Texas toast and French toast are two popular bread dishes that share some key similarities but also have distinct differences. Both are made from thick slices of bread that are coated in egg and milk then fried or baked, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, custard-like interior. However, they differ in the type of bread used, origin, typical toppings and serving style.
Quick Answers
What is Texas toast?
Texas toast is a thick sliced white bread that is toasted or grilled with butter or margarine. It has a crispy exterior and soft interior.
What is French toast?
French toast is made by coating slices of bread in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then frying or baking until golden brown. It can be made with various types of bread.
Where did Texas toast originate?
Texas toast originated in the United States, despite its name. It became popular across steakhouses and diners in Texas in the mid-20th century.
Where did French toast originate?
The origins of French toast are unclear, but recipes for similar egg-dipped fried bread exist in medieval Europe. It became known as “French” toast in America in the 19th century.
What bread is used for Texas toast?
Texas toast is traditionally made from very thick sliced white sandwich bread. It can also be made from sourdough, French bread or cinnamon raisin bread.
What bread is used for French toast?
Classic French toast uses white sandwich bread. However, challah, brioche, cinnamon-raisin bread, sourdough and French bread are also commonly used.
Origins
History of Texas Toast
Texas toast originated in the mid-20th century across steakhouses and diners in the state of Texas. It’s unclear exactly when and where it was created, but Texas toast was popularized by the Texas Beef Council as a thick-cut bread for serving with steaks. The added thickness allowed the bread to soak up steak juices without becoming soggy. Texas toast is now served across the United States, but remains an icon of Lone Star State cuisine.
History of French Toast
French toast dates back centuries earlier than Texas toast. Recipes for similar egg-dipped fried bread can be found in ancient Rome and medieval Europe. These early versions used stale bread as a thrifty way to avoid waste and transform it into a delicious dish. The French called this pain perdu, meaning “lost bread.”
By the mid-19th century, the dish had arrived in America and began appearing in cookbooks under names like “German toast,” “Spanish toast” and “American toast.” The name “French toast” likely came from the practice of substituting high-quality French bread in the recipe. The richer, eggy taste became associated with French cuisine.
Ingredients
Texas Toast Ingredients
The two key ingredients for classic Texas toast are:
– Thick sliced white sandwich bread: Good quality sturdy white bread makes the best Texas toast. It should be sliced extra thick, between 1/2 – 1 inch thick.
– Butter: Traditional Texas toast is generously buttered and browned on both sides. Margarine can also be used.
Optional extra flavorings include:
– Garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley: These add a savory kick.
– Cinnamon sugar: For a sweet toast.
– Cheese: Melted cheese takes it up a notch.
French Toast Ingredients
The basic ingredients for French toast are:
– Bread: Traditionally white sandwich bread, but challah, brioche and others also work well.
– Eggs: The key ingredient that creates the rich custard-like interior. Usually mixed with milk or cream.
– Milk or cream: Helps make a moist, silky batter for coating the bread.
– Butter: For frying the dipped bread.
– Salt and vanilla: For flavoring.
Optional extra ingredients include:
– Cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest: For a sweet French toast.
– Fresh fruit, syrup, powdered sugar: Popular toppings.
Preparation
How to Make Texas Toast
Texas toast is quick and easy to prepare:
1. Slice a loaf of bread into extra thick slices, 1/2 – 1 inch thick.
2. Spread one side generously with butter or margarine.
3. In a skillet or griddle over medium heat, toast the buttered bread slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
4. Season with desired spices, if using. Garlic powder, onion powder, parsley and cinnamon-sugar are popular.
5. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy with soups, salads, or juicy steaks.
How to Make French Toast
To make classic French toast:
1. Whisk together eggs, milk or cream, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a shallow dish. The mixture should be thin enough to coat the bread.
2. Soak bread slices in the egg mixture, flipping to coat both sides evenly.
3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook dipped bread slices until golden brown on both sides. Flip once during cooking.
5. Serve immediately, topped with desired fruits, syrup, powdered sugar or other accompaniments.
Cooking Differences
The main cooking differences between Texas toast and French toast include:
Bread Type
– Texas toast uses very thick sliced white sandwich bread.
– French toast can use white bread but often uses sweeter, richer breads like challah or brioche.
Batter
– Texas toast is brushed with melted butter before cooking.
– French toast is dipped into a sweet egg and milk batter before cooking.
Cooking Method
– Texas toast is toasted or grilled in a skillet or on a griddle.
– French toast can be fried on the stove or baked in the oven after dipping in the batter.
Flavorings
– Texas toast focuses on savory seasonings like garlic and onion powder.
– French toast uses sweeter flavors like vanilla, cinnamon and fruit toppings.
Serving Style
Texas toast and French toast also differ in how they are commonly served:
Texas Toast Uses
– Served alongside hearty meat dishes like steaks or chili.
– Used to make sandwiches, like barbecue pulled pork sandwiches.
– Served with soups and salads to add thickness and heartiness.
– Eaten as a snack with added seasoning.
French Toast Uses
– Served as a sweet breakfast dish, with fruit toppings and syrup.
– Made into sandwiches filled with ham, bacon, fruit or chocolate-hazelnut spread.
– Topped with whipped cream and berries for dessert.
– Baked in the oven as a layered French toast casserole.
Nutrition Comparison
Both Texas and French toast are high carbohydrate dishes, but French toast tends to be higher in calories due to the typical sweet toppings and use of rich bread:
| Nutrition Facts | Texas Toast | French Toast |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal (2 slices) | 260 kcal (2 slices) |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 24g |
| Protein | 4g | 8g |
| Fat | 4g | 12g |
As with any rich or fried food, both dishes should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Cost Comparison
Texas toast tends to be the more budget-friendly option:
Texas Toast
– Made from basic sandwich bread, one of the cheapest bread options.
– Requires only butter or margarine in addition to the bread.
– Can easily be made at home without many ingredients.
French Toast
– Often uses pricier bread like challah or brioche.
– Requires eggs, milk, flavorings and butter.
– More costly to purchase at restaurants due to all the ingredients.
However, basic French toast made with everyday white bread can also be affordable. It comes down to the specific recipes, ingredients and servings.
Taste Comparison
While both dishes involve bread soaked in egg and fried, the taste experience is different:
Texas Toast Taste
– Dominated by the flavor of toasted bread and butter.
– Crunchy, chewy texture from the thick slices.
– Savory taste, may have hints of garlic, onion or salt.
French Toast Taste
– Richer custard taste from the egg-soaked bread.
– Sweeter flavor, often enhanced by vanilla, cinnamon and sugar.
– Soft, moist and spongy interior.
– Toppings like fruit and syrup also influence the sweet taste.
Popularity
Both Texas toast and French toast are beloved comfort foods with devoted fans across North America. However, French toast likely edges out Texas toast in overall popularity:
Texas Toast Popularity
– A staple menu item at steakhouses and diners, especially in its home state of Texas.
– Frequently used in applications like BBQ sandwiches or served with chili.
– Less likely to be made at home compared to French toast.
French Toast Popularity
– A brunch favorite across North America, commonly found at family restaurants.
– Frequently prepared at home as an easy weekend breakfast.
– Variations like stuffed French toast and French toast casserole are also popular.
– Often chosen as a comfort food and celebration dish.
Conclusion
Texas toast and French toast share similarities of being made from sliced bread dipped in egg and milk. However, they have distinct differences in ingredients, cooking method, taste and serving style. Texas toast focuses on the bread, with its thick sliced white bread toasted in butter or margarine and served alongside savory dishes. French toast spotlights the rich custard interior with bread soaked in a sweetened egg bath and topped with syrup, fruit and other accompaniments. Both have their passionate fans, but the indulgent French toast likely wins out in overall popularity thanks to its versatility as a comfort food any time of day. While Texas toast has pride of place on the menus of steakhouses and diners, especially in its home state, French toast is more ubiquitous and beloved as a breakfast treat across North America.