Allergen Info
This one’s for Ryder—our inspiration for all things dairy-free and delicious!
If you’ve been navigating life with a dairy allergy or any other food allergies, then you already know the challenges that come with it. From scrutinizing every ingredient label to adapting family favorite recipes, it can sometimes feel like mealtime is a minefield. French Toast is one of those comforting, classic breakfast dishes that we weren’t ready to let go of—so, we didn’t.
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French Toast: It’s Not Actually French!
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably always assumed French Toast came from France. But surprise—it doesn’t! The origins of French Toast date back to ancient Rome, where a recipe for what was called Pan Dulcis appeared in a Roman cookbook. Basically, stale bread was soaked in a mixture of milk and eggs, then fried to golden perfection. Sound familiar?
As the idea of reviving stale bread spread through different cultures, variations of French Toast started popping up everywhere. In France, they call it pain perdu, or “lost bread,” because it was a way to bring old bread back to life. Meanwhile, some say the dish got its English name from an American innkeeper named Joseph French, who in 1724 supposedly made the dish and called it “French’s Toast”—but he was apparently bad at punctuation, and it became “French Toast” instead. True or not, it’s a fun story to tell while you’re flipping your breakfast on the griddle!
Custard, You Say? What Makes French Toast So Creamy
So, what’s the secret to great French Toast? The answer lies in the custard. French Toast is actually a custard-based dish, and the better the custard, the better the toast. The traditional custard mix is made up of milk and eggs, which thickens as it cooks, creating a creamy, rich texture. For our allergy-friendly version, we swap out the dairy for almond milk (or another milk alternative), and the result is still dreamy and delicious.
The key is to really let the bread soak up that custard—don’t rush this part! The longer you soak the bread, the more flavorful and richer the result will be. Think of the custard as the soul of French Toast—it’s what turns plain bread into something magical.
Why All the Soaking?
The soak is where the magic happens! You’ve gotta let the bread really soak up that custard to create a delicious lattice structure (science-y stuff, but trust us on this). It’s what gives easy French Toast that dreamy combo of crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. So don’t rush it—this isn’t just about coating the bread, it’s about transforming it into breakfast glory.
Breakdown: Making Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free French Toast Work
Each ingredient in this recipe was chosen not just for flavor, but for safety. We’ve taken care to ensure that our French Toast is free of dairy and gluten (with the use of gluten-free bread), but let’s take a deeper dive into why these ingredients work and how you can adapt them to fit your needs.
- Eggs: Eggs are what give French Toast its unique texture. If you’re avoiding eggs due to an allergy, you can experiment with an egg substitute like flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different.
- Milk Alternatives: Almond milk adds a light, nutty flavor that complements the spices perfectly, but you can swap it out for any milk alternative that works for you. Oat milk creates a richer, creamier custard, while coconut milk adds a subtle tropical sweetness. If soy milk is your go-to, that works too!
- Gluten-Free Bread: The texture of your French Toast largely depends on the bread you use. Gluten-free bread can sometimes be a bit drier than regular bread, which is why it’s so important to soak it well in the custard. Look for a sturdy gluten-free loaf that can stand up to the custard without falling apart, our personal favorite is the Canyon Bakehouse brand. If you don’t need to be gluten-free french toast, feel free to use your favorite bread instead.
- Spices: Cinnamon and cardamom bring warmth and depth to this dish. Cardamom, in particular, is a bit of a wildcard—it’s not as commonly used in traditional French Toast recipes, but we love the slight floral, citrusy note it adds. If you don’t have cardamom on hand, feel free to stick with cinnamon, or get creative with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves.
Ryder’s Dairy-Free French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices of store-bought gluten-free bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or any other milk alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- Cooking oil for frying
- Maple syrup and vegan butter for serving
Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a deep bowl that is narrow enough to comfortably fit the bread with some room to maneuver your fingers, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using). The bowl should be deep enough to submerge the bread fully.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Submerge each slice of gluten-free bread into the dairy-free custard mixture. Allow the bread to soak for at least 1–2 minutes until fully saturated. Ensure it’s fully submerged and watch for air bubbles—if bubbles are coming out, the liquid is going in! It’s okay to use your fingers to help with the process, just be sure your hands are clean.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little cooking oil to coat the pan.
Step 4: Pan-Fry to Perfection
Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Fry each side for about 1–3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. For reasons science will never, ever be able to explain, the first side will always be darker than the second. Don’t question it; it’s science, we promise.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Transfer the French Toast to serving plates. Top with a pat of vegan butter and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
Savory Variations: French Toast Isn’t Just for Sweet Tooths
Believe it or not, French Toast doesn’t always have to be sweet. If you’re in the mood for something savory, skip the cinnamon and cardamom and replace them with spices like black pepper, smoked paprika, and even a little garlic powder. Top your savory French Toast with avocado, a fried egg, or some sautéed mushrooms for a whole new breakfast experience. You can even turn it into a sandwich!
Freezing Extras for Future You
Here’s a pro tip: make extra French Toast now, thank yourself later! We usually whip up 8–12 pieces at a time and freeze the leftovers. It’s a total game-changer for busy mornings. Here’s how:
• Freezing: Let the cooked slices cool down completely. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, toss them into a freezer bag or container, using parchment paper between layers if you want to avoid the dreaded bread stickage.
• Reheating: Ready for round two? Pop those slices into a toaster or warm frying pan, and boom—French Toast perfection! If you’re in a real rush, you can use the microwave, but let’s be honest, the toaster oven or frying pan gives you that nice crispy edge.
Having these on hand means you’ll never have to skip breakfast—future you is going to be so impressed!
Breakfast Fun for (most) Everyone
This easy French Toast recipe is a go-to in our dairy-free household, proving that with a few easy swaps, everyone can enjoy the classics—even without dairy! While this recipe isn’t safe for those with egg allergies, we have a banana-based vegan French Toast recipe you can try. If there’s enough interest on our Instagram, we’ll be happy to share it! Just follow this link and drop a comment. We’re all about keeping things tasty and allergy-friendly, so give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Share your experience or any fun twists you added by commenting on our Instagram post—we’re always down for new ideas in the kitchen!
Happy cooking from our family to yours!
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Irresistible Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free French Toast: Ryder’s Favorite
Ingredients
- 6 slices of store-bought gluten-free bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup almond milk or any other milk alternative
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt optional
- Cooking oil for frying
- Maple syrup and vegan butter for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a deep bowl that is narrow enough to comfortably fit the bread with some room to maneuver your fingers, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using). The bowl should be deep enough to submerge the bread fully.
Soak the Bread:
- Submerge each slice of gluten-free bread into the custard mixture. Allow the bread to soak for at least 1–2 minutes until fully saturated. Ensure it’s fully submerged and watch for air bubbles—if bubbles are coming out, the liquid is going in! It’s okay to use your fingers to help with the process, just be sure your hands are clean.
Heat the Pan:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little cooking oil to coat the pan.
Pan-Fry to Perfection:
- Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Fry each side for about 1–3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. For reasons science will never, ever be able to explain, the first side will always be darker than the second. Don’t question it; it’s science, we promise.
Serve Warm:
- Transfer the French Toast to serving plates. Top with a pat of vegan butter and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
Related Questions (FAQ)
What can you substitute milk for in French toast?
You can substitute dairy milk in French toast with a variety of non-dairy alternatives. Almond milk is a popular choice that works well in the recipe, offering a subtle nutty flavor. Coconut milk is another excellent option because its higher fat content adds extra richness and creaminess to the dish. Other vegan milk alternatives like soy milk, hemp milk, or macadamia milk can also be used to make your French toast luscious and delicious. These substitutes not only cater to dietary preferences but can also enhance the flavor profile of your French toast, making it a delightful treat for everyone.
Does the milk matter in French toast?
Yes, milk—whether it’s dairy or a dairy-free alternative—matters in French toast. Milk mixed with eggs creates a custard-like batter that soaks into the bread, adding moisture, richness, and a creamy texture to the dish.
While you can technically make the custard using just eggs and water, the texture will change—it won’t be as rich or flavorful, and the French toast may turn out drier. Using milk or a milk substitute enhances both the taste and the creaminess, making for a more satisfying French toast experience.
Can you make French toast without butter?
Yes, you can make French toast without butter. While butter is commonly used for frying French toast because of its rich flavor, it is not essential to the dish. You can use alternative fats like avocado oil, olive oil, or any high-quality oil you prefer. These oils work well for frying and can give the French toast a delightful crispness on the outside. The egg and milk mixture used to soak the bread doesn’t require any added fat, so the choice of cooking oil is flexible. Using oils instead of butter can also be a great option for those looking to avoid or reduce dairy intake.
