Swirled with cinnamon and vanilla, this succulent brunch is as accommodating as it is delicious!
When I removed gluten from my diet, one of the only dishes I still craved for a while was French toast. Until recently, I hadn’t eaten French toast in years! But since finding some delicious gluten-free bread options, I’ve brought it back for holiday brunches and birthday breakfasts. Gluten-free French toast is simple, easy to make, and acceptable for people who are gluten-sensitive or intolerant.
While the history of French toast is nebulous, it’s believed to have been invented as far back as ancient Roman times as a way of turning stale bread into a sustainable, yummy meal. In France, it’s even called pain perdu, meaning “lost bread.” Today in our kitchens, French toast is still one of the best ways to transform old bread into an epic breakfast. Whoever first decided to soak fluffy slices of bread in egg and fry them deserves our thanks!
And don’t worry: there’s no sacrificing flavor here. Gluten-free French toast has the same warm and welcoming sweetness of cinnamon, vanilla, and golden maple syrup! Try it out; you’ll be surprised by how much it tastes like the “OG.”
Is Gluten-Free French Toast Healthy?
While this recipe is gluten-free and therefore suitable for people who can’t consume gluten, it’s still quite sugary and high-carb. I recommend serving this treat only once in a while for special occasions. Feel free to make it dairy-free by using cashew or oat milk, and use coconut oil for frying. Make it a smidge more nutritious (and delicious) by topping your French toast with fresh berries, nut butter, or cinnamon apples.
What are the Best Gluten-Free bread Brands?
For the past decade, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect gluten-free bread. Luckily, these days, it’s pretty easy to go to the grocery store and find the best brand for you. There are even breads made with nut butter, seeds, and lentils. I prefer these options, not just because they feel better to my gluten-sensitive tummy, but also because they offer a small boost of plant protein. When it comes to French toast, it’s important to use a bread that’s thick and sturdy. “Katz” brand has a great gluten-free challah, which is rich and delicious.
How to make ahead and store
Let your leftover French toast cool to room temperature and then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can either reheat it in a well-oiled skillet over medium heat, or pop it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5 to 10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the slices in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating with the instructions above.
Serving Suggestions
My favorite way to serve gluten-free French toast is with a spread of Cinnamon Roll Cashew Butter, Pecan Butter, or Healthy Strawberry Chia Jam. Then I top it with banana slices and drizzle with honey or maple syrup, depending on my mood.
Feel free to top it off with a pat of butter as well, or some Cinnamon Applesauce for a fall-friendly feast.
Boost your protein by serving a side of Hard Boiled Eggs, or even Oven-Cooked Bacon if you’re craving something salty. Voilà, a golden gluten-free brunch!
Ingredients
- 4 slices gluten-free bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Maple syrup for serving
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl shallow enough to dip the bread, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Dunk each slice of gluten-free bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
- Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each slice until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add more butter or oil to the skillet during cooking if needed.
- Serve the French toast warm with maple syrup.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment