Blackstone French Toast: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Results

Blackstone French Toast: Prepare to elevate your breakfast game with a recipe that’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make! Imagine sinking your teeth into golden-brown, slightly crispy slices of French toast, infused with a rich, custardy flavor and cooked to perfection on your Blackstone griddle. Forget soggy, unevenly cooked French toast – this method guarantees a breakfast experience that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While French toast, in its various forms, has been enjoyed for centuries, its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome. The concept of soaking bread in milk and eggs to revive stale loaves has evolved into a beloved breakfast staple enjoyed worldwide. The Blackstone griddle adds a modern twist to this classic dish, offering a unique cooking surface that imparts a delightful sear and locks in moisture.

People adore French toast for its comforting taste, satisfying texture, and versatility. It’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings, from fresh berries and whipped cream to maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. But what truly sets this Blackstone French Toast apart is the ease and speed of cooking on the griddle. Say goodbye to standing over a hot stove for ages – the Blackstone allows you to cook multiple slices simultaneously, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a quick and delicious breakfast on a busy weekday morning. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get griddling!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of Challah bread (or Brioche), sliced into 1-inch thick slices
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• Cooking spray
• Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, chocolate chips, chopped nuts

Preparing the Custard:

Alright, let’s get started by making the custard. This is the key to that rich, flavorful French toast we’re aiming for. Trust me, don’t skimp on the ingredients here!

1. In a large bowl, crack all 6 eggs. Whisk them vigorously until they are light and frothy. This helps to incorporate air and create a smoother custard.
2. Add the whole milk and heavy cream to the bowl. The combination of milk and cream is what gives the French toast its luxurious texture. Stir well to combine with the eggs.
3. Now, it’s time for the sweetness! Pour in the granulated sugar. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount slightly to your liking, but this amount is a good starting point.
4. Next, add the vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens! The vanilla extract adds a beautiful aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the French toast.
5. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth to the custard. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves if you’re feeling adventurous!
6. Finally, add the salt. A little salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
7. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the sugar is completely dissolved. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar remaining. The custard should be smooth and creamy.

Soaking the Bread:

Now that our custard is ready, it’s time to soak the bread. This is where the bread absorbs all that delicious flavor. Don’t rush this step!

1. Lay out a baking sheet or large platter. This will be where you place the soaked bread slices.
2. Dip each slice of Challah bread into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Let the bread soak for about 30-60 seconds per side. The longer you soak it, the more custard it will absorb, resulting in a richer and more decadent French toast. However, be careful not to soak it for too long, or it will become soggy and fall apart.
3. Gently lift the soaked bread slice from the custard and allow any excess custard to drip off. Place the soaked bread slice onto the prepared baking sheet or platter.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining bread slices, making sure to soak each slice evenly.

Cooking on the Blackstone Griddle:

Here comes the fun part – cooking the French toast on the Blackstone griddle! This is where we get that beautiful golden-brown crust and that perfectly cooked interior.

1. Preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium heat. You want the griddle to be hot enough to cook the French toast evenly, but not so hot that it burns.
2. Once the griddle is preheated, lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the French toast from sticking to the griddle.
3. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter on the griddle. The butter adds flavor and helps to create a golden-brown crust.
4. Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle, making sure not to overcrowd the griddle. You may need to cook the French toast in batches.
5. Cook the French toast for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to flip the French toast carefully.
6. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. If it is not browning enough, increase the heat slightly.
7. Once the French toast is cooked through, remove it from the griddle and place it on a clean plate.
8. Repeat this process with the remaining soaked bread slices, adding more butter to the griddle as needed.

Serving and Toppings:

Now for the best part – serving and enjoying your delicious Blackstone French toast! Get creative with your toppings and make it your own.

1. Serve the French toast immediately while it is still warm.
2. Drizzle with maple syrup. This is a classic topping that never fails to please.
3. Top with fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. The berries add a burst of freshness and sweetness.
4. Dust with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
5. Add a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a creamy and decadent touch.
6. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. This is a great option for chocolate lovers.
7. Top with chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. The nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
8. Get creative and add your own favorite toppings! The possibilities are endless.

Tips for Perfect Blackstone French Toast:

• Use good quality bread: Challah or Brioche bread works best because they are rich and absorbent.
• Don’t overcrowd the griddle: Cook the French toast in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the heat as needed: Keep an eye on the French toast and adjust the heat to prevent burning.
• Experiment with toppings: Get creative and add your own favorite toppings to customize your French toast.
• Soaking time is key: Soaking the bread for the right amount of time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Too little soaking will result in dry French toast, while too much soaking will result in soggy French toast.
• Keep it warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve. This will prevent it from getting cold and soggy.
• Add a splash of liquor: For an extra touch of flavor, add a tablespoon of your favorite liquor to the custard mixture. Bourbon, rum, or Grand Marnier all work well.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread slices ahead of time. Store the soaked bread slices in the refrigerator overnight and cook them on the griddle in the morning.
• Clean your Blackstone: After cooking, clean your Blackstone griddle thoroughly to prevent food buildup and ensure optimal performance.

Variations:

• Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Use cinnamon rolls instead of bread for a decadent twist.
• Stuffed French Toast: Fill the French toast with cream cheese, fruit, or chocolate before cooking.
• Savory French Toast: Use savory ingredients like cheese, ham, and herbs for a savory breakfast option.
• French Toast Sticks: Cut the bread into sticks before soaking and cooking for a fun and easy-to-eat version.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Blackstone French Toast. It’s a delicious and easy way to start your day or enjoy a weekend brunch. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Blackstone French Toast recipe is more than just breakfast; it’s a weekend experience waiting to happen. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a delicious, satisfying, and slightly indulgent start to their day. The slight crispness from the griddle, combined with the custardy interior, is simply divine. Forget soggy French toast forever!

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The ingredients are readily available, the method is straightforward, and the results are consistently amazing. Plus, cooking it on the Blackstone adds a unique smoky char that you just can’t replicate in a pan. It elevates the humble French toast to a whole new level of deliciousness. I’ve made this for countless brunches, and it’s always the star of the show.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving this Blackstone French Toast. For a classic touch, dust it with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup. But don’t stop there! Fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, add a burst of freshness and color. A dollop of whipped cream is always a welcome addition, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts provides a satisfying crunch.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these variations:

* Stuffed French Toast: Before grilling, spread a layer of cream cheese filling (sweetened with a little sugar and vanilla extract) between two slices of bread.
* Savory French Toast: Omit the sugar from the egg mixture and add a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Serve with a fried egg, bacon, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
* Chocolate Chip French Toast: Stir chocolate chips into the egg mixture for a decadent treat.
* Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Use cinnamon rolls instead of bread for an extra-sweet and indulgent breakfast.
* Seasonal Fruit Compote: Create a quick compote with whatever fruit is in season. Peaches in the summer, apples in the fall – the options are endless!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite toppings and variations. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

Time to Get Griddling!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe. I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, a special occasion, or even a quick and easy weeknight dinner (breakfast for dinner is always a good idea!).

So, fire up your Blackstone, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make some seriously delicious French toast. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? What toppings did you use? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Let me know if you have any questions, and happy cooking! I hope this Blackstone French Toast becomes a staple in your household, just like it is in mine. Enjoy!

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