FRENCH TOAST SOUFFLE

Elevate Breakfast Bliss with a Decadent French Toast Soufflé Symphony

Embark on a culinary journey that transcends ordinary breakfasts with our recipe for French Toast Soufflé—a velvety concoction that seamlessly marries the comfort of classic French toast with the airy elegance of a soufflé. In this culinary adventure, we’ll explore the art of transforming humble ingredients into a show-stopping dish that promises to be the pièce de résistance of your breakfast table. Join us as we delve into the details of crafting a breakfast masterpiece that’s as delightful to make as it is to savor.

Ingredients:

For the French Toast Base:

  1. Bread – 1 loaf, preferably day-old and cubed: Opt for a brioche or challah for an indulgent texture.
  2. Eggs – 6: Eggs serve as the custodial foundation for the French toast base.
  3. Whole Milk – 2 cups: Whole milk adds richness to the custard.
  4. Heavy Cream – 1 cup: Heavy cream elevates the decadence of the French toast.
  5. Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup: Sugar provides sweetness to balance the flavors.
  6. Vanilla Extract – 1 tablespoon: Vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and flavor.
  7. Ground Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon: Ground cinnamon adds a warm and comforting note.
  8. Salt – 1/2 teaspoon: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.

For the Soufflé Topping:

  1. Egg Whites – 6: Egg whites create the light and airy texture of the soufflé.
  2. Granulated Sugar – 1/4 cup: Additional sugar for the soufflé topping.

For Streusel Topping (Optional):

  1. All-Purpose Flour – 1/2 cup: All-purpose flour creates the crumbly texture of the streusel.
  2. Brown Sugar – 1/4 cup: Brown sugar adds a rich and caramelized sweetness.
  3. Unsalted Butter – 1/4 cup, melted: Melted butter binds the streusel together.
  4. Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – 1/2 cup: Chopped nuts provide a crunchy contrast.

Instructions:

Preparing the French Toast Base:

  1. Cube the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread into bite-sized cubes, allowing it to stale for a day or placing it in the oven at a low temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Combine with Bread: Gently fold the cubed bread into the custard mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the mixture to soak for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for optimum flavor absorption.

Creating the Soufflé Topping:

  1. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form.
  2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
  3. Gently Fold into Base: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the soaked bread mixture, maintaining the airy texture.

Preparing the Streusel Topping (Optional):

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts until crumbly.
  2. Sprinkle Over Soufflé: If desired, sprinkle the streusel topping over the soufflé mixture before baking.

Baking the French Toast Soufflé:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake Until Golden: Pour the prepared mixture into a buttered baking dish. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  3. Serve Warm: Allow the French Toast Soufflé to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or fruit compote.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Berry Bliss: Add a layer of fresh berries between the bread cubes for bursts of fruity goodness.
  • Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent chocolate twist.
  • Citrus Zest: Enhance the custard with a hint of citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, for a refreshing note.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in the streusel topping or omit it altogether.
  • Use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of granulated sugar.
  • Choose a low-carb bread alternative or make a keto-friendly bread.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Opt for a low-carb sweetener instead of granulated sugar.
  • Replace the bread with a low-carb alternative like almond flour bread.

As you savor the velvety layers of the French Toast Soufflé, you’re not just enjoying a breakfast dish—you’re experiencing a symphony of flavors and textures. Share this decadent creation with loved ones and revel in the joy of transforming a classic into a culinary masterpiece. Here’s to breakfasts that transcend the ordinary, to the art of savoring each bite, and to the pleasure of creating moments of pure indulgence at the breakfast table.