French toast is typically not dairy-free, as most traditional recipes use milk or cream in the custard mixture into which the bread is dipped before frying. However, it’s possible to make dairy-free French toast by substituting the milk or cream with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Additionally, if the recipe calls for butter for frying, you must use a dairy-free substitute like margarine or oil.
Dairy-Free French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk)
- 4 thick slices of bread
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Cooking oil or dairy-free margarine for frying
Instructions
- Whisk together the non-dairy milk, maple syrup or sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a wide, shallow bowl.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add oil or dairy-free margarine.
- Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated, then place it in the pan.
- Cook until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Repeat with the remaining slices of bread, adding more oil or margarine as needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Always read labels if you’re using store-bought bread, as some brands may contain dairy or other allergens.
Why is my French Toast Soggy?
Your French toast might be soggy in the middle because it’s not cooked long enough or the heat is too high, causing the outside to cook faster than the inside. Overly thick slices of bread can also lead to sogginess, as the egg mixture may not fully penetrate the center. Lastly, using very soft, fresh bread or too much liquid in your egg mixture can also result in a soggy middle.
Plant-Based Milk Options for Making French Toast
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Oat milk
- Rice milk
- Coconut milk
- Cashew milk
- Hemp milk
- Pea milk
- Flax milk
Tips to ensure that you Always Eat Dairy-Free French Toast while Eating Out
Communicate Your Needs Clearly: Inform your server about your dietary restriction and ask them to confirm with the kitchen whether the French toast can be made dairy-free. Be specific about what you’re avoiding (milk, butter, cream, etc.).
Ask About Substitutions: Ask if the restaurant can substitute dairy milk with a non-dairy alternative, like almond or soy milk, and use dairy-free margarine or oil instead of butter.
Ask About Bread: Some types of bread can contain milk or butter, so it’s essential to ask about this too.
Be Careful With Toppings and Sides: Even if the French toast is dairy-free, toppings like whipped cream or butter can contain dairy. Always ask about the ingredients in the toppings, and opt for fruit, nuts, or maple syrup instead.
Check the Menu Ahead of Time: If possible, look up the restaurant’s menu online before going. Some places will list allergen information or offer special dietary menus.
Consider Dining at Vegan or Allergy-Friendly Restaurants: These establishments are more likely to understand and cater to your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is French toast vegan?
Traditional French toast is not vegan as it’s made with eggs and often with dairy. However, you can make a vegan version using plant-based milk and a vegan egg substitute, such as flax or chickpea flour.
Is French toast gluten-free?
French toast is not typically gluten-free as it’s made with bread, which usually contains gluten. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and ensuring all other ingredients and toppings are also gluten-free.
Is French toast keto?
Traditional French toast is not keto-friendly due to the high carb content in bread and sugar. You’d need to use a low-carb, keto-approved bread and a sugar substitute to make a keto-friendly version.
Is French toast healthy?
The healthiness of French toast depends on the ingredients used. Traditional French toast can be high in sugar and saturated fats. However, you can make a healthier version by using whole-grain bread, minimizing added sugars, and topping it with fruit instead of syrup.
How to store homemade French toast?
Cool leftover French toast completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, use a toaster, oven, or skillet until heated.
Can you make French toast with almond milk?
Yes, you can make French toast with almond milk. It serves as a good non-dairy substitute for the traditional milk or cream in the recipe, providing a slightly nutty flavor to the toast.
Can I use water in French toast?
While you can use water instead of milk in French toast, it will lack the richness and flavor that milk or a non-dairy milk substitute would provide. The toast might also be less tender and a bit drier.
