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This balsamic strawberry french toast turns an ordinary breakfast into an amazing culinary treat. You'll love how the sweetness of strawberries plays against the tangy balsamic—it creates a perfect flavor combo that'll wake up your taste buds.
I first tried this when staying at a small B&B in southern France where the owner made it for us every morning. Now I make it whenever I want to wow my friends at weekend brunches.
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 4 thick brioche bread slices: day-old bread works best as it soaks up more of the mixture
- 2 fresh eggs: these add richness and give that soft texture
- 120 ml milk: whole milk makes it creamier
- 1 tablespoon sugar: just enough to balance the flavors nicely
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: go for real vanilla for better flavor
- 1 tablespoon butter: use unsalted for cooking
For the Topping
- 250g fresh strawberries: pick ripe, fragrant ones
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: an aged quality one adds more depth
- 1 tablespoon honey: flower honey works great with the tangy balsamic
Instructions Étape par Étape
- Mix it up:
- In a shallow dish, beat eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla until smooth with no lumps. Good mixing means the bread will soak evenly.
- Soak the bread:
- Dip each slice in the mix for about 30 seconds per side. The bread should be soaked through but not soggy or it'll fall apart during cooking.
- Cook your toast:
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat until it bubbles slightly. Carefully put in your soaked bread and cook for 3 minutes on each side until it's golden brown with a slightly crispy outside but still soft inside.
- Prep the strawberries:
- While the toast cooks, wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them not too thinly so they keep some texture.
- Make balsamic glaze:
- In a small pot, mix balsamic vinegar with honey. Bring to a gentle boil then lower heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Plate it up:
- Put your french toast on warm plates. Spread strawberries on top and drizzle with the warm balsamic glaze. Serve right away.
This dish brings back memories of sunny mornings from my childhood when my grandma would make french toast with leftover bread. I added the balsamic twist after trying this amazing combo at an Italian friend's dinner party.
Storage
You can keep french toast in the fridge for a day. When reheating, put it in the oven at 150°C for a few minutes instead of using the microwave to keep its texture. Store the balsamic strawberry topping separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Seasonal Twists
During summer, try using peaches or apricots roasted in the oven for 10 minutes instead of strawberries. In fall, caramelized apples with cinnamon make a yummy alternative. Winter calls for citrus like blood oranges or grapefruit that give a tart contrast to the sweet french toast.
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Pairings and Presentation
For a complete brunch, serve with a glass of champagne or strong coffee. To make it look fancy, sprinkle some chopped mint leaves on top and add a small scoop of lightly sweetened mascarpone. The bright red strawberries look stunning against the golden toast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of bread works best?
Go for thick bread like brioche or challah for a soft, absorbent texture.
- → Can I swap the balsamic?
Sure, you can use maple syrup for a softer and sweeter option instead.
- → How can I make it lighter?
Opt for skim milk and swap butter with a small amount of light margarine.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the toast and prep the glaze fresh before serving to keep things tasty.
- → What other toppings go well with strawberries?
Try blueberries, raspberries, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.