooking from scratch. So gather your ingredients and prepare to create a breakfast that feels truly special. Happy cooking!

A plated breakfast of French toast elegantly presented with mint leaves.