There is nothing quite like a good piece of French toast for breakfast.
I personally love the unique taste and texture that this dish offers!
But sometimes, it can be a little soggy in the middle, especially if you don’t cook it for long enough.
So is this supposed to happen, or are you doing something wrong?
In this blog post, I will explore the question of whether french toast is supposed to be soggy in the middle or not.
I will also provide some helpful tips on how to cook the perfect French toast!
Stay tuned!
Is French Toast Supposed To Be Soggy In The Middle?
French toast is not supposed to be soggy in the middle. A good piece of French toast is supposed to be crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. If your French toast is coming out soggy, it means that you are not cooking it long enough or at a high enough temperature.
In order to know whether your French toast is too soggy or not, you can insert a toothpick into the center of the toast.
If the toothpick comes out clean, then your French toast is cooked through.
If the toothpick is coming out with batter attached to it, then it is likely undercooked.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to avoid this.
Let’s find out what these things are right away!
Tips To Make The Perfect French Toast
When it comes to making the perfect French toast, there a few helpful tips that will ensure success.
Use thick slices of bread
When you use thick slices of bread, it helps the French toast to cook evenly and prevents it from getting too soggy.
I personally like to use challah bread or brioche because they are both really soft and delicious.
Cook on a griddle or in a pan over medium heat
Be sure to cook on a griddle or in a pan over medium-high heat so that the outside of the bread gets nice and crispy while the inside stays fluffy.
Generally you should cook French toast for about three to four minutes per side. You know it is done when the outside is golden brown and the inside is cooked through.
Flip the toast halfway through cooking
Flipping the toast halfway through cooking is essential to getting evenly cooked French toast.
Make sure to keep an eye on the toast so that it doesn’t get too dark on one side.
Add some flavor
Adding a little bit of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the egg mixture will give your French toast some extra flavor.
Add a little butter to the pan
Adding some butter to the pan before you add the egg mixture will help to create a crispy outer layer.
Serve with syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar
There are lots of toppings you can choose from to top your French toast.
Some popular options include syrup, fresh fruit, and powdered sugar.
But of course, you can choose whatever you like as French toast lends itself perfectly to many different toppings!
Why Won’t My French Toast Get Crispy?
If your French toast is not getting crispy, it is likely because the pan is not hot enough. The pan needs to be hot enough so that the butter can melt and create a crispy outer layer. Another reason your French toast might not be getting crispy is because you are using the wrong type of bread.
Brioche, challah, and sourdough bread are all great options for making French toast because they are dense and have a higher egg to bread ratio.
If you are using a bread that is too soft, it will soak up too much of the egg mixture and become soggy.
Try using a denser bread and making sure the pan is hot before you add the bread.
Why Is My French Toast Sticking To The Pan
If your French toast sticks to the pan, it is likely because the pan is too hot. In order to make a good piece of French toast, it is best advised to turn the heat down to medium so that the outside of the bread has time to get crispy without burning.
Another reason your French toast might be sticking to the pan is because you didn’t use enough butter.
When you use too little butter, it will cause the bread to stick and make it more difficult to flip.
If your French toast is sticking to the pan, try turning the heat down and adding a little more butter to the pan.
With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to making the perfect French toast!
Can You Save French Toast Batter For The Next Day?
If you happen to have some leftover French toast batter, you can save it in the fridge for the next day. When you are ready to use it, just take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. It is best advised to not let it sit in the fridge any longer than one day.
If you’d like to freeze French toast batter, I would advise to instead prepare a batch of French toast and freeze it once it is finished cooking.
I personally like to freeze my pieces of French toast in individual servings so that I can just pull one out and reheat it when I’m in the mood for some French toast.
I like to store them in freezer bags with the date labeled on the outside.
That way you will only have to heat it up whenever you feel like having a piece for breakfast!
Does French Toast Stay Good Overnight?
When you’ve already baked your French toast but have some leftovers, you can store them in the fridge and they will stay good for a few days. You can also freeze French toast once it has been baked already and it will stay good for up to about two months.
When you want to eat the French toast, just reheat it in the oven or microwave until it is warm throughout.
You can also use a toaster to reheat French toast.
Why Does My French Toast Taste Like Eggs?
If your French toast tastes like eggs, it is likely because you’ve used too many eggs in the mixture. When you use too many eggs, it can make the French toast taste eggy and custardy. If you find that your French toast tastes too eggy, try using less eggs in the mixture.
Another reason your French toast might taste like eggs is because you’ve overcooked it.
If the French toast is overcooked, it will become dry and rubbery.
If your French toast is overcooked, try cooking it for a shorter amount of time.
Other Questions You May Have
Can I use stale bread to make French toast?
Stale bread is actually ideal for making the best French toast. The slightly dry texture of stale bread allows it to absorb the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy. If you have fresh bread, you can intentionally leave it out overnight to dry it slightly.
The French term for French toast, “pain perdu,” literally means “lost bread,” highlighting its historical use as a way to salvage stale or leftover bread.
So, it’s not only acceptable but also the traditional French way to use stale or dry bread for this classic recipe.
What’s the best bread to use for French toast?
The best bread for French toast is usually thick, dense, and slightly dry. Options like challah, brioche, sourdough, or even Texas toast work well. These bread types can maintain their structure when soaked in the custard mixture, resulting in a perfect balance of crispness and fluffiness.
While you can use white bread for French toast, branching out to other kinds of bread can elevate your French toast to the best it can be.
The key is to choose a bread that can hold up to the milk mixture without turning too spongy.
Can I use whole milk or heavy cream for a richer custard?
Using whole milk or heavy cream in the custard mixture can provide extra richness and flavor to your French toast. If you’re looking for a more decadent and indulgent version, go ahead and use these options instead of skim milk or almond milk.
The higher fat content in whole milk and heavy cream can result in a creamier and more luxurious custard, turning your French toast into the best indulgence.
It’s a good idea to splurge on the (plant-based) dairy if you’re seeking a richer experience.
How do I prevent undercooked French toast?
To prevent undercooked or soggy French toast, make sure to cook it for an adequate amount of time on medium-low heat. You want the toast to be crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.
Remember to flip it halfway through cooking, and avoid high heat, which can lead to undercooked or burnt French toast.
Achieving the best texture for your French toast involves selecting the right bread and maintaining the perfect ratio of eggs to bread.
Keeping a close eye on the heat and taking your time are crucial for the ideal French toast experience.
What are some creative toppings for French toast?
French toast is incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. In addition to classic choices like syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit such as fresh berries, you can explore toppings like fruit syrups, whipped cream, nut butters, a pinch of cinnamon and even a drizzle of pure maple syrup for added flavor and variety.
The beauty of French toast lies in its ability to be customized with your favorite toppings.
From fruit syrups to rich custard flavor, there’s no shortage of ways to elevate your French toast to the best it can be.
Can I use coconut milk or almond milk in my French toast recipe?
You can use coconut milk or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative in your French toast recipe. These options can add a unique flavor profile to your French toast, giving it a slightly different taste compared to using regular milk.
Exploring alternative milk options can be a great idea if you’re looking for a non-dairy or lactose-free alternative to create a delicious French toast.
Coconut milk can bring a hint of tropical flair, while almond milk adds a subtle nutty undertone to the classic recipe.
In Conclusion
So, to conclude, French toast is not supposed to be soggy in the middle.
If your French toast is coming out soggy, it means that you are not cooking it long enough or at a high enough temperature.
Try using a denser bread and cooking the French toast on medium heat until it is crispy on the outside and cooked throughout.
If you find that your French toast is sticking to the pan, try turning the heat down and adding a bit more butter to the pan.
By following the tips in this blog post, you should be well on your way to making perfect French toast every time!
Bon appetit!