Easy French Toast for One - The Solo Spoon

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There’s nothing quite like a warm and satisfying breakfast to start your day off on the right foot. And when it comes to breakfast options that are both indulgent and hassle-free, few things can beat a classic french toast recipe.

But what if you don’t want to make a whole batch of French toast just for yourself? Fear not – we’ve got you covered! With this easy french toast for one recipe, you can whip up a yummy breakfast, designed exclusively for one person in just a few minutes.

A delightful serving of french toast adorned with fresh berries and sliced bananas.

What is French Toast?

In case you’re new to the delightful world of French Toast, allow us to introduce you. Despite its name, French Toast didn’t originate in France. In fact, this dish has been comforting appetites across cultures for centuries.

French Toast, also known as “eggy bread,” “poor knights’ pudding,” and even “pain perdu” in France (meaning ‘lost bread’), is a magical transformation of stale bread into a sweet and savory treat. This reincarnation involves soaking the bread in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk (or cream), then frying it until golden and crispy.

Its origins trace back to medieval Europe when households would strive not to waste a crumb of food. Hence, turning slightly stale bread into a nourishing meal.

Today, french toast has become popular with all sorts of accompaniments, from sweet syrups, fruits, and creams to savory bacon, cheeses, and herbs. In our favorite French Toast recipe, customized for one person, we take this time-honored technique and turn it into a quick, simple and single serving breakfast.

A recipe for french toast with berries and bananas, perfect for one person.

The Best Bread for French Toast

The key to a perfect French toast lies in selecting the right kind of bread. While any bread can be used, certain types yield better results. Texas Toast, Brioche, Challah, Potato Bread, or even a thickly sliced country-style loaf work exceptionally well for our French toast recipe. These breads are sturdy enough to hold up to the soaking process without becoming too soggy, resulting in a perfectly crispy yet tender texture.

When choosing your bread, opt for bread that has been sitting around for a while. This allows the bread slices to absorb the custard mixture without falling apart. If you are using fresh bread, you can leave the slices out on the counter overnight to dry them out slightly. This is a great breakfast idea for solo home cooks to use up that full loaf of bread sitting around getting stale.

Ingredients Needed For This Easy French Toast Recipe

Use the recipe card below for exact measurements

To make our French toast for one, you will need a few simple ingredients:

Thick Slices of Bread (we like: texas toast, potato bread, brioche, challah bread, or country-style bread)
Large Egg (substitute: 4 egg whites)
Milk (we are using 2% milk)
Vanilla Extract
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted Butter or Cooking Spray (for frying)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Fresh berries, for serving (optional)
Pure Maple Syrup (to drizzle on top)

Ingredient Notes

We have estimated 2 slices of bread as a single serving, but if you have a bigger appetite you’ll want to double this recipe. If you are using thinner bread we were able to get 3 slices of French toast with the same custard mixture listed above (e.g. brands like Sara Lee or 647 have this thinner type of bread that can work in a pinch).
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preference and appetite. This recipe serves as a basic starting point, but you can easily tailor it to your own taste by adding additional spices or flavorings.
You can substitute 1% milk, whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk in this recipe for the 2% milk we are using.

Recipe for french toast with berries and bananas.

Equipment Needed for Amazing French Toast

Creating good French toast is as much about having the right equipment as it is about the ingredients. For our easy recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure every bite is golden and delicious. Here’s a breakdown of the equipment needed:

Shallow Dish: This is where the magic begins. A shallow dish is key for an even soak of the bread slices in the custard mixture. It ensures that the bread is adequately coated, allowing for that rich, custardy center that makes good French toast a breakfast favorite.
Pyrex Measuring Cup: Accuracy is key when dealing with recipes, and French toast is no exception. A Pyrex measuring cup provides clear, precise measurements, ensuring you get the right proportion of milk.
Non-Stick Pan: Nothing is more frustrating than having your beautifully soaked bread stick to the pan. A good non-stick pan ensures your French toast gets that golden, crisp exterior without leaving half of it behind in the pan. It also means you can use less butter or cooking spray, making your dish a tad healthier.
Spatula: A good-quality spatula, preferably one with a wide base, is essential for flipping your French toast. This ensures that the soaked bread is turned over smoothly, preventing any breakage and achieving an even golden-brown finish on both sides.
Fork or Whisk: To get a smooth, lump-free custard mixture, a whisk is great. It allows for the proper blending of the egg, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, ensuring each slice of bread gets an even coating of all the flavors. If you don’t have a whisk on hand, a fork can be a handy substitute for beating the egg and mixing the custard.

Tools You’ll Need

Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe

Pack of 2 Silicone Solid Turner,Non Stick Slotted Kitchen Spatulas,High Heat Resistant BPA Free Cooking Utensils,Ideal Cookware for Fish,Eggs,Pancakes (Black)

Pyrex Prepware 2-Piece Glass Measuring Set, 1 and 2-Cup, 2 Pack, Clear

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A plate of French toast with fresh berries and bananas, perfect for a single serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make French Toast for One

Step 1: Mix The Wet Ingredients in a Medium Bowl

In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract (about a splash), and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon until well combined. This mixture serves as the custard for your French toast.

Step 2: Heat A Skillet

Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat and add the butter or cooking spray. Allow the pat of butter to melt and coat the pan evenly.

Step 3: Dip Your Bread In the Custard Mixture

Take one slice of bread and soak it into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Allow any excess mixture to drip off before placing the bread into the hot pan.

Step 4: Repeat with the Next Slice of Bread

Repeat the dipping process with the second slice of bread and place it next to the first slice in the skillet.

Step 5: Cook Each Slice

Cook the bread for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the slices using a spatula to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Plate Your French Toast

Once both slices are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate.

Step 7: Add Toppings!

Dust the French toast with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and berries if desired, and enjoy!

RECIPE NOTE:
Depending on the thickness and age of your bread you might have a little leftover custard. If your bread is more stale allow it to sit in the mixture for a bit longer to soak up the custard.

Tips for Flavor Variations and Toppings

While classic French toast is delicious on its own, you can easily elevate its flavors with some simple additions and toppings. Here are a few ideas to experiment with:

Fresh Fruit: Top your French toast with a variety of fresh fruits, such as berries, sliced bananas, or caramelized apples for a burst of natural sweetness.
Nutella and Hazelnuts: Spread a layer of Nutella on your French toast and sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts for a decadent twist.
Maple Syrup and Bacon: Drizzle your French toast with maple syrup and crumble some crispy bacon on top for a delightful combination of sweet and savory.
Whipped Cream and Chocolate Sauce: Indulge your sweet tooth by adding a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce to your French toast.
Honey and Greek Yogurt: For a healthier option, drizzle your French toast with honey and serve it with a side of Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy contrast.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix and match different flavors to find your perfect combination for your single serving french toast.

A plate of french toast with berries and bananas, perfect for a delicious breakfast meal.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Breakfast Experience

While single serving French toast is a satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a few additional components can take your breakfast experience to the next level. Here are some suggestions for a well-rounded and balanced meal:

Crispy Bacon: Serve a side of crispy bacon alongside your French toast for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The savory and salty bacon complements the sweetness of the French toast perfectly.
Turkey Sausage: Serve with a side of Turkey Sausage patties or links. These usually come pre-cooked and just need to be heated in the air fryer, skillet, or microwave.
Scrambled Eggs: Whip up a batch of fluffy scrambled eggs and serve them alongside your French toast for a protein-packed breakfast. The creamy eggs provide a balanced and hearty element to the meal.
Freshly Brewed Coffee or Tea: Start your day with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the flavors of your French toast. The warm beverage helps to cleanse the palate and enhance the overall breakfast experience.
Orange Juice: The zest and tang of freshly squeezed orange juice can add a refreshing touch to your breakfast plate. The citrusy brightness cuts through the richness of the French toast, providing a perfect balance.

By incorporating these additional elements into your meal, you can create a complete and satisfying breakfast that will keep you fueled throughout the day.

A plate of french toast with berries and bananas, perfect for one.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common mistake in making French toast is using the wrong type of bread. This might sound trivial, but the bread you choose can make a significant difference in the outcome of your French toast. This might sound counterintuitive, but soft fresh bread tends to absorb too much egg mixture, becoming soggy and difficult to cook properly. On the other hand, bread that is too stale and hard can’t absorb enough mixture and leads to a dry and tough French toast.

The trick to making perfect French toast lies in a combination of choosing the right bread, preparing the perfect custard, and using the correct cooking technique. Preheat your pan or griddle over medium heat before adding the butter. Once the butter is melted, dip your bread into the mixture, giving it a few seconds on each side to absorb the custard, but not too long that it becomes soggy. Cook each slice until it’s golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Milk is added to French toast for a couple of key reasons. Firstly, it helps to create a custard-like mixture that the bread can absorb, resulting in a soft, moist texture that is a key of well-made French toast. The milk acts as a diluent to the eggs, preventing them from cooking into an omelette-like texture when the bread is fried. It mellows the dominant egg flavor, leading to a more balanced taste.

Let’s Make Our Best French Toast Recipe for Breakfast!

Enjoying a single serving of French toast for a delicious breakfast is now easier than ever with our quick and easy recipe designed exclusively for one person. By selecting the perfect bread, following our easy step-by-step instructions, and experimenting with various flavors and toppings, you can create a breakfast masterpiece that will leave you satisfied.

Don’t forget to pair your French toast with a drizzle of maple syrup, and consider adding a protein component for a well-rounded breakfast experience.