Gluten Free French Toast
If you’re craving a delicious breakfast that’s both satisfying and gluten-free, this classic gluten free French toast recipe is perfect for you! Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or simply prefer a gluten-free lifestyle, this recipe ensures you won’t miss out on enjoying this beloved breakfast treat. Plus, there’s a dairy-free option to make it even more inclusive.
French toast is one of those timeless breakfast dishes that can be made quickly and easily with just a few simple ingredients. But making it gluten-free can seem tricky at first, especially if you’re unsure about which gluten-free bread to use. Thankfully, with the right ingredients and some tips, you’ll have a mouth-watering plate of gluten free French toast ready to serve in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Gluten Free French Toast
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (for dairy-free use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk)
- 8 slices of gluten-free bread (more on the best options below)
- 2 tablespoons butter (dairy-free option: Smart Balance or gluten-free cooking spray)
How to Make Gluten Free French Toast
Step 1: Whisk the Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, and milk in a shallow dish, such as a pie plate or casserole dish. This is the mixture that will give your gluten free French toast that rich, sweet flavor we all love.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
While you’re preparing the egg mixture, melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet. If you’re opting for the dairy-free version, use Smart Balance or gluten-free cooking spray.
Step 3: Coat the Gluten-Free Bread
Now for the star of the show: the gluten-free bread. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. The longer you leave the bread in the egg mixture, the more it will soak up, which will result in a more custard-like texture when cooked. However, this also means it may take a bit longer to cook.
Step 4: Cook the Bread
Once the bread is soaked, place it in the skillet. Cook each slice of gluten free French toast over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. If you’re making multiple slices, you can keep the finished slices warm by placing them in the oven at 275°F on a baking sheet.
Can You Cook Gluten Free French Toast Ahead of Time?
Yes! Gluten-free French toast is incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time. You can make the French toast up to 30 minutes before serving and keep the slices warm in the oven at 275°F. This is especially useful if you’re hosting a brunch or cooking for a larger group. The batter for gluten free French toast can also be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it’ll be ready to use the next morning.
Can You Freeze Gluten-Free French Toast?
Absolutely! One of the great things about gluten-free French toast is that it freezes well. Once you’ve cooked your slices, flash freeze them by placing the slices on a baking sheet and putting them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. After they’re frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe plastic bag, where they can be stored for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen French toast, reheat the slices in the microwave or the oven at 400°F for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
Dairy-Free Gluten-Free French Toast Option
For those who are both gluten and dairy-free, don’t worry! This gluten free French toast recipe is easy to adapt. Simply use almond milk, coconut milk, or another dairy-free milk of your choice instead of regular milk. For butter, use a dairy-free option like Smart Balance or even a gluten-free cooking spray to prevent sticking while cooking.
The Best Gluten-Free Bread for French Toast
Choosing the right bread is key when making gluten-free French toast. The bread acts as the foundation of your dish, so you want to ensure it has the right texture and flavor. For this recipe, I recommend using Canyon Bakehouse gluten-free Country White bread. This brand has a texture that’s perfect for soaking up the egg mixture without falling apart.
Other great gluten-free bread options include Schar and Aldi’s LiveGfree white gluten-free bread. These brands offer gluten-free bread with the right balance of softness and sturdiness to withstand the cooking process. Additionally, if you’re a fan of homemade bread, using day-old gluten-free bread can give your gluten free French toast an even richer texture. Drying out the bread for a few hours before cooking helps it absorb more of the egg mixture without getting soggy.
Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole
If you’re cooking for a crowd, a gluten-free French toast casserole is an excellent option. You can easily prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. Simply layer your gluten-free bread in a casserole dish, pour the egg mixture over the top, and let it soak overnight. In the morning, bake it at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. It’s an easy and delicious way to serve gluten-free French toast to a group with minimal effort!
Gluten-Free French Toast Sticks
Another variation on the classic gluten-free French toast recipe is to make French toast sticks. These are especially fun for kids and can be frozen and reheated for a quick and easy breakfast. Simply slice your gluten-free bread into sticks before dipping them in the egg mixture. Cook the sticks as you would regular French toast, flipping to cook all sides until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar for a fun and tasty breakfast.
Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free French Toast
- Dry out the bread: If you have time, set the gluten-free bread out on a baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before making French toast. This helps dry out the bread slightly, so it soaks up the egg mixture better.
- Use an electric skillet: Cooking multiple slices of French toast is easier with an electric skillet, allowing you to cook several pieces at once.
- Keep the toast warm: To ensure all your slices are served hot, keep cooked slices warm in the oven while you finish cooking the remaining slices.
- Top with your favorites: Classic toppings like powdered sugar and maple syrup are always a hit, but feel free to get creative. Fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can take your gluten free French toast to the next level.
Gluten-Free French Toast – A Versatile Recipe
This recipe is a must-have for any gluten-free kitchen. It’s simple to prepare, adaptable to different dietary needs, and most importantly, incredibly delicious. Whether you’re making a classic plate of gluten free French toast, a gluten-free French toast casserole, or fun French toast sticks, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Enjoy this delicious, wholesome, and easy-to-make breakfast with confidence, knowing that this gluten-free French toast recipe is safe, tasty, and perfect for anyone craving a morning treat.