French toast goes by many different names around the world. In France, it is known as “pain perdu”, which literally translates to “lost bread”. The origins of French toast are unclear, but it seems to have first become popular in France in the 15th or 16th century.
What is French toast?
French toast is a dish made of bread soaked in beaten eggs and milk or cream, then pan fried. The egg coating gives the bread a golden browned exterior and a soft, custard-like interior. French toast can be sweet or savory, depending on what ingredients it is served with. Sweet French toast is often topped with syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or other sweet toppings. Savory French toast may be served with cheese, tomatoes, avocado, or other savory items.
The basic ingredients for French toast are:
- Bread – traditionally stale bread is used, but fresh bread works too
- Eggs – beaten with a little milk or cream
- Butter or oil – for cooking
- Sweet or savory toppings
Nearly any type of bread can be used to make French toast, including thick slices of bread, baguettes, brioche, challah, or even leftovers like croissants. The egg coating tenderizes the bread and allows it to soak up the rich egg custard.
The history of French toast
The exact origins of French toast are unknown, but it seems to have gained popularity in Europe sometime between the 15th and 17th centuries. Some historians believe that French toast descended from a medieval recipe called pan perdu (also meaning “lost bread”) that was a way of using up stale old bread.
There are also legends that French toast was created by medieval European cooks who needed to use up bread, eggs and milk before the Lenten fast. Eggs and milk were forbidden foods during Lent, so cooking them together may have been a creative way to avoid waste.
The earliest reference to “French toast” by name appears in the Apicius cookbook, which may date back as early as the 4th or 5th century. A recipe for “French toast” is found in the popular 1660 English cookbook The Accomplisht Cook by Robert May.
French toast became popular in America in the early 18th century. In the New England colonies, it was also known as “German toast.” By the 19th century, recipes for “French toast” were widespread in American cookbooks. The name likely comes from the distinctive egg batter that gives the toast its signature taste and texture.
French toast around the world
While French toast goes by “pain perdu” or “lost bread” in France, it has different regional names around the world:
| Country | Name | Literal Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Arme Ritter | Poor knights |
| Croatia | Izgubljeni kruh | Lost bread |
| Netherlands | Wentelteefjes | Little turn cakes |
| Poland | Cynamonowe grzanki | Cinnamon toast |
| Romania | Paine cu oua | Bread with eggs |
So while the basic recipe remains the same, French toast takes on diverse names and local twists as it has spread around the world over the centuries.
French toast in French cuisine
In France, French toast is made with lighter, thinner slices of bread – usually a baguette or flute. The focus is on the custard-soaked bread itself rather than lavish toppings.
Traditionally, French pain perdu is made with just a few core ingredients:
- Day-old bread
- Eggs
- Milk
- Sugar
- Butter
- Salt
- Vanilla (optional)
Raisins or berries may be added to the batter for extra flavor. Once cooked, it is often dusted with powdered sugar and served with fruit compote on the side.
While Americans may think of French toast as a sweet breakfast dish, the French are just as likely to eat pain perdu as a dessert. It can be served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
In France, savory French toast is also popular, made with ingredients like ham and cheese. But sweet French toast remains the default in cafes and brunch spots around France.
Classic French bistro French toast
Here is a classic French bistro recipe for pain perdu:
- Beat 3 eggs with 1/2 cup milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Slice a 6-inch section of baguette 1-inch thick
- Soak bread slices in egg mixture briefly on each side
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat
- Cook soaked bread slices until golden, about 2 minutes per side
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm
This simple preparation lets the flavor of the custard-soaked bread shine. It’s often served as part of a French bistro breakfast or brunch.
French toast in North America
French toast became especially popular in North America in the 19th century. American and Canadian versions tend to be thicker sliced, sweeter, and more lavishly topped than their French counterparts.
In diners and family restaurants across the US and Canada, French toast is served as a hearty sweet breakfast or brunch dish. Popular additions include:
- Syrup – maple syrup, flavored syrups like blueberry or strawberry
- Fresh fruit – bananas, berries, peaches
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Butter
- Cinnamon sugar
- Chocolate sauce or melted chocolate
French toast can also be stuffed with cream cheese, dipped in batter, and fried for an over the top sweet breakfast treat. Savory versions may be topped with sauteed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese.
In the US, French toast is often served with breakfast meats like bacon or sausage as well. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized in many creative ways.
Classic American diner French toast
Here is a recipe for classic American diner-style French toast:
- Beat together 3 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp vanilla
- Soak thick Texas toast bread slices in egg mixture
- Melt butter in a skillet and fry bread over medium heat until golden brown
- Serve with maple syrup, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream
This sweeter, more indulgent version highlights the differences between French and American interpretations of French toast.
Conclusion
So while it goes by “pain perdu” or lost bread in France, French toast has clearly been found and enjoyed around the world over the centuries. The basic custard-soaked bread concept has expanded into diverse sweet and savory variations tailored to local tastes. While specifics vary, the appeal of crisp fried bread and a sweet, creamy interior endures worldwide. So no matter what you call it, French toast remains a cherished breakfast treat in its many global forms.