Creating the perfect French toast is a delightful morning endeavor, yet even the most enthusiastic cooks might fall victim to a few common pitfalls along the way. Some of these mistakes are easy to overlook: using the wrong type of bread or cranking up the heat too high can lead to an unpleasant culinary experience. Equally essential is the cooking device you choose. Chef Kaleena Bliss from the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel and its chic rooftop restaurant, Cindy’s, emphasizes one major no-no when it comes to cooking French toast: avoiding the toaster at all costs.
Chef Bliss candidly shared with Mashed that, “While it may seem like a shortcut, the toaster isn’t equipped to manage the moisture from the soaked bread. You’re likely to end up with a gooey mess within the toaster.” Surely, many can relate to the frustration of cleaning up after a breakfast mishap. But the mess isn’t the only downside to using a toaster; the quality of the final dish also suffers. Bliss points out, “Instead of the fluffy breakfast delight you envision, you’ll end up with French toast that’s parched and inconsistently cooked.” Who wants breakfast to feel like a chore rather than a treat? In the culinary world, some shortcuts can lead to more trouble than they’re worth. While using a waffle iron for hashbrowns or a squeeze bottle for pancake batter might be fun kitchen hacks, don’t let the toaster be one of them.
Now, if you find yourself with leftovers from a cozy brunch or a family breakfast, reheating your French toast can sometimes feel like a challenge. But don’t worry! Bliss reassures us that while the toaster is a no-go for cooking, its counterpart—the toaster oven—can be a game-changer for reheating. She advises, “If you want to rewarm French toast, a toaster oven or even an air fryer performs better since they provide a milder, more regulated heat.” Now that’s a tip you can savor!
If you decide to reheat using an air fryer (which is honestly a brilliant idea), here are a few handy pointers to ensure your French toast is rejuvenated to perfection. First, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—this step ensures that the heat circulates evenly for that ideal warm-up. The reheating time may vary based on the thickness of your bread, but you’re looking at about three to five minutes. It’s a good practice to flip the slices halfway through the process, ensuring that both sides are heated uniformly. Remember to avoid overcrowding—lay those lovely slices in a single layer while allowing a bit of space between them. Trust me; letting the air circulate is key to achieving a warm and crispy revival of your sweet treat.
With Chef Bliss’s expert guidance, you can dodge the usual French toast pitfalls and confidently whip up a breakfast experience that’s truly memorable—whether you’re preparing it fresh or reheating those cherished leftovers. Enjoy the perfect dish whenever the craving strikes, knowing you’re well-equipped with tips that allow you to savor every delectable bite!
