Reduced Fat French Toast Recipe

Whole grain bread: A healthier alternative to white bread, providing more fiber and nutrients.

Egg whites: Used instead of whole eggs to reduce fat and cholesterol content.

Low-fat milk: Helps to lower the overall fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to the French toast.

Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

When whisking the egg whites and low-fat milk, make sure to achieve a smooth and well-blended mixture. This ensures that the whole grain bread absorbs the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon evenly, resulting in a more flavorful French toast.

• whole grain bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread offers a tangy flavor and a chewy texture, while still being a healthier option compared to white bread.

• whole grain bread - Substitute with sprouted grain bread: Sprouted grain bread is nutrient-dense and easier to digest, making it a great alternative for a healthy French toast.

• egg whites - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water can replace egg whites, providing a similar binding effect while being vegan-friendly.

• egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can mimic the texture of egg whites and is a good plant-based alternative.

• low-fat milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is lower in calories and fat, making it a suitable dairy-free option for reduced-fat recipes.

• low-fat milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is creamy and has a mild flavor, providing a good alternative for those avoiding dairy while still keeping the recipe light.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile, adding a nutty undertone to the French toast.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can provide a rich, sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in French toast.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a warm and complex flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can provide a similar warm spice note, though it is stronger, so use it sparingly.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral flavor.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser texture and can be used as a direct substitute, offering a cleaner salt taste.

• Allow the French toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the toast soggy.

• Place the cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours. This step ensures the slices don't stick together.

• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Be sure to label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen French toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a toaster or toaster oven for a quicker option.

• For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled French toast slices in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• When ready to eat, reheat the refrigerated French toast in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.

• For an added touch, serve your reheated French toast with fresh berries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

• If you prefer a savory twist, top your French toast with a poached egg and a handful of fresh herbs like chives or parsley.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

• Use a toaster oven for a quick and crispy reheat. Set it to medium heat and toast the French toast slices for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

• For a microwave option, place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or cooking spray. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.

• For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and heated evenly.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the egg whites, low-fat milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the ingredients in the mixing bowl to create a smooth mixture.

• Non-stick skillet: Ideal for cooking the French toast slices without them sticking to the surface, ensuring an even golden brown finish.

• Spatula: Useful for flipping the bread slices in the skillet to cook both sides evenly.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the low-fat milk and other ingredients to ensure the right proportions.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure small quantities of ingredients like vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

• Plate: For serving the warm French toast once it's cooked.

• Knife: Handy for slicing any fresh fruit that you might want to serve with the French toast.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting fresh fruit or other toppings.

Prepare the mixture in advance: Mix the egg whites, low-fat milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt the night before and store it in the fridge.

Use a large skillet: Cooking multiple slices at once in a large non-stick skillet will save time.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the bread to reduce cooking time.

Use a shallow dish: Dip the whole grain bread in a shallow dish to coat it quickly and evenly.

Serve with pre-cut fruit: Have your fresh fruit pre-cut and ready to serve.