A Twist on a Classic: Grilled French Toast with Peaches

Take a twist on a beloved breakfast classic by making some grilled French toast! Golden slices of bread, perfectly caramelized on the grill are filled with a rich and fluffy interior that melts in your mouth.

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Traditional French toast vs. grilled French toast

French toast, also known as eggy bread, has long been a popular breakfast option. Traditionally, it is made by soaking slices of bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and then frying them in a pan until golden brown. The result is a soft and custardy interior, with a slightly crisp exterior. While traditional French toast is undeniably delicious, grilling it takes the flavors and textures to a whole new level.

Grilled French toast offers a unique twist on the classic recipe by taking it outdoors and cooking it on a grill. The grilling process adds a smoky and charred flavor to the toast, enhancing the overall taste experience. The direct heat from the grill also creates beautiful grill marks on the bread. Additionally, grilling French toast allows for more even cooking, ensuring that each slice is perfectly caramelized and cooked to perfection.

Benefits of grilling French toast

Grilling French toast not only enhances the flavor and texture but also offers a range of benefits that make it a worthwhile cooking method. Here are a few reasons why you should consider grilling your French toast:

Less cleanup

Unlike frying in a pan, grilling French toast requires minimal cleanup. Simply give the grill grates a quick brush before and after cooking, and you're good to go. This means less time spent washing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious breakfast.

Versatility

Grilling opens up a world of flavor possibilities. You can experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche, whole grain, or even croissants, to add unique flavors and textures to your French toast. The grill also allows you to infuse additional flavors by using wood chips or adding spices to the grill.

Offers a change up

Changing up your routine is always fun! It's the perfect recipe for camping trips or summer breakfast.

Ingredients

Let's get making this super simple recipe! For the recipe you will need:

• 6 slices bread (we used gluten free but any thick cut toast works gluten free or not!)
• 4 eggs
• ⅓ cup milk (can use dairy free)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 peaches, sliced

Instructions for Cooking

• Preheat your grill to medium heat.
• In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring that both sides are coated evenly.
• Grease the grill grates with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the soaked bread slices onto the grill and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown with grill marks.
• Remove the grilled French toast from the grill and serve immediately with your favorite toppings and syrup.

Variations of grilled French toast

If just grilling isn't enough of a change up, there are some fun sweet and savory options like creme brulee french toast you can try too! Just prepare your bread by soaking it in the egg mixture, then try one of these variations!

Cinnamon sugar

Mix together cinnamon and sugar, and sprinkle it over the bread slices before grilling. The combination of the sweet caramelization and warm cinnamon aroma will transport you to breakfast heaven.

Nutella and banana

Spread a layer of Nutella on each slice of bread, and top it with slices of fresh banana. Grill until the Nutella melts and the bread is golden brown. The creamy Nutella paired with the caramelized banana creates the perfect breakfast treat!

Apple pie

Thinly slice an apple and toss it with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar. Place the apple slices between two slices of bread, and grill until the apples are tender and the bread is golden brown. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful twist on apple pie.

Ham and cheese

Spread Dijon mustard on each slice of bread, and layer thinly sliced ham and your favorite cheese in between. Grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This savory combination is perfect for a satisfying and filling breakfast or brunch.

Tips for grilling French toast to perfection

Grilling French toast requires a bit of finesse to achieve the perfect balance between a crisp exterior and a soft, custardy interior. Here are a few tips to help you grill your French toast to perfection:

Choose the right bread

Opt for bread that is slightly stale or a day old. Fresh bread tends to become too soggy when soaked in the egg mixture. Brioche, whole grain, challah, or even croissants work well for grilled French toast.

Soak the bread

Ensure that each slice of bread is evenly coated with the egg mixture by soaking it for a few seconds on each side. This will ensure that the toast cooks evenly and has a creamy interior.

Preheat the bread

It's essential to preheat your grill to medium heat before placing the bread slices on it. This will help achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevent the bread from sticking.

Grease the grill grates

To prevent the bread from sticking to the grill, grease the grates with butter or cooking spray before adding the bread slices.

Watch the grill

Place the soaked bread slices onto the grill and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid flipping the bread too frequently to allow it to develop those beautiful grill marks. Keep a close eye on the toast to prevent it from burning.

Allow the french toast to rest

Once the French toast is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a minute or two. This will allow the custardy interior to set slightly, making it easier to handle and ensuring that the flavors meld together.

Serving suggestions and toppings for grilled French toast

Grilled French toast is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to enhance your grilled French toast experience:

Fresh fruit

Top your grilled French toast with a generous serving of fresh fruits like berries, sliced bananas, or peaches. The natural sweetness of the fruits complements the caramelized toast beautifully.

Whipped cream

A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to your grilled French toast. It pairs particularly well with sweet variations like cinnamon sugar or Nutella and banana.

Maple syrup

Drizzle your grilled French toast with maple syrup for a classic and indulgent breakfast treat. The rich and sweet flavors of maple syrup elevate the taste of the toast.

Yogurt

For a healthier twist, top your grilled French toast with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. This adds a creamy and tangy element to your breakfast.

Savory toppings

If you're experimenting with savory variations, consider topping your grilled French toast with ingredients like sliced avocado, smoked salmon, or a fried egg. These toppings add a savory and protein-packed element to your breakfast.

Feel free to mix and match toppings to create your own personalized french toast.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make grilled French toast in advance?

Grilled French toast is best enjoyed immediately after cooking. While you can make the toast in advance and reheat it, it may lose some of its crispness. It's best to prepare the bread slices and soak them in the egg mixture in advance, and then grill them just before serving.

Can I grill French toast on a stovetop grill pan?

Absolutely! If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan works just as well. Simply preheat the grill pan over medium heat, grease it with butter or cooking spray, and follow the same grilling instructions mentioned earlier.

Can I use gluten-free bread for grilled French toast?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread for grilled French toast. Opt for a gluten-free bread that holds its shape well and doesn't become too soggy when soaked in the egg mixture. I've even used croissants to make gluten free croissant french toast!

Can I freeze grilled French toast?

While it's not recommended to freeze grilled French toast, you can freeze the bread slices in advance. Simply grill the bread slices, allow them to cool completely, and then freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To enjoy, thaw the slices and reheat them in a toaster or oven until warmed through. I show you some tips and tricks for freezing french toast with these french toast bites.

Healthier alternatives for grilled French toast

If you're looking to make grilled French toast a bit healthier, there are a few simple swaps you can make:

Whole grain bread

Opt for whole grain bread instead of white bread. Whole grain bread is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthier choice. Additionally, you can also use a gluten free whole grain bread.

Milk

Use reduced-fat, skim milk or dairy free milk instead of whole milk to reduce the fat content of the dish.

Egg Whites

Replace some or all of the whole eggs with egg whites to reduce the cholesterol and fat content.

Natural sweeteners

Instead of regular sugar, try using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar in moderation.