French toast is dipped in an egg custard batter and then covered in panko bread crumbs, giving it a super crunchy finish. This crunchy French toast is great for a special weekend breakfast or brunch.
This crunchy French toast is a new creation that is, once again, brought to you by my brother.
Last week, I made Baked Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches after seeing my brother make his version (inspired by the ones from Churros Borough). After I showed him my version, he then showed me his photos of Crunchy French Toast inspired by the ones from Blu Jam Cafe and told me to make it. So, I did.
I’ve never had the ones from Blu Jam Cafe, but it’s basically French toast covered in crushed corn flakes, which actually was my initial thought of how to cover the French toast.
However, I liked my brother’s idea of panko crumbs even better. I’ve made cornflake-crusted chicken before and the crushed cornflakes crust just isn’t as pretty and doesn’t stick on as well. The panko crumbs perfectly covered the French toast slices and cooked very evenly.
Ingredients
Ingredients- Sliced Texas toast
- Large eggs
- Heavy cream
- Honey
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Nutella
Recipe Instructions
I used Texas-style toast as my base, and I couldn’t help myself. I felt compelled to stuff it with something. So, I stuffed in some Nutella. You can also do chocolate spread, cookie butter spread, jam, fruit, etc. Or don’t stuff them at all.
Whisk the eggs, heavy cream and honey in a shallow bowl. Place the panko in a separate shallow dish or bowl.
If you are stuffing your toast, carefully make an incision along the longest side of your triangle. Use a spatula to spread some Nutella inside. Repeat with all of the slices of bread. You don’t need to stuff it, you can keep the bread slices plain.
Dip the bread pieces in the egg mixture. Then roll them in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated in breadcrumbs. Place the coated bread pieces on a prepared baking sheet.
Bake the French toast for about 22 to 25 minutes at 350°F. In the last 10 minutes flip the French toast over. Careful not to bake them too long or your Nutella will completely dry out.
Serve the crunchy French toast with fresh berries or other fruit and maple syrup.
Recipe Tips
Much like my Baked Churros, I found that baking the French toast in the oven is better than cooking it on the stove in a skillet. I think baking keeps the coating crunchier longer. It also makes it easy to make French toast for a crowd.
It’s important to use thick slices of bread especially if you are stuffing it. Even if you aren’t, thick slices hold up better with the crunchy coating.
You can add ground cinnamon to the egg mixture or add a teaspoon of vanilla for extra flavor.
This French toast recipe came out so tasty. Instead of eating them with a fork and knife, we just picked up a piece, dipped in syrup and munched on them.
More Creative French Toast Recipes
Crunchy French Toast
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices of Texas style toast but do not toast it, sliced into triangle halves
- 2 extra large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream (see note)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs I prefer Kikkoman
- 4 tbsp of Nutella spread optional
- syrup for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream and honey. In another bowl, pour in breadcrumbs.
- If you are stuffing your toast, carefully make an incision along the longest side of your triangle. The using a spatula, spread 1/2 tbsp of Nutella. Repeat with all slices.
- Take a triangle piece of bread and dip both sides in egg batter. Then roll it into the breadcrumbs until both sides are evenly covered in breadcrumbs. Place onto prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining bread.
- Bake for about 22-25 minutes, flipping over with 10 minutes remaining, until both sides are crunchy and golden and egg custard is fully cooked. Careful not to cook too long or your Nutella will completely dry out. Serve with fresh fruit and syrup.
Notes
- You can also use whole milk but the batter won't be as rich. If you use whole milk, reduce the amount to 2/3 cup.
- The nutrition estimate does not include the syrup.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Thanks, for a great and yummy recipe! I sure plan on making this very soon!
you’re welcome!
Never coated my french toast in panko before.. genius idea!
it’s really delicious, definitely try it!
Looks yummy! Can’t wait to try this with the panko! And the Nutella – but that goes without saying 🙂
Jillian
I know I like to put Nutella in everything, but it just tastes better that way 😉
These are awesome! I love the custard-y inside of French toast but this really ups the outside crispiness factor 🙂
Yeah the crunchy outside is so good!