Quick Answer
There are several good substitutes for milk when making French toast if you don’t have milk on hand or want to avoid dairy. The most common milk substitutes are almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, oat milk, and soy milk. You can also use eggs, half-and-half, yogurt, or even water in some cases. The key is to use a liquid that will help soak the bread and provide moisture, creaminess, and binding.
Milk Substitutes for French Toast
Non-Dairy Milks
Non-dairy milks make excellent substitutes for cow’s milk in French toast recipes. They provide richness and moisture similar to dairy milk. Some good options include:
| Non-Dairy Milk | Notes |
| Almond milk | Provides creaminess and soaks into the bread well. Unsweetened works best. |
| Coconut milk | Imparts sweetness and richness. Shake the can well before using. |
| Cashew milk | Creamy like dairy milk. Choose unsweetened. |
| Oat milk | Neutral flavor that works well in French toast. Use plain unsweetened. |
| Soy milk | Soaks into the bread and cooks up nicely. Stick with plain/unsweetened. |
The key when choosing a non-dairy milk is to avoid sweetened/flavored varieties. Plain and unsweetened nut, seed, and grain milks work best for savory French toast. They provide moisture, richness, and binding without overpowering egg flavors.
Dairy Substitutes
If you want to stick with dairy products, some possible substitutes for milk include:
- Half-and-half – Provides creamy texture and richness.
- Heavy cream – Adds luxurious richness and moisture.
- Plain yogurt – Yogurt helps tenderize the bread. Greek yogurt works well.
- Evaporated milk – Shelf-stable and mimics milk well when diluted with water.
- Buttermilk – Imparts tanginess. Shake before using.
The higher fat content in half-and-half, heavy cream, and plain yogurt helps replicate the richness of whole milk. Buttermilk adds nice tartness that pairs well with sweet French toast.
Other Substitutions
If you don’t have any dairy or non-dairy milk alternatives on hand, some other possible substitutes include:
- Eggs – Adding an extra egg or egg white helps make up for the lack of milk in terms of moisture and binding.
- Water – Not ideal, but you can use water in a 1:1 ratio for milk as a last resort. The texture may suffer.
- Fruit juice – Juices like orange or pineapple lend sweetness and moisture.
- Coconut water – For a more exotic, lightly sweet flavor.
While not as creamy, eggs and water still provide the hydration needed to soak the bread. Fruit juices and coconut water infuse the French toast with fruity flavors.
Tips for Making French Toast Without Milk
When making French toast with milk substitutes, keep these tips in mind:
- Mix the eggs and substitute together before soaking the bread so they emulsify.
- Let the bread soak at least 5 minutes per side to fully saturate.
- Use thicker slices of bread like Texas toast or French bread which won’t get soggy as quickly.
- Add a touch of cinnamon, vanilla, or nutmeg to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
- Cook the French toast over medium-low heat until browned on both sides.
- Serve immediately with favorite syrups, fruit, whipped cream, or other toppings.
Soaking the bread well is key to ensure it gets fully hydrated. Letting it soak at least 5-10 minutes allows the substitute to permeate the bread. Starting with thicker bread also prevents it from getting too soggy. Adding spices to the egg mixture provides more complexity.
Best Milk Substitutes for French Toast
While all the substitutes listed can work, some stand out as the best options.
For Non-Dairy:
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Cashew milk
- Coconut milk
Almond and soy milk have neutral flavors that work well in sweet or savory dishes. Cashew and coconut milk provide richer texture and sweetness.
For Dairy:
- Half-and-half
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Heavy cream
The higher fat content in these dairy substitutes makes them ideal for replicating the richness of whole milk. They soak into the bread well and cook up creamy.
For Other:
- Eggs
- Water
- Orange juice
Extra eggs or water maintain moisture in a pinch. Orange juice infuses the French toast with bright sweet citrus flavor.
Sample French Toast Recipe With Milk Substitutes
This basic French toast recipe can be made with any of the milk substitutes:
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1⁄2 cup milk substitute (almond milk, half-and-half, etc.)
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 8 thick slices bread
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
- Whisk together eggs, milk substitute, cinnamon, and nutmeg until blended.
- Dip bread slices into egg mixture, soaking at least 5 minutes per side.
- Melt butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet.
- Cook soaked bread slices until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Optional: Sprinkle brown sugar onto one side while cooking if you want crunchy caramelized edges.
- Serve French toast hot with desired toppings.
This basic recipe works well with any of the milk substitutes. Feel free to add berries, bananas, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins to the batter too. Enjoy your creamy, satisfying French toast without milk!
FAQs About Making French Toast Without Milk
Is it ok to make French toast with water instead of milk?
While not ideal, you can use water as a 1:1 substitute for milk in French toast in a pinch. The texture may be a bit drier and less rich. For better results, use extra eggs or soak the bread longer.
Can I make French toast with cream?
Yes, heavy cream or half-and-half are excellent substitutes for whole milk in French toast. The higher fat content makes them ideal for creating a rich, creamy texture.
What can I use if I don’t have eggs or milk?
If you don’t have eggs or milk, try soaking the bread in a fruit juice like pineapple or orange juice. The juice helps provide moisture and flavor. Adding a bit of cornstarch can also help bind it.
Is coconut milk good for French toast?
Yes, coconut milk can make delicious French toast! Its creamy texture and lightly sweet flavor work well. Shake the can first and use full-fat coconut milk.
Can I use almond milk for French toast?
Definitely! Unsweetened and unflavored almond milk is one of the most popular dairy milk substitutes for French toast. It provides richness without a strong flavor.
Conclusion
You can make tasty French toast without regular milk by using a host of dairy and non-dairy substitutes. Almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, heavy cream, half-and-half, and eggs all provide richness, moisture, and binding. In a pinch, even water or fruit juice will get the job done. Whisk the substitute with the eggs, let the bread soak well, and cook over medium-low heat for creamy, satisfying French toast anytime.