There's something magical about waking up to the smell of something warm and sweet cooking in the kitchen, isn’t it? When I think of breakfast that tugs at the heartstrings, Rolled French Toast immediately springs to mind. This dish isn't just food; it's an experience that wraps you in a delicious hug. Imagine beautifully rolled slices of soft bread, infused with creamy custard and lightly kissed by cinnamon-sugar—a breakfast so indulgent it almost feels like a dessert. Trust me; once you’ve made it, it’ll become the star of your brunch table.
Why you'll love this recipe
So, why should you make Rolled French Toast tonight? Aside from the heavenly aroma that will drift through your home and entice every household member, this recipe brings together comfort and nostalgia in a delightful package. It's a fun-filled breakfast that invites everyone to gather around the table. Plus, the beauty of this dish is how simple yet impressive it is. You can whip it up on a leisurely Sunday or even during a busy weekday with the right prep—it's versatile like that!
And can we take a moment to appreciate the satisfaction of that first bite? It’s like taking a mini-vacation to a cozy Parisian café where the only thing on the menu is love, laughter, and these luxurious rolls soaked in a dreamy custard. The crunch of the outer layer gives way to a pillowy center, and the sweet hint of vanilla and cinnamon will dance on your taste buds. You know what they say: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Why not make it count?
Gather these ingredients
Let’s chat about what you’ll need to bring this drool-worthy dish to life. It’s all about the quality ingredients—and I promise they’re all easy to find!
- 8 slices of crustless bread: Think soft and fluffy! White bread works beautifully, but if you're feeling adventurous, sourdough or brioche can add a lovely texture and flavor. Just remove the crusts to ensure an elegant roll.
- 1 egg: The glue that holds everything together! Eggs provide that rich flavor and custard-like fill, transforming mere bread into something divine.
- 3 tablespoons of milk: Whole milk is best for that creamy consistency, but feel free to swap in almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- 1 tablespoon of heavy cream: This adds a lush richness that you can’t get enough of. If you’re counting calories, you can scale this back, but it’s worth it for a special occasion!
- 1 knob of butter: For that beautiful sauté! Butter gives these rolls that golden-brown finish and a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched.
- 1 teaspoon of liquid vanilla: Because who doesn’t love that warm, inviting aroma? If you have the option, go with pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon: This spice is what takes it all over the top—cinnamon and sugar are a match made in heaven!
- 100 grams of sugar: A dusting of sweetness to finish it off. You can choose to use granulated sugar or even coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
Preparing Rolled French Toast
Ready to roll? Let's walk through this delightful process together, step by step.
- Flatten the bread: Grab a rolling pin and gently roll out each slice of bread. This will give you that perfect canvas to roll up your filling without tearing.
- Roll them up: Starting at one end, gently roll each slice of bread tightly into a cylinder. They should resemble little logs of happiness at this point!
- Mix the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, heavy cream, and liquid vanilla until well combined. This creamy mixture will soak into your rolls, making them irresistibly decadent.
- Soak the rolls: Dip each rolled slice into the egg mixture, ensuring they're well-coated, but not too soggy. Leave them to soak for a minute or two while you warm up your pan.
- Sear those rolls: In a hot skillet, melt your knob of butter over medium heat. Add the soaked rolls to the pan, cooking until they turn golden brown on all sides—about 2-3 minutes each. Don't skip the flipping and adjusting; you want those rolls to color beautifully.
- Prepare the glaze: While they cook, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish. Once the rolls are perfectly cooked, roll them in this sweet mixture until fully coated.
- Serve it up: Imagine plating them up while still warm, perfect for those lazy mornings with a side of fresh coffee.
Best way to enjoy it
Now that your Rolled French Toast is finished, how should you serve it up? A drizzle of maple syrup is a must, but don’t stop there! You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that elegant touch or even fresh fruit—berries or banana slices would complement the flavors beautifully. And if you’re in the mood for something extra, a dollop of whipped cream will take it over the top. This dish shines at brunch parties or a cozy breakfast at home, and don’t forget: it goes great with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
How to store and freeze
If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), here’s how to keep those sweet rolls fresh. Store any uneaten rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to indulge again, pop them into the toaster or oven to reheat; this will help maintain their delightful texture. If you want to freeze them for later, wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about a month—perfect for a breakfast on-the-go.
Helpful cooking tips
A few insider tips to elevate your Rolled French Toast game:
- Don’t rush the soaking: Letting the bread soak long enough is key—this helps them get that luxurious custardy center.
- Use a non-stick skillet: This will help with even cooking and prevent any sticking disasters. You want beautiful golden-brown pieces, not stuck bits!
- To enhance flavor: Toast your cinnamon briefly in the pan before adding the sugar. This little trick will intensify that warm, sweet aroma.
- Cutting shapes: If you’re feeling playful, you can cut the rolled pieces into even smaller pieces before serving, just like mini cinnamon rolls!
Creative Twists
And let’s not forget: this recipe is a blank canvas! Want to jazz it up? Try adding fruity fillings—think strawberries, chocolate chips, or even cream cheese! Feel free to substitute different spices like nutmeg, or switch out the cinnamon sugar for coconut sugar. You could also infuse the custard with orange or lemon zest for a fresh twist. The sky’s the limit!
Ingredients
- 8 crustless slices of bread
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 1 tablespoon of heavy cream
- 1 knob of butter
- 1 teaspoon of liquid vanilla
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 100 grams of sugar
Directions to follow
- Flatten the bread with a rolling pin.
- Roll each slice of bread tightly.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg, milk, cream, and vanilla.
- Soak each roll in the egg mixture.
- Heat butter in a skillet and cook the rolls until golden brown on all sides.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon, then coat the cooked rolls in this mixture.
- Serve warm, ideally with a cup of coffee.
Your questions answered
- What can I use instead of milk?: Any non-dairy alternatives work well—almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Can I prep this dish the night before?: Absolutely! Soak the rolls in the custard mixture overnight for even more flavor.
- How do I ensure they cook evenly?: Flip the rolls gently to get an even golden-brown on all sides.
- What’s a good way to serve leftovers?: Warm them in the toaster or oven, then serve with fresh toppings.
- Can I use other breads?: Sure! Sourdough or brioche will add unique flavors and textures.
In the world of savory and sweet breakfasts, Rolled French Toast stands out, doesn’t it? With a simple list of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create something extraordinary. So grab your apron, and let’s make this delicious treat together! Don’t forget to share your own twists and turns in the comments—let’s create a flavorful community of home chefs!