Churro French Toast: The Ultimate Sweet Breakfast Recipe

Churro French Toast: Just imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar, not from a bakery, but from your very own kitchen! This isn’t your average French toast; it’s a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, combining the comforting warmth of French toast with the crispy, sugary goodness of churros. Prepare to elevate your breakfast game to a whole new level!

While French toast boasts a rich history dating back to ancient Rome, churros have their own fascinating origins, possibly stemming from nomadic Spanish shepherds. These shepherds needed something easy to cook over an open fire, and the churro was born. Now, fast forward to today, and we’re ingeniously merging these two culinary traditions into one spectacular dish.

What makes Churro French Toast so incredibly appealing? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the soft, custardy interior of the French toast contrasted with the satisfying crunch of the cinnamon-sugar coating. The flavor is simply divine, a sweet and spicy symphony that dances on your taste buds. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for a weekend brunch or a special weekday treat. Get ready to experience a breakfast that’s both comforting and exciting, a true celebration of flavor and texture!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Churro French Toast:
• 1 loaf (approximately 1 pound) challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch thick slices
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
• For the Churro Coating:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Optional Toppings:
• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• Ice cream

Preparing the Custard Base

Alright, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is create the luscious custard that will transform our bread into churro-flavored French toast. This is where the magic happens, so pay close attention!

1. In a large bowl, crack all 6 large eggs. Make sure you don’t get any shell fragments in there!
2. Add the 1 cup of whole milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the bowl with the eggs. The combination of milk and cream will give the French toast a rich and decadent texture.
3. Now, it’s time for the sweetness! Pour in the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully.
4. Next, add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
5. Sprinkle in the 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. These spices are essential for that authentic churro flavor. Don’t skip them!
6. Finally, add a pinch of salt. Salt might seem counterintuitive in a sweet dish, but it actually balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
7. Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk or sugar granules remaining. A good whisking ensures that the bread will soak up the custard evenly.

Preparing the Churro Coating

While the custard is resting (and you can let it rest in the fridge for up to an hour for even better results!), let’s prepare the churro coating. This is what will give our French toast that signature crispy, sugary, cinnamon-y goodness.

1. In a shallow dish or plate, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
2. Use a fork or whisk to thoroughly mix the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. Make sure there are no clumps of cinnamon or nutmeg.
3. Set the churro coating aside. We’ll need it as soon as the French toast is cooked.

Soaking the Bread

Now comes the crucial step: soaking the bread. This is where the bread absorbs all that delicious custard flavor. The type of bread you use is important. Challah, brioche, or Texas toast are all excellent choices because they are sturdy enough to hold their shape while soaking up the custard without becoming soggy.

1. Place the slices of challah bread (or your chosen bread) in a single layer in a baking dish or large shallow container.
2. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure that each slice is fully submerged.
3. Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 5 minutes per side, or even longer for thicker slices. The longer the bread soaks, the more flavorful and moist the French toast will be. I usually aim for about 10 minutes per side for challah bread.
4. Gently flip the bread slices over and repeat the soaking process on the other side.
5. While the bread is soaking, preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Cooking the French Toast

Alright, it’s time to cook our churro French toast! This is where we transform the soaked bread into golden-brown perfection.

1. Add about 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the preheated skillet or griddle. Let the butter melt completely and coat the surface evenly. The butter will prevent the French toast from sticking and will also add a rich, buttery flavor.
2. Carefully lift each soaked bread slice from the custard mixture, allowing any excess custard to drip back into the bowl. You don’t want the French toast to be too soggy.
3. Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet or griddle, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in soggy French toast.
4. Cook the French toast for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bread and the heat of your skillet.
5. Use a spatula to carefully flip the French toast over and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through.
6. To check if the French toast is cooked through, insert a toothpick or fork into the center. If it comes out clean, the French toast is ready. If it comes out with wet custard on it, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
7. Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess butter.

Coating and Serving

This is the final step, and it’s the one that really makes this French toast special. We’re going to coat the cooked French toast in that delicious churro coating while it’s still warm, so the sugar sticks properly.

1. While the French toast is still warm, immediately dredge each slice in the churro coating, making sure to coat both sides evenly. You can use your hands or a pair of tongs to do this.
2. Gently press the coating onto the French toast to help it adhere.
3. Place the coated French toast on a serving plate.
4. Repeat the cooking and coating process with the remaining bread slices.

Optional Toppings

Now for the fun part: toppings! This is where you can really get creative and customize your churro French toast to your liking. Here are some of my favorite toppings:

• Chocolate sauce: A classic pairing with churros, chocolate sauce adds a rich and decadent touch.
• Caramel sauce: Another classic pairing, caramel sauce adds a sweet and buttery flavor.
• Whipped cream: A light and fluffy topping that adds a touch of elegance.
• Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries add a burst of freshness and color.
• Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream takes this French toast to the next level.

Serve the churro French toast immediately while it’s still warm and crispy. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest: you’ve scrolled this far because you’re intrigued, and rightfully so! This Churro French Toast recipe isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration, a sweet escape, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious, cinnamon-sugared package. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe because it elevates the humble French toast to a whole new level of indulgence. The crispy, golden exterior, reminiscent of your favorite churros, gives way to a soft, custardy interior that’s simply irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a truly unforgettable breakfast (or brunch, or dessert – I won’t judge!).

But the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! I’ve broken down each step to ensure even the most novice cook can achieve churro French toast perfection. No complicated techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients, just pure, unadulterated deliciousness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to take this already amazing recipe and make it your own. While it’s fantastic on its own, a few simple additions can really elevate the experience.

* Drizzle it: A generous drizzle of warm maple syrup is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or even a tangy cream cheese glaze would be absolutely divine.
* Top it off: Fresh berries, like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, add a burst of freshness and color. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it into dessert territory.
* Spice it up: For a little extra warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. It’ll give your churro French toast a subtle kick that’s surprisingly addictive.
* Go nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
* Make it boozy: A splash of rum or bourbon in the egg mixture adds a sophisticated touch (for adults only, of course!).
* Bread choices: While I love using brioche or challah bread for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of bread. Texas toast, croissants, or even day-old baguette slices would work well. Just adjust the soaking time accordingly.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. I know you’ll love the combination of flavors and textures, and I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your household.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create some churro French toast magic! And please, don’t be shy – I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments with me; let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. Did you add a secret ingredient? Did you create a new topping combination? I’m all ears! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. I really hope you enjoy this Churro French Toast as much as I do. Happy cooking!