Healthy French Toast

For as long as I can remember, French toast has been one of my favorite breakfast dishes. Growing up, French toast was a dish reserved for special occasions. Whether it was a holiday or I had just gotten an A on a big test, I could always count on getting a special treat for breakfast.

Don’t get me wrong, I practically drooled over my plate every time my mother made her French toast for breakfast. However, once I got older and developed a passion for healthy cooking, I made some healthy swaps and created this lightened up version of this childhood classic.

Made with indulgent flavors like cinnamon and vanilla, along with healthy ingredients like almond milk and whole grain bread; this recipe for Healthy French Toast is the perfect combination of wholesome and delicious. Every time I have served this dish for family or friends, it has gotten rave reviews.

Nobody has ever been able to tell that this was a healthier version of the French toast they grew up on, so it’s been my little secret. Now, I’m sharing it with you! Serve this mouthwatering healthy breakfast alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for an unforgettable meal that you’ll be thinking about all day.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

To bring this healthy breakfast recipe to life, you will need the following key ingredients:

• Whole grain bread. This is my preference, but you can also use another type of bread like sourdough or brioche.
• Eggs. These are a key part of the custard base that makes the French toast so incredibly rich.
• Almond milk. You can use cow’s milk if you like, but I prefer almond milk for a lighter twist. You could also try oat milk or cashew milk.
• Butter. Feel free to substitute this for ghee or coconut oil.
• Maple Syrup. This adds the perfect amount of sweetness without being over the top. If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use any sweetener of your choice.

Recipe Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips to help you make this healthy breakfast recipe:

• If you don’t have maple syrup, you can swap this out for raw honey or agave nectar.
• To make this recipe vegan-friendly, swap out the butter for coconut oil and use your favorite egg substitute.
• To brighten up the flavors of the dish, try adding the zest of a lemon or an orange just before serving.
• I like to top my French toast with fresh berries and extra maple syrup. Any berries you like will work; raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are all great choices.
• If you’re gluten-free, swap out the whole grain bread for your favorite gluten-free bread.
• For a presentation that really pops, try topping your French toast with powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves.

French Toast Toppings

While I typically like to keep my French toast simple by topping it with maple syrup and fresh berries, it’s a versatile dish that works well with a wide variety of toppings. Feel free to get creative and switch it up every time you make it. You could also set up a French toast bar where guests can choose their own toppings!

Here are some of my favorite toppings for French toast:

• Greek yogurt
• Fruit compote or jam
• Nut butter
• Banana slices
• Fresh berries
• Chopped nuts
• Nutella
• Butter
• Maple syrup or honey

How to Store Leftover French Toast

If you make too much and wind up with leftovers, you’re in luck! French toast holds up incredibly well when stored in the freezer, so you can make extra with the intention of saving some to enjoy at your leisure. This is beyond helpful on busy mornings when I don’t have time to whip up a fresh batch.

Any toppings you use for the French toast (fresh fruit, compotes, yogurt, etc.) should be stored separately from your French toast. Each slice should be individually wrapped and stored in an airtight bag or container in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 3 days.
• In the freezer for up to 2 months.