These mini French toast bites are a delightful breakfast treat. Made from crispy French baguette slices dipped in a rich, creamy egg mixture, then pan-fried to golden perfection, they're a fun twist on a classic recipe. Easy to whip up and perfect for a quick breakfast or a brunch party!
All of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. However, the key ingredient here is the French baguette. You'll want to select a dense baguette with a crisp crust and soft interior for best results. Half and half, a blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream, is also used to make the egg mixture extra creamy.
Ingredients Needed for Mini French Toast Bites
French baguette: The basis of the dish, a good-quality French baguette will give your mini French toast bites an authentic taste and texture.
Large eggs: Essential for the custard base of the French toast.
Half and half: Makes the egg mixture creamy and rich. If not available, you can replace it with a blend of milk and cream.
Milk: Adds a little lightness to the custard base.
Ground cinnamon: For a hint of warmth and sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Used to fry the bread, it adds a delightful richness and helps create a beautiful golden brown crust.
One reader, Antone Bennett says:
These mini French toast bites are a game-changer! They're so easy to make and absolutely delicious. The perfect bite-sized treat for breakfast or brunch. The cinnamon flavor is just right, and they're great with a drizzle of maple syrup. I can't wait to make them again!
Key Techniques for Crafting Mini French Toast Bites
How to slice the baguette: Slice the baguette into 1 to 1.5-inch slices. Set aside for use in the recipe.
How to whisk the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, half-and-half, milk, and cinnamon together until combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy. Pour the mixture into a pie dish or baking pan for soaking the bread.
How to soak the bread: Soak the bread slices in the egg mixture for about 2 minutes on each side to ensure they are fully coated and infused with flavor.
How to cook the French toast bites: Over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet pan. Place the soaked bread slices in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
How to serve the French toast bites: Serve the mini French toast bites immediately with butter, maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and/or fruit for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
How To Make Mini French Toast Bites
Enjoy a sweet breakfast with this bite-sized French toast. It’s made with baguette pieces soaked in cinnamon-flavored milk, then cooked until golden.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 13ozFrench baguette,anywhere around that size
- 3large eggs
- ½cuphalf and half
- ½cupmilk
- ½tspground cinnamon
- 2tspunsalted butter,for greasing the pan
Instructions
-
Slice baguette into 1 to 1.5-inch slices. Set aside.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, half-and-half, milk, and cinnamon together until combined. The mixture will be thick and creamy. Pour in a pie dish or baking pan.
-
Soak the bread slices in the mixture for about 2 minutes on each side.
-
Meanwhile, over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet pan. Place however many slices of bread fit into the pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
-
Melt more butter in the skillet pan for the next batch, if needed.
-
Serve immediately with butter, maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and/or fruit.
Nutrition
- Calories: 379.92kcal
- Fat: 12.19g
- Saturated Fat: 5.61g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.46g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.77g
- Carbohydrates: 51.10g
- Fiber: 2.20g
- Sugar: 7.24g
- Protein: 16.50g
- Cholesterol: 158.83mg
- Sodium: 633.72mg
- Calcium: 138.96mg
- Potassium: 241.10mg
- Iron: 4.32mg
- Vitamin A: 119.60µg
- Vitamin C: 0.28mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Mini French Toast Bites
To ensure your French toast bites are evenly cooked and have a consistent texture, it's important to soak each slice of baguette in the egg and milk mixture for the same amount of time. This allows the bread to absorb the mixture evenly. Also, remember to keep the heat at medium-low when cooking the soaked bread slices. This will help to achieve a golden brown crust without burning the bread.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mini French Toast Bites Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This way, you can simply dip the bread slices in the morning and cook them up quickly.
Use a griddle: Utilize a griddle to cook multiple slices at once, saving time and allowing for a more efficient cooking process.
Batch cooking: Cook all the French toast bites at once and keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve, streamlining the serving process.
Pre-cut bread: Purchase pre-sliced baguette or pre-cut the bread the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Efficient dipping: Use a shallow, wide dish for the egg mixture to easily dip multiple bread slices at once, speeding up the soaking process.
Quick cleanup: Line the griddle or skillet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, eliminating the need to scrub the pan after cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Mini French Toast Bites Recipe
French baguette - Substitute with challah bread: Challah bread has a similar texture and flavor to French baguette, making it a great substitute for French toast bites.
Eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs in this recipe, providing binding and moisture to the dish.
Half and half - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can add a rich and creamy texture similar to half and half, while also providing a hint of coconut flavor.
Milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the mini French toast bites.
Ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can be used as a warm and aromatic alternative to cinnamon, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
Unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, providing a hint of coconut flavor to the mini French toast bites.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Mini French Toast Bites
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: Essential for slicing and cutting ingredients with precision.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing the batter.
- Whisk: Used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Skillet pan: Used for cooking the French toast bites over medium-low heat.
- Pie dish or baking pan: Used for soaking the bread slices in the egg mixture.
- Spatula: Essential for flipping and removing the French toast bites from the skillet pan.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Mini French Toast Bites
- Allow the french toast bites to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the french toast bites, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat the refrigerated french toast bites, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave for a shorter time.
- For frozen french toast bites, you can reheat them directly from the freezer. Place the frozen bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the frozen bites for a shorter time, but they may lose some of their crispiness.
- If you want to maintain the crispy texture of the french toast bites, it's best to reheat them in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.
How To Reheat Leftover Mini French Toast Bites
To reheat leftover mini french toast bites, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method helps to restore the texture and crispiness of the french toast.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the mini french toast bites on the rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your microwave. Place the mini french toast bites on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 15-20 seconds. If they are not heated through, continue microwaving in 5-second intervals until they reach the desired temperature. Note that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven or toaster oven reheating.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your mini french toast bites. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bites in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. This method is quick and helps to restore the crispy exterior.
For a stovetop option, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or cooking spray to the pan. Place the mini french toast bites in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy. This method allows you to quickly reheat small batches of leftover bites.
Interesting Trivia About Mini French Toast Bites
The French baguette is a staple in French cuisine and is often used in various recipes, including the mini French toast bites. Its crusty exterior and soft interior make it an ideal bread for soaking up the egg and milk mixture, resulting in a delicious and flavorful bite-sized treat.
Is Making Mini French Toast Bites at Home Cost-Effective?
This mini French toast bites recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as baguette, eggs, milk, and cinnamon, are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The recipe offers a delightful and satisfying breakfast or snack option, making it a practical choice for a family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Are Mini French Toast Bites Healthy or Unhealthy?
The mini french toast bites recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not the healthiest option. Here's why:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of refined carbohydrates in the form of a white baguette, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide little nutritional value.
- The use of half-and-half and whole milk adds saturated fat to the dish, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to heart disease and other health issues.
- Butter, used for cooking the french toast, is also high in saturated fat.
- Toppings like maple syrup and confectioners' sugar are high in added sugars, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems when consumed in excess.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the white baguette for a whole grain or multigrain variety to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
- Replace the half-and-half with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use a heart-healthy oil like coconut oil or avocado oil for cooking instead of butter
- Top the french toast bites with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon instead of sugary syrups and powdered sugar
- Serve the bites with a side of protein, like scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt, to help balance the meal and keep you feeling full and satisfied
Editor's Opinion on the Mini French Toast Bites Recipe
This mini French toast bites recipe is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. The use of a French baguette adds a lovely texture, and the combination of eggs, half-and-half, milk, and cinnamon creates a rich and flavorful custard for soaking the bread. The cooking process yields perfectly golden and crispy bites, making them a delightful treat for any brunch or breakfast spread. The versatility of serving options allows for personalization and creativity, making this recipe a sure crowd-pleaser.
Enhance Your Mini French Toast Bites Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Mini French Toast Bites
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Mini French Toast Bites
Why trust this Mini French Toast Bites Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its french baguette, ensuring an authentic taste. The use of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor, while the combination of half-and-half and milk creates a rich and creamy texture. The careful process of soaking the bread slices in the egg mixture ensures a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. The cooking method, using unsalted butter, promises a golden brown and crispy exterior. This recipe's attention to detail and quality ingredients makes it a trustworthy choice for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Quick and Easy IHOP-Inspired French Toast
Copycat IHOP French Toast Recipe
Orange Cinnamon Chicken Recipe
Mint Tea Recipe
Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears Recipe
Grapefruit, Orange, and Gin Cocktail Recipe
Watermelon and Apple Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza Recipe
Gin and Juice Cocktail Recipe
Jerk Catfish Recipe
Orange and Pineapple Rum Cocktail Recipe
