Making French toast that is not soggy requires a few key steps and considerations. Here's how you can achieve perfectly cooked, non-soggy French toast:
Use the right bread: Choose slightly stale bread or bread that has been left out overnight. Fresh bread can absorb too much egg mixture and become soggy. Brioche, challah, or French bread are great options for French toast as they hold up well.
Slicing the bread: Cut the bread into slices that are about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Thicker slices can retain their structure better and have a lower chance of becoming overly saturated.
Dry the bread: If your bread is not slightly stale, you can lightly toast it in the oven before dipping it into the egg mixture. This helps remove excess moisture from the bread.
Properly whisk the egg mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk or cream, and any desired flavorings (e.g., vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg). Make sure the mixture is well combined, so you get an even coating on each slice of bread.
Do not soak for too long: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to absorb the mixture, but don't soak it for too long. A few seconds on each side should be enough. If you soak the bread for too long, it can lead to a mushy, soggy texture.
Preheat the griddle or pan: Ensure your cooking surface (griddle or pan) is preheated to medium heat before placing the soaked bread on it. This helps to cook the French toast evenly and prevents it from absorbing too much oil or butter.
Cook thoroughly but not for too long: Cook each side of the French toast until it's golden brown and has a slightly crispy exterior. Avoid cooking it for too long as it may dry out the toast or lead to over-saturation.
Drain excess oil: If you notice any excess oil or butter on the French toast after cooking, place the cooked slices on a paper towel briefly to absorb the excess.
Serve immediately: French toast is best served immediately after cooking. If you need to keep them warm before serving, place them on a wire rack in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.
By following these steps, you can make French toast that is delicious, golden brown, and not soggy. Enjoy your breakfast!