French toast is a delicious breakfast dish that is made by soaking bread slices in a milk-egg mixture and then frying them until golden brown. With its origins shrouded in mystery, French toast has many monikers and variations across different cultures and time periods. Here we explore the history behind the name of this sweet treat and why it’s called French toast.
The French Connection
The most popular theory as to why French toast is called French toast is that it originated in France. There are references to French toast dating back to the 4th-5th century in France, where it was referred to as “pain perdu” which means “lost bread” in French. This name refers to the fact that French toast was a dish that was made to avoid wasting stale bread slices. The earliest reference to the dish being called “French toast” rather than “pain perdu” comes from the mid-19th century in the United States.
So it seems the most likely explanation is that the dish gained the moniker “French toast” when it crossed the Atlantic and became popular in North America as a breakfast meal. The name distinguished it from regular toast and highlighted its French roots.
Other Origin Theories
There are some alternate theories about why French toast is named as such:
- One claim is that French toast was created by medieval European cooks who needed to use stale bread. They soaked the bread in milk and eggs to soften it before cooking – similar to modern French toast recipes.
- Another theory suggests that French toast was brought to America by French immigrants in the 19th century, who made their traditional “pain perdu” using rich local ingredients like milk and eggs. Americans then began calling it “French toast.”
- Some claim that French toast was created by British chefs trying to make a mock French dish, but this theory has little evidence.
However, these theories lack substantial proof. The French origin theory has the most historical documentation and seems the most plausible.
Different Names Around the World
While French toast is the most common name, this dish goes by different monikers around the world:
- Germany – Arme Ritter (“poor knights”)
- Portugal – Rabanada
- Spain – Torrijas
- Romania – Clătite
- Russia – Гренки (Grenki)
- Austria – Arme Ritter (“poor knights”)
- Bosnia and Croatia – Francuska salata (“French salad”)
These names usually translate to “lost bread”, highlighting the dish’s use of old bread, or sometimes reference the fried slices as looking like knights’ shields.
Variations Across Cultures
While the basic preparation of French toast is similar globally, ingredients and cooking techniques vary across cultures:
| Country | French Toast Name | Common Variations |
|---|---|---|
| France | Pain Perdu | Brioche slices, flavorings like orange flower water |
| United States | French toast | Thick bread slices, vanilla, cinnamon, fruit toppings |
| Britain | Eggy bread | White bread slices, baked beans |
| Germany | Arme Ritter | Sweet bread like brioche, served with applesauce |
| Spain | Torrijas | Brioche/baguette slices, soaked in wine, lemon zest |
So while the basic concept is similar, ingredients and flavors vary widely based on culture and local tastes.
Conclusion
While the exact origins are unclear, the most likely explanation is that French toast got its name from being created as “pain perdu” in Medieval France, before crossing over to America and becoming popular as “French toast.” The name distinguished it from regular fried bread and highlighted its ties to French culinary tradition. However, French toast is enjoyed around the world in many cultural variations, by names like Torrijas, Arme Ritter, and Eggy bread. No matter what it’s called, this dish remains a beloved breakfast treat worldwide!