French toast, known as “pain perdu” (lost bread) in French, is a delicious breakfast dish enjoyed by people all over the world. But what do French people actually eat on their version of French toast? Let’s explore the history, traditional recipes, and modern variations of French toast in France.
What is French toast?
French toast is made by coating bread slices with a mixture of eggs and milk or cream, then frying them until golden brown. The egg coating gives the bread a luxurious texture while also allowing it to soak up some of the liquid.
Some key questions about French toast:
- What type of bread is used? French bread or baguettes are traditional, but all kinds of bread can be used.
- What ingredients are used in the egg batter? Eggs, milk or cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon are common.
- How is it cooked? Usually fried in butter or oil on a skillet or griddle.
- What toppings and sides are served? Sweet toppings like syrup, fruit, whipped cream. Or savory ingredients like cheese, ham, sauces.
The basic process is dipping bread in an egg mixture, then frying it until crispy and golden brown on both sides. This gives the bread a delicious sweet and custard-like flavor.
Origin of French toast
French toast dates back centuries, with origins in Europe. Some accounts trace it back to ancient Rome. But the name “French toast” likely comes from French-speaking parts of Europe in the 17th century.
The early names like “pain perdu” (lost bread) refer to it being a dish that was made to avoid wasting stale bread. The egg coating revives and softens the bread, giving it new life. It’s only “lost” in appearance as the bread absorbed the egg mixture.
Traditional French toast in France
So how is French toast traditionally made and served in France? While recipes can vary, there are some classic French versions.
Names in French
French toast is known by several names in French:
- Pain perdu – “lost bread”
- Pain doré – “golden bread”
- Pain à la romaine – “Roman bread”
These names speak to the origins and the appearance of the dish.
Ingredients
Traditional French pain perdu uses just a few simple ingredients:
- Bread – usually a baguette or sliced white bread
- Eggs – 2-3 large eggs per slice of bread
- Milk or cream – about 1-2 cups total
- Sugar – 2-3 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
The basic method is:
- Beat eggs with milk or cream, sugar, and vanilla
- Soak bread slices in mixture briefly on each side
- Fry in butter or oil over medium heat until golden
This simple preparation lets the flavor of the bread and egg mixture shine.
Bread type
Baguettes are the traditional choice, since they most closely resemble ancient Roman bread. The thin baguette slices soak up plenty of the custardy egg batter.
Thick sliced white bread works too, but doesn’t get quite as saturated with the egg mixture. Brioche is also commonly used for its rich flavor.
Cooking method
The basic technique is simple – dip the bread in the egg mixture, then place in a skillet with melted butter or oil. Fry on both sides until crispy and browned.
Getting the right texture takes some practice. You want the interior to remain soft and moist, while the exterior is crunchy. The egg coating should be just set, not too runny or rubbery.
Serving and toppings
While modern French toast is served with sweet toppings, traditionally it was more of a savory bread dish. Typical French servings might include:
- Butter – applying more butter right when it comes out of the pan
- Powdered sugar – a light dusting of powdered sugar
- Maple syrup – mostly popular with American-style French toast
- Jams or fruit – strawberry or raspberry jam
- Savory proteins – ham, bacon, sausage
- Cheese – Comté or Gruyère melted on top
Whipped cream, chocolate spreads, syrup, and fruit toppings tend to be more modern or American. The French prefer a simpler preparation that highlights the bread itself.
Modern French toast recipes and variations
While traditional pain perdu is fairly straightforward, modern French chefs have created some delicious twists. Here are some popular contemporary versions:
Stuffed French toast
Thick slices of brioche or challah bread are cut open and filled with ingredients like chocolate-hazelnut spread, bananas, or pastry cream before soaking and frying.
Savory French toast
Using herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, garlic, and black pepper creates a savory bread dish. Toppings include mushrooms, tomatoes, cheese, and wilted greens.
French toast soufflé
Slices of bread are baked into a soufflé dish prepped with cream and eggs to make a puffy oven-baked version. Vanilla and citrus zest add flavor.
Overnight French toast
Letting the bread soak overnight in the custard base deepens the flavor. This version takes some advance prep.
French toast casserole
Cubed bread and custard are baked together in a dish for a soft, bread pudding-like texture. Milk is often swapped for cream.
French toast brunch traditions
While French toast can be served for any meal, it’s most popular at breakfast or brunch. Here are some French brunch traditions featuring pain perdu:
Coffee and tea
A cup of coffee or tea is a must alongside French toast in France. Coffee with steamed milk or espresso are classic choices. Herbal tea is also very common.
Fresh fruit
The French don’t tend to overload their French toast with toppings. Fresh fruit like berries are a light and fresh accompaniment.
Yogurt or fromage blanc
Plain yogurt, often mixed with honey, or the soft cheese fromage blanc offer a tangy contrast to sweet French toast.
Crepes and pastries
A basket of croissants, pain au chocolat, or crepes with jams offer more brunch options. A bread basket may include the baguettes used for French toast.
Mimosa or bellini cocktails
For special occasions, brunch cocktails like mimosas (orange juice and champagne) or bellinis (peach nectar and prosecco) take things up a notch.
Where to find the best French toast in France
Craving authentic French toast in France? Here are some top spots to order pain perdu or sample creative contemporary versions:
Maison Plisson
This cafe, food shop, and restaurant in Paris makes a luxurious stuffed pain perdu with pastry cream and seasonal fruit.
Le Dauphin
Tucked inside a Parisian wine shop, this petite restaurant serves a savory French toast with mushrooms and Comté cheese.
Happy Cakes
Their rotating flavors of stuffed French toast are Instagram-famous, with fillings like speculoos cookie butter and passionfruit curd.
Frenchie To Go
Get French toast to go from chef Gregory Marchand’s casual Frenchie cafe, topped with berry compote and whipped cream.
La Maison Du Grapefruit Rose
Nestled in a quiet square in Nice, this bed and breakfast serves fluffy French toast baked with grapefruit and rosewater.
Cafe Pinson
This all-vegan brunch spot in Paris uses soy milk and chickpea flour for their gluten-free take on pain perdu.
How to make classic French toast at home
Want to enjoy pain perdu from the comfort of your home kitchen? Follow this straightforward recipe:
Ingredients:
| 3 | Large eggs |
| 1/2 cup | Milk or cream |
| 1-2 tbsp | Sugar |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| Pinch | Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional) |
| 6 | Slices of baguette, brioche, or white bread |
| 2 tbsp | Butter or olive oil for cooking |
Instructions:
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon if using in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each slice of bread in the mixture, soaking both sides well for 30-60 seconds total.
- Melt butter or heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add soaked bread slices in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Flip gently with a spatula.
- Serve immediately, adding any desired toppings like powdered sugar, butter, or maple syrup.
Adjust cook time as needed for softer or crunchier textures. Keep the prepared egg batter refrigerated until ready to use. Enjoy this tasty bit of French cuisine!
The French toast experience in France
French toast or pain perdu has been a part of the cuisine in France for centuries. While Americans may think of it as a sweet breakfast dish topped with syrup, the French version is often more simple and savory.
The hallmark of French pain perdu is the crisp outside and custard-soft interior contrast of the bread soaked in egg and milk. French chefs have also elevated the classic with stuffed and baked variations.
No matter how it’s prepared, French toast in France is emblematic of making the most out of humble ingredients like day-old bread. This rewarding breakfast treat transforms leftovers into something indulgent and comforting.
In France, pain perdu is best enjoyed the traditional way – with a strong coffee, fruit, and the company of good friends. There’s no better place to experience the pleasures of French toast.