The question is - can you make delicious French toast without milk? Absolutely! A perfect fusion of soft slices of bread toasted to perfection, maple syrup and fresh fruits. This dairy-free French toast recipe is just as much of a treat as classic French toast. Similar to my Dairy-Free Waffles, it's a satisfying breakfast option for the whole family.
No milk, no problem
If you're looking for a simple French toast recipe without milk, made with basic ingredients, you've found it.
It's perfect if you've run out of milk or you're planning to cook up a wonderful breakfast spread for friends with specific dietary needs.
For more milk-less breakfast options check out these Milk-Free Waffles, Water Overnight Oats, No-Milk Pancakes or my Scrambled Eggs without milk.
Milk alternatives
- Water: All you need to swap out the milk in this recipe, is a little water.
- Dairy-free milk alternatives: Try your favorite milk substitute - I love light oat milk in this recipe but you can also use almond milk or light coconut milk. Soy milk has a consistency close to whole milk.
Ingredients & substitution notes
- Eggs: An essential ingredient in this eggy French toast recipe. They provide the structure and richness to the dish. I prefer organic eggs.
- Bread: It's best to use bread that is slightly stale or a bit dry. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy. White, thick bread like Challah or Brioche is great in this dish. Sourdough bread is great, too. You can also use a whole wheat bread from your local grocery store.
- Neutral-tasting oil: In place of dairy you'll need to use a liquid to help moisten the bread. You can also use melted coconut oil or vegan butter or use any neutral-tasting oil.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the French toast.
- Cinnamon: Adds depth of flavor to the dish. Use ground cinnamon is the best option.
- Brown sugar: Used to sweeten the French toast and to help create a caramelized crust. You can also use granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup if you prefer.
- Oil for frying: When cooking the French to you'll need a high-heat oil for frying, such as vegetable, canola, or coconut oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the French toast to the pan, as this will help create a crispy crust.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make french toast without milk
STEP 1: Add the eggs, water, vanilla and oil to a shallow bowl.
STEP 2: Whisk everything together with a fork.
STEP 3: Add the cinnamon and sugar (optional). Whisk until everything has dissolved.
STEP 4: Add the bread slices and soak for a couple of minutes - not too long. Cook the bread on both sides in a heated frying pan - 2-3 minutes a side to prevent burning.
Katie's tips
- Choose the right type of bread: Use bread that is thick and sturdy for best results. Eggy bread that is too soft will fall apart. Don't use those thinner sandwich bread slices if you can help it.
- Use stale bread: Stale bread is better for homemade French toast, as it will soak up the egg mixture more easily without becoming too soggy. If you don't have stale bread, you can dry out fresh bread by toasting it in the oven for a few minutes.
- Opt for thick slices: Thick slices of bread will give your French toast a better texture.
- Use high-quality eggs: The quality of your eggs will have a big impact on the flavor of your French toast. Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best results.
- Let it soak: Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for a sufficient amount of time, usually around 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, to ensure that it is fully coated. This is a great way to add moisture to the bread.
- Keep it warm: If cooking multiple slices of French toast, keep them warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 95°C) until you're ready to serve.
- Serve it fresh: French toast tastes best when served immediately. Enjoy it while it's still warm and crispy.
Variations
- Dairy-free milk: Instead of water, you can use any plant-based milk in this basic recipe. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are great. This will give you a richer French toast.
- Less sugar: If you are using sweet breads like challah or brioche, you may not need any extra sugar in the egg mixture. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of sugar you add to the mixture if you prefer a less sweet French toast.
- Gluten-free French toast: You can use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread.
- Add flavor to the egg mixture: You can add extra flavor to your egg mixture by adding spices such as nutmeg or cardamom.
- Savory French toast: French toast doesn't have to be sweet! You can make a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding herbs and spices to the egg mixture. Try adding garlic powder, dried herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Topping ideas
- Fresh fruit: Such as sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. You can also use cooked fruit like caramelized apples or sautéed peaches.
- Fruit compote: Make a simple fruit compote by simmering fresh or frozen fruit with a little sugar and water until it's thick and syrupy.
- Nut butter: Spread your favorite nut butter, such as Almond Butter or peanut butter.
- Jam or jelly: Spread your favorite flavor of jam or jelly on top.
- Caramel: or if you're a fan of caramel, try this Peanut Butter Caramel instead.
- Maple syrup or honey: Classic and delicious.
- Whipped cream: Top your French toast a dairy-free whipped cream topping for a decadent and creamy finish.
- Cinnamon sugar: Mix and sprinkle it over your French toast for a sweet and spiced topping.
- Chocolate chips: Sprinkle over dairy-free chocolate chips!
- Granola: Add some delicious Applesauce Granola or my Dark Chocolate Granola over your French toast for extra crunch and texture.
Pairing
These are my favorite drinks to serve with this milk-free french toast:
Storage
- To store: Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the French toast from sticking together, you can place them on a cookie sheet and separate them with parchment paper or wax paper.
- To reheat: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a cookie sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
FAQ
Which type of bread is best for good French toast?
Brioche, Challah, and French bread are popular choices for French toast because they have a soft and airy texture that absorbs the egg mixture nicely. However, you can use any type of bread you like, just make it's not too thin or flimsy.
How do I prevent my French toast from getting soggy?
Use stale bread that has had time to dry out a bit. This will help the bread hold up better when soaked in the egg mixture. Don't soak the bread for too long in the egg mixture, as this can make it soggy. Finally, make sure your skillet or griddle is hot enough before adding the bread, as this will help the bread cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too soft.
More breakfast recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
📖 Recipe
French Toast Without Milk (of any kind!)
This basic milk-free French toast recipe is just as tasty as the traditional recipe. It makes an easy breakfast option that's still feels kind of special, too. Try loaded it up with your favorite toppings and a delicious syrup.
If you love this recipe as much as we do, click on the 5-stars below!
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Servings: slices
Ingredients
- 6 thick slices of white bread or challah *see notes
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon neutral tasting oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar *optional, see notes
- oil for frying
You can find detailed step-by step-photos above the recipe card.
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl whisk the eggs, water, vanilla extract and oil with a fork or a small whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.2 eggs, 3 tablespoon water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon neutral tasting oil
- Add cinnamon and sugar and stir again until sugar is fully dissolved.¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a couple of seconds on each side. Make sure the bread is evenly coated but not overly saturated.6 thick slices of white bread or challah
- Add a small amount of oil to the preheated skillet or griddle. Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot surface.
- Cook the French toast for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a serving plate. Repeat the process with the remaining slices of bread. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or other toppings of choice.
Video
Notes
- Bread: It's best to use bread that is slightly stale or a bit dry. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy. White, thick bread like Challah or Brioche is great in this dish. Sourdough bread is great, too. You can also use a whole wheat bread.
- Less sugar: If you are using sweet breads like challah or brioche, you may not need any extra sugar in the egg mixture.
- Dairy-free milk: Instead of water, you can use any plant-based milk in this basic recipe. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are great.
- Serve it fresh: French toast tastes best when served immediately. Enjoy it while it's still warm and crispy.
- Gluten-free: You can use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread.
Nutrition
Serving: 1slice. | Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 0.003mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates.
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TheChillC says
Thank you for this recipe exactly what I was looking for!
Katie says
Glad to hear that, thanks! 🙂