Mastering Blackstone French Toast: The Ultimate Griddle Breakfast Guide
Elevate your morning routine and transform your weekend breakfasts with the irresistible charm of Blackstone French Toast. This isn’t just any French toast; it’s a culinary experience brought to life on your Blackstone griddle, promising perfectly cooked, golden-brown slices with a rich, flavorful custard base. Whether you’re a fan of fresh berries, a decadent drizzle of caramel, or the classic touch of pure maple syrup, French toast cooked on a Blackstone griddle offers an unparalleled taste and texture that will quickly become your family’s favorite.
French toast often gets a bad rap for being time-consuming, despite its deceptively simple ingredient list. The main culprit? Having to cook small batches on a traditional stovetop pan, leaving some family members waiting while others are already enjoying their meal. This is where the magnificent Blackstone griddle truly shines as a game-changer. Its expansive cooking surface eliminates the need for multiple batches, drastically cutting down cooking time. What might take 20 minutes or more to prepare enough French toast for a hungry family on a conventional stove can be accomplished in less than 10 minutes on your Blackstone. Beyond speed, the griddle’s consistent, even heat distribution guarantees a beautifully browned, slightly crispy exterior for every single slice, while the interior remains wonderfully moist, custardy, and bursting with flavor. Get ready to discover the secret to truly legendary French toast.
Why Blackstone French Toast is Your New Go-To Breakfast
Beyond its delicious taste, this Blackstone French Toast recipe offers numerous advantages that make it an ideal choice for any breakfast or brunch occasion. From simplifying prep to feeding a crowd, here’s why you need to add this to your cooking repertoire:
- Effortless Preparation: Compared to more complex breakfast dishes like pancakes or waffles, Blackstone French Toast requires fewer ingredients and minimal measuring and mixing. This simplicity makes it a fantastic time-saving option for busy mornings or laid-back weekends. The straightforward directions ensure that cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned griddle masters, can achieve perfect results every time. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food with your loved ones.
- Delightfully Family-Friendly: A truly family-friendly meal isn’t just about taste; it’s also about ease and speed. When you need a breakfast that won’t tie you down in the kitchen, this griddle French toast recipe is a true lifesaver. Its quick cooking time means everyone gets to eat together, and the versatility of the Blackstone allows you to multi-task. You can easily cook up a large batch of French toast on one side of the griddle while simultaneously preparing sides like crispy bacon or fried eggs on the other. For an extra element of fun and personalization, set up a DIY topping bar with various options in a muffin tin – a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults!
- Perfect for Large Batches & Entertaining: One of the most significant advantages of making French toast on your Blackstone griddle is its ability to handle large quantities with ease. Unlike indoor griddles or frying pans that typically limit you to just a few slices at a time, the vast surface area of the Blackstone allows you to cook numerous slices simultaneously. This is incredibly beneficial whether you’re preparing extra to freeze for quick weekday breakfasts, hosting a large Sunday brunch, or feeding a hungry crowd after a sleepover. You’ll have a mountain of delicious, golden French toast ready to serve in record time, ensuring no one waits long for their share.
Essential Ingredients for Your Blackstone French Toast
Creating mouth-watering Blackstone French Toast begins with a few key ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the rich flavor and perfect texture that makes this dish so special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 (1-inch thick) slices Brioche: Brioche is widely considered the ideal bread for French toast. Its high butter and egg content results in a dense, rich, and slightly sweet crumb that absorbs the custard beautifully without falling apart. This naturally flavorful bread ensures a luxurious French toast experience. Alternatively, sliced challah bread, another egg-rich bread, works wonderfully for this recipe, offering a similar delightful texture and taste.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs are the cornerstone of the French toast custard base. They provide structure, richness, and help bind the other ingredients, ensuring your bread transforms into a tender, custardy treat when cooked.
- 1 cup milk: Milk contributes essential creaminess and a touch of natural sugar to the custard. The sugars in the milk, along with those in the bread and added sugar, aid in caramelization, giving the French toast that beautiful golden-brown finish on the griddle. For an even richer, more indulgent French toast, consider using a combination of 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: While many sweet toppings can be added later, a hint of granulated sugar in the custard base enhances the overall sweetness without making it overly saccharine. Since brioche or challah bread are already naturally sweet, and you’ll likely add sweet toppings, a modest amount of sugar in the custard creates a balanced flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is a secret weapon for adding a subtle yet profound sweet undertone. Its aromatic notes complement the creaminess of the custard and the richness of the bread, elevating the entire dish with a warm, comforting essence.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is a classic companion to French toast, providing a warm, inviting spice that perfectly balances the sweet flavors. Its aromatic qualities make every bite more satisfying. For a delightful seasonal twist, you can also opt for a blend of spices like Pumpkin Pie Spice, especially during the fall months.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: A small amount of sea salt is crucial for balancing and enhancing all the sweet flavors in the recipe. It deepens the taste of the custard and prevents the French toast from tasting one-dimensional, ensuring a well-rounded and delicious outcome.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Blackstone French Toast
Follow these simple steps to create delicious Blackstone French Toast that will impress everyone at your breakfast table:
1. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and smooth, forming your rich custard base. Ensure there are no streaks of egg white remaining.
2. Take each slice of bread and press it firmly into the egg mixture. Allow it to soak for approximately 45 seconds on each side. The goal is for the bread to be well-soaked through, absorbing the custard, but not so saturated that it becomes mushy or falls apart. The optimal soaking time can vary based on your bread’s density and thickness; dense, thick brioche might need closer to a full minute per side, while thinner sandwich bread or Texas toast might only require 20-30 seconds.
3. After soaking, transfer the dipped bread slices to a clean sheet pan or a large cutting board. Let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread, ensuring an even distribution of flavor and moisture throughout the slice, and preventing any excess from dripping onto the griddle. Repeat this process with the remaining slices of bread until all are dipped and resting.
4. Prepare your Blackstone griddle by applying a thin, even layer of cooking oil across its surface. Then, preheat the griddle to a low-medium heat setting. Aim for a temperature range of 300°F-325°F (150°C-160°C). This moderate heat is crucial for cooking the French toast thoroughly without burning the exterior before the custard inside is fully set.
5. Carefully place each prepared French toast slice onto the preheated Blackstone griddle, ensuring not to overcrowd the surface. Leave a little space between each slice for even cooking and easy flipping. Cook for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, or until each piece achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and appears firm.
6. Using a griddle spatula, gently flip each slice to the other side. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, or until that side is also golden brown and cooked through. Depending on the type of bread used and how much custard it absorbed, you may need to add an extra 1-2 minutes per side to ensure the center is fully cooked and custardy, not raw. The French toast should feel firm to the touch in the center when perfectly done.
7. Once cooked, transfer the warm Blackstone French Toast to serving plates. Serve immediately alongside your favorite array of toppings. A warm plate of French toast is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle!
Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions for Your Griddle French Toast
One of the joys of making Blackstone French Toast is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these delicious variations and smart substitutions:
- Bread Choices Abound: While luxurious brioche and challah bread are highly recommended for their texture and flavor, almost any bread you have on hand can be transformed into delicious French toast. Thick-cut breads like Texas toast are excellent for soaking up generous amounts of custard, yielding a rich, moist interior. However, regular-sized sandwich bread works perfectly well too, offering a lighter result. For a delightful savory-sweet contrast, try using day-old sourdough bread. The slight tanginess beautifully complements the sweet custard and toppings. Stale bread is actually preferable as it absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming overly soggy.
- Diverse Liquid Options: This recipe uses whole milk for its creamy texture and richness, but you have several alternatives. Equal amounts of half-and-half will create an even more decadent French toast. For those seeking dairy-free options, coconut milk or almond milk can be used, though they may slightly adjust the richness and introduce subtle flavor notes. Experiment to find your preferred liquid base.
- Natural Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer to avoid granulated sugar or want to add a different depth of flavor, natural sweeteners are a great choice. You can substitute the granulated sugar with equal amounts of pure maple syrup or honey in the custard mix. These alternatives not only provide sweetness but also impart their unique aromatic qualities, enhancing the overall taste of your griddle French toast.
- Spice It Up: Don’t limit yourself to just cinnamon! Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a dash of ginger for a different flavor profile. A tiny amount of orange zest in the custard can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Blackstone French Toast
Achieving truly exceptional Blackstone French Toast is simple with a few insider tips and tricks. These pointers will help you perfect your technique and ensure every batch is a success:
- Master the Soak: The key to great French toast lies in proper soaking. French toast relies on a custard base that thoroughly penetrates the bread. Too little soaking time, and you’ll end up with a dry, uninspiring piece of toast that lacks the desired custardy texture and rich flavor. Conversely, be mindful not to over-soak. Overly saturated bread will become soggy, making it difficult to handle and prone to falling apart on the griddle, resulting in a less-than-ideal texture. The bread should feel wet all the way through but still maintain its structural integrity when lifted gently over the bowl. Aim for that perfect balance for a fluffy, custardy interior.
- Control Your Heat: When cooking on the Blackstone, maintaining the correct temperature is paramount. For French toast, a low-medium heat setting, typically around 300°F-325°F (150°C-160°C), is optimal. This moderate heat allows the custard ample time to cook through and set without scorching the exterior of the bread. Remember that cooking on a large outdoor griddle like the Blackstone can differ from an indoor electric stove due to its direct heat source and expansive heat distribution. It’s always better to start with slightly lower heat and gradually increase it if needed, rather than starting too high and risking burnt outsides with raw insides. Patience is key here for that perfect golden crust and cooked center.
- Prepare Your Toppings in Advance: This versatile breakfast pairs beautifully with a vast array of toppings, so don’t hesitate to get creative! To ensure a seamless breakfast experience, prepare all your toppings before you even start cooking the French toast. Wash and slice fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or peaches ahead of time. Gather small bowls filled with delightful options such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), powdered sugar, whipped cream, or various flavored syrups (chocolate, strawberry, blueberry). French toast cooks remarkably quickly on the Blackstone, and having your toppings ready will ensure you can serve and enjoy your warm, freshly cooked meal without delay.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: While the Blackstone offers a generous cooking surface, resist the urge to pack it completely full. Leaving a small amount of space between each slice allows for better air circulation, which promotes even browning and makes flipping much easier. Overcrowding can lower the griddle’s temperature, leading to steamed rather than beautifully toasted French toast. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain quality.
- Keep French Toast Warm: If you’re cooking for a crowd, you’ll want to keep earlier batches warm while the rest are cooking. You can do this by placing the cooked slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F/95°C). This prevents them from getting soggy and ensures everyone gets to enjoy warm French toast simultaneously.
- Perfect Pairing Ideas: French toast is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs excellently with savory breakfast items. Consider serving it alongside crispy Blackstone bacon, perfectly scrambled eggs, or even griddle-cooked sausages for a balanced and hearty meal. The contrast of sweet and savory is truly delightful.
Related Blackstone Griddle Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed mastering Blackstone French Toast, you’re in for a treat! The versatility of your griddle extends far beyond breakfast. Explore these other fantastic recipes to make the most of your Blackstone:
- How to Make Perfect Pancakes on the Blackstone
- Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice
- Blackstone Smash Burgers
Blackstone French Toast
Equipment
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1 Blackstone Griddle
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 8 1″ thick slices brioche , or bread of choice
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
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Press the bread into the egg mixture and let sit for 45 seconds on each side until well-soaked but not soggy. This can vary based on your bread. Dense, thick bread will need more time whereas regular sliced sandwich bread or Texas toast may only require 20-30 seconds.
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Then, transfer to a sheet pan or large cutting board for 5 minutes and repeat with the remaining slices.
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Oil and preheat the Blackstone to low-medium heat.
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Place each piece onto the Blackstone. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
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Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Depending on the type of bread you are using and how much it soaked, you may need to add 1-2 minutes per side to ensure it’s fully cooked. When done, it should feel firm to the touch in the center.
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Serve warm alongside your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info