Can you save French toast batter? Yes! I've done it for years, and if you do it right, the mixture will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days if you store it in the refrigerator or in the freezer for 3 months. There are ways to conserve your batter so you don't have to throw it away.
You might prepare more batter than you need, or you might find yourself in a bind and need to make some last-minute. If you're ever in a situation where you've made too much French toast batter, or if you don't have enough time to make a fresh batch, don't worry. There are plenty of ways to save that batter, so it doesn't go to waste. Cooking is all about being resourceful, after all.
11 ways you can save French toast batter
Having leftover batter is the best excuse to make French toast for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With these eleven ideas, you'll be able to turn that extra French toast batter into a delicious meal, no matter what time of day it is. So next time you find yourself with leftover batter, don't throw it out. Put it to good use and enjoy a delicious meal.
1 Put it in the fridge
As obvious as this is, it is also the most effective way to save your mixture. French toast batter will last for 2 to 3 days in the fridge, so you can just make a fresh batch when you're ready to use it.
2 Freeze it
One of the best ways to save French toast batter is to freeze it. This way, you can have it on hand whenever you need it, and it will last for 3 months. Just pour the batter into an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container, and store it in the freezer. When ready to use it, thaw it out overnight in the fridge, or pop the frozen cubes into a pan to cook them up.
3 Make mini French toast bites
Mini French toast bites are ideal when you don't have time to make a full breakfast but want a quick snack. Use a muffin tin for cooking up small portions of batter, and top them with your favorite toppings. The result is a mini French toast that's evenly cooked and available in a few flavors.
4 Make French toast sticks
French toast sticks are a great way to use up the leftover batter, and they're perfect for dipping. Cut your bread into thin strips, and dip them in the batter. Fry them up in a hot pan, and enjoy them as a tasty snack or side dish. Use a variety of dipping sauces, or even chocolate syrup, for a sweet treat.
5 Use it as pancake batter
You can also use French toast batter to make pancakes if you're in a pinch. Just pour it into a hot pan, and cook them up like you would any other pancakes. They'll be thinner and have a different texture, but they'll still be delicious. Serve them with fruit and yogurt or your favorite pancake toppings. If you occasionally switch things up for breakfast, your family won't mind.
6 Make waffles
If you have a waffle iron, then you're in luck. You can use French toast batter to make delicious waffles. Just pour it into the iron, and cook it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Serve them with your favorite toppings, and you've got a tasty breakfast or snack.
7 Make crepes
Crepes are similar to pancakes, but they're thinner and more delicate. They're also perfect for using up leftover French toast batter. Just pour the batter into a hot pan, and cook them until they are light and golden brown. Serve them with fruit, whipped cream, or any other toppings. Taste of Home has a great recipe for crepes if you need some inspiration.
8 Make a French toast casserole.
This is a great way to use up the leftover batter, and it makes a delicious breakfast or brunch dish. Pour the batter into a baking dish, top it with your favorite toppings, and bake it until it's golden brown and bubbly. Serve it warm, and enjoy.
9 Use it as a base for oatmeal
It's always good to start the day with oatmeal, and it's even better when it's made with French toast batter. Make sure you cook the oatmeal per package directions and mix in some batter before eating. This will give the oatmeal a delicious flavor, and it'll be like having French toast for breakfast.
10 Make donuts
Leftover French toast batter can be used in this fun and tasty recipe. Using a donut pan, pour the batter into the holes, and bake them according to the instructions. They are delicious plain or with your favorite toppings.
11 Get creative
There are endless possibilities when it comes to using French toast batter. Get creative and use it in recipes that call for pancake or waffle batter, or use it to make French toast desserts. The sky's the limit!
Read:
Double Dip French Toast Recipe
How to store French toast batter
There is often a problem with making too much of something, and then it goes bad before we can finish it. If this is the case with your French toast batter, try one of these 3 methods to store it and extend its shelf life.
1 Store in an airtight container in the fridge
This will buy you a few extra days. The batter will last in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Refrigeration is key to maintaining the quality of the batter and preventing bacteria growth. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or on the stove when you're ready to use it.
2 Freeze in an ice cube tray
This is a great way to portion out the batter and prevent waste for several months if you want it to last. Fill an ice cube tray with batter, and freeze. For easy access and space savings, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag once they've been frozen. Thaw the batter in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
3 Freeze in a plastic container
Pour the batter into a freezer-safe container, and store it in the freezer for up to six months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it out overnight. To use, cook as desired.
How to make French toast
These French toasts are the perfect weekend breakfast for boosting the spirit on a lazy weekend morning. The French toast batter has a warm cinnamon flavor that adds a little cozy warmth, and by switching heavy cream out for milk, it gets that restaurant-y richness we love in brunch.
Step 1 Decide which bread to use.
French toast should be thick, so I typically use Texas bread, which is about as twice as thick as the regular bread; you can find it at your local supermarket. I avoid thin-sliced french bread and the store-bought loaves in the deli; they have chewy crusts; I prefer a soft edge. Pick up the softest and thickest white bread you can find at your local grocery store. (At least ¾ inch thick.) You can find Alfaro Artesano brioche bread at Ralphs.
Step 2 Prepare your bread.
Slice the whole loaf of bread using a serrated knife (you can skip this step if you use Texas bread, as I did, or the Alfaro Artesano brioche ). For me, the perfect slice is about 1 and ¼ inches thick, which seems ridiculous, but I assure you, it's the right thickness. Avoid slicing any thinner than ¾ inch.
Step 3 Arrange the bread on a plate.
For French toast, day-old bread is perfect. Lay the bread out to dry a bit.
Step 4 Whisk the custard.
In a separate bowl, mix all the custard ingredients. Incorporate the cinnamon well and continue whirring until the mixture is completely smooth.
Step 5: Soak the bread.
Prepare a shallow dish to place the mixture in. Allow the bread to sit in the mixture for 10 to 20 seconds. Your bread thickness will determine how long it stays in the mix. You want the bread to be soft to the touch yet hold its shape. Let the other side soak as well.
Step 6 Cook the bread
Preheat a skillet or an iron-cast griddle over medium-low heat. Each griddle is different, so pay attention to it. Slightly spread 1 tablespoon of butter and drizzle some oil evenly on the pan. When the butter begins to sizzle, place the bread in the pan or griddle and toast for 3-5 minutes. Cook until golden brown on each side. You should leave one to two inches between each slice of French toast. After browning both sides of the bread, place them on a baking sheet to continue the toasting process.
Step 7 Caramelize (optional).
After the bottom side of the bread reaches a light brown color (note: it needs to be cooked twice). Then, sprinkle the top raw side of the bread with half a tablespoon of granulated sugar.
Then flip it over, sugar-side down, and fry for a couple of minutes until golden brown.
Tip: When cooking with a skillet, swirl the pan around to coat it with oil again, and if necessary, add additional butter/oil.
After that, dust the cooked side of toast with another ½ tablespoon of sugar. Then, flip the toast over to allow the first side to caramelize slightly.
Step 8 Preheat the oven to 350°F (optional)
Bake at 350°F for about 1 to 2 minutes. We ensure that any egg that did not brown on the sides gets cooked and crisps up the topping by taking this extra step.
Step 9 Keep your toast warm.
Transfer each toast to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet once they have been fried. Until ready to serve, place them in the oven to keep warm. Set your oven to the "keep warm" setting (at 170°F).
Tips to make the best French toast
Try adding a few ingredients to your French toast batter if you want it to taste more delicious. Making it even tastier will make it hard to resist. I wrote a comprehensive post (please click the picture below) on how to make a perfect French toast.
1 Use stale or day-old bread:
This will help the bread absorb more of the batter and result in a tastier French toast. Stale bread is also less likely to fall apart when soaked in the batter because it's more firm. Besides, who doesn't love a little bit of bread pudding?
2 Let the bread soak in the batter:
Let the bread soak for at least 10 to 20 seconds, depending on the thickness of your bread, and then cook it as desired. This will help the bread absorb the flavors of the batter, and it'll result in a tastier French toast. Don't oversoak the bread, or it'll fall apart.
3 Use a non-stick pan
This will help prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and make it easier to flip. Make sure you also add some butter and oil to the pan to aid in the process.
4 Use a griddle
If you are making French toast for a big group of people, this is a great option. Having an electric griddle allows you to cook multiple pieces of toast at once, so you'll be able to save time.
5 Be careful not to overcook the toast
The bread needs to be cooked through without burning. Watch the toast closely, and flip it when it gets golden brown. Exceptionally dry toast won't taste as wonderful.
6 Serve with toppings
French toast is delicious on its own, but it's even better with toppings. Try serving it with fresh fruit, maple syrup, honey, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Whatever you choose, it'll be delicious.
7 Add some spices
Try nutmeg or cinnamon to give your dishes a little flavor. You can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to make things even more enjoyable. These will add a warm and inviting flavor to the toast.
8 Use real butter
This will make your French toast more flavorful and give it a better texture. Using butter will make a big difference, so don't skimp on this ingredient. Margarine or other substitutes just won't cut it.
9 Cook the toast on medium heat
It'll be more likely to burn if you cook the toast on too high heat. Medium heat will allow the toast to cook evenly and prevent it from becoming burnt.
10 Bake the french toast after cooking in the pan.
Place french toast on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400° F until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. This will give the french toast a crispy edge and cook the eggs all the way through. I do this step because I like my french toast on the well-done side, but you can skip it if you prefer yours slightly softer.
How long does French toast batter last?
French toast batter will last for 3 months if you store it in the freezer. If you keep it in the fridge, it will only last 2 to 3 days. Either way, make sure to label the container with the date to know when you made it. Keeping track will help you determine whether it has been in the fridge or freezer for a long time.
Can I freeze French toast batter?
Yes, you can freeze French toast batter. Freezing the batter will help it last for 3 months. The advantage of freezing the batter is that you can make French toast whenever you want without preparing the batter each time. You can place it in a freezer-safe container and seal it tightly—Thaw the batter overnight in the refrigerator when you're ready to make it. Label the container with the date to know when it was made.
Is it possible to refreeze the batter?
Refreezing the batter is not recommended because it can change the texture and taste of French toast. If you want to keep the mix longer, it's best to freeze it in small batches. This will help you thaw only the amount of batter you need, preventing the batter from being refrozen multiple times.
Related questions
This all depends on how thick the slices of bread are. If the portions are too thick, they’ll take longer to soak up the batter. If the cuts are too thin, they’ll soak up the batter too quickly and won’t have a chance to cook properly.
For denser bread, try soaking for 20 to 30 seconds, and for thinner or airy bread (like Challah or Brioche), try soaking them for less than 15 seconds. Just make sure to test a piece first before cooking the whole batch. This kind of bread can absorb the batter quickly and become soggy, so it’s best to start with less time and add more if needed.
Some chefs recommend soaking time for about 5 minutes, but I find that to be too long. Too much soaking will result in soggy bread that falls apart when you cook it.
If you want to make French toast without eggs, you can use a vegan egg substitute. There are many recipes for vegan egg substitutes online. Simply follow the directions provided with the product. Eggs aid in binding the ingredients, so more liquid may be needed. It is best to use non-dairy milk for this recipe to get the best results.
If you’re out of milk or are looking for a dairy-free option, you can use almond milk or soy milk. Just make sure to use unsweetened non-dairy milk. Otherwise, your French toast will be too sweet. You can also use water, but the toast won’t be as flavorful. Too sweet French toast can also be a problem if you serve it with syrup.
If you don’t have syrup or want a healthier option, you can use fruit jam or honey. You can also make a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of milk. For a savory option, try using salsa or pesto. Also, feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors. The possibilities are endless!
The best bread for French toast is a slightly stale, dense bread. This will help the toast soak up the egg mixture and not fall apart. Good choices include challah, brioche, and sourdough.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat bread. Thick-sliced white bread (like Texas bread) is also a good choice since it will hold up better to the egg mixture.
Good quality bread is essential to crispy French toast. A denser bread will soak up less of the egg mixture and is less likely to fall apart. You can also try using less egg mixture. A longer cooking time at a lower temperature is another option. This will allow the bread to get crispier without burning.
The best way to keep French toast warm is to place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 200°F and place the rack with the toast on it. This will help keep the toast warm and prevent it from getting soggy.
Full Recipe
How to make French toast (Step by step)
Equipments:
- electric griddle
- Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf thick white bread (or Challah or Brioche)
Custard Ingredients:
- 3 pieces egg yolks
- 1½ cup heavy cream (,or half & half)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Caramelizing:
- extra granulated sugar
For frying:
- butter & oil (mixed)
Instructions:
Step 1: Decide which bread to use.
- French toast should be thick, so I typically use Texas bread, which is about twice as thick as the regular bread; you can find it at your local supermarket. I avoid french bread and the store-bought loaves in the deli; they have chewy crusts; I prefer a soft edge. Pick up the softest and thickest white bread you can find at your local grocery store. (At least ¾ inch thick.) You can find Alfaro Artesano brioche bread at Ralphs.
Step 2: Prepare your bread.
- Slice the whole loaf of bread using a serrated knife (you can skip this step if you use Texas bread, as I did, or the Alfaro Artesano brioche ). For me, the perfect slice is about 1 and ¼ inches thick, which seems ridiculous, but I assure you, it’s the right thickness. Avoid slicing any thinner than ¾ inch.
Step 3: Arrange the bread on a plate.
- For French toast, day-old bread is perfect. Lay the bread out to dry a bit.
Step 4: Whisk the custard.
- In a separate bowl, mix all the custard ingredients. Incorporate the cinnamon well and continue whirring until the mixture is completely smooth.
Step 5: Soak the bread
- Prepare a shallow dish to place the mixture in. Allow the bread to sit in the mixture for 10 to 20 seconds. Your bread thickness will determine how long it stays in the mix. You want the bread to be soft to the touch yet hold its shape. Let the other side soak as well.
Step 6: Cook the bread
- Preheat a skillet or an electric griddle over medium-low heat. Each griddle is different, so pay attention to it. Drizzle some oil and spread 1 tablespoon butter evenly on the pan. When the butter begins to sizzle, place the bread in the pan and toast for 3-5 minutes or cook until golden brown on each side. You should leave one to two inches between each slice of French toast. After browning both sides of the bread, place them on a baking sheet to continue the toasting process.
Step 7: Caramelize (Optional)
- After the bottom side of the bread reaches a light brown color (note: it needs to be cooked twice). Then, sprinkle the top raw side of the bread with half a tablespoon of granulated sugar. Then flip it over, sugar-side down, and fry for a couple of minutes until golden brown.Tip: When cooking with a skillet, swirl the pan around to coat it with oil again, and if necessary, add additional butter/oil. After that, dust the cooked side of toast with another ½ tablespoon of sugar. Then, flip the toast over to allow the first side to caramelize slightly.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (this is Optional)
- Bake at 350°F for about 1 to 2 minutes. We ensure that any egg that did not brown on the sides gets cooked and crisps up the topping by taking this extra step.
Step 9: Keep your toast warm.
- Transfer each toast to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet once they have been fried. Until ready to serve, place them in the oven to keep warm. Set your oven to the “keep warm” setting (at 170°F).
Notes:
Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
