French toast is a delicious breakfast dish that has been around for centuries. It’s essentially bread soaked in a milk-egg mixture and then fried to golden brown perfection. While we know it as French toast here in America, this dish actually goes by a few other names around the world.
Other Names for French Toast
Here are 3 other names that French toast is known by globally:
- Eggy Bread
- German Toast
- Spanish Toast
Let’s explore the origins and meanings behind each of these names for this classic breakfast treat.
Eggy Bread
Eggy bread is a popular name for French toast in Britain and Ireland. As you may have guessed, this name simply refers to the egg-dipped bread that’s at the heart of French toast. When making French toast, slices of bread are dipped in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk or cream before being fried. So the name “eggy bread” is a very literal description of how this dish is prepared.
While French toast is thought to have originated in France, the name eggy bread emerged when the dish became popular in Britain and Ireland. Naming dishes based on their ingredients or preparation method is common in British food terminology. So eggy bread was a fitting name for the egg-soaked slices of bread that Brits and Irish were making for breakfast.
Next time you hear someone refer to French toast as eggy bread, you’ll know they likely picked up that name from the UK or Ireland. It’s a fun, descriptive regional name for a breakfast favorite.
German Toast
German toast is another common name used for French toast, especially in parts of Central Europe like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. But how did French toast get a German name when it’s believed to have originated in France?
While the exact origins are unclear, food historians believe that French toast actually gained popularity in Germany and Austria before spreading to other parts of Europe. German recipes for arme ritter (“poor knights”) date back to the Middle Ages and are essentially early versions of French toast. The Germans later borrowed the term “French toast” from the English, while still using arme ritter or German toast to refer to their own recipes.
So while French toast may not have originated here, Germany helped popularize early versions of the dish. The name German toast recognizes the role that Germanic culinary traditions played in shaping what we now know as French toast.
Spanish Toast
In parts of North America like Mexico, French toast is sometimes referred to as Spanish toast or pan dulce. How did this Mexican breakfast staple get a Spanish name?
The origins of the name Spanish toast are a bit mysterious. While France and Germany have clear connections to early French toast recipes, Spain does not. Some food historians speculate that the name refers to the influence of Spanish culinary traditions on Mexican cuisine after Spain colonized Mexico. Bread soaked in egg batter and fried does bear some resemblance to Spanish dishes like torrijas. But Spanish toast appears to be an Americas invention, rather than an imported dish.
Another theory is that Spanish toast is named after the Spanish language, rather than the country Spain itself. In Southwestern American states like New Mexico and Texas that were once part of Mexico, Spanish influenced names like Spanish toast were commonly used for Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes. So the name Spanish toast may refer more broadly to Mexican cuisine than to culinary traditions specifically from Spain.
French Toast Around the Globe
While French toast goes by different names around the world, the basic concept remains the same everywhere – slices of bread soaked and fried in an egg-based batter. But some interesting regional variations have developed:
| Country | French Toast Name | Regional Variations |
|---|---|---|
| France | Pain perdu (“Lost bread”) |
Brioche or challah bread are commonly used. Often made with rum or orange flower water in the batter. |
| United States | French toast | Thick slices of bread soaked deeply with batter and crispy edges. Often served with maple syrup and butter. |
| Britain/Ireland | Eggy bread | Slices are thinner and fried more lightly. Often dusted with powdered sugar or served with ketchup. |
| Germany/Austria | Arme ritter (“Poor knights”) |
Typically made without milk, using just eggs, flour, sugar and vanilla. Served with fruit compote or applesauce. |
| Netherlands | Wentelteefje | Cardamom and cinnamon are added to the batter. Served with butter and powdered sugar. |
| Mexico | Pan dulce (“Sweet bread”) |
Thick slices of bolillo bread. Can be stuffed with cajeta or fruit jam fillings. |
So while French toast has many international names, each culture has put its own spin on the basic concept. The French use rich, buttery brioche while Mexicans turn it into a sweet bread dessert. No matter what you call it or how you tweak the recipe, French toast remains a cherished breakfast treat around the world!
French Toast FAQs
French toast is such a popular breakfast dish that it raises a lot of questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the origins, history and best ways to cook French toast:
Where did French toast originate?
The exact origins of French toast are unclear, but it likely originated somewhere in Europe during the Middle Ages, potentially France. Recipes for egg-dipped fried bread date back centuries in European cookbooks. The earliest reference to “French toast” by name is in the Apicius cookbook from 4th century Rome.
Why is it called French toast in America?
In America, it came to be known as “French” toast likely due to the high regard for French cuisine. The name French toast first appeared in the United States in the 1870s. French cooking was considered sophisticated, so giving this breakfast dish a French name may have been a way to elevate its reputation.
Should I use milk or cream for French toast?
You can use either milk or cream when making French toast batter. Milk makes a lighter batter while heavy cream creates a richer, more indulgent taste. Buttermilk is also commonly used as it provides thickness and a tangy flavor. Mixing milk and cream together brings out the best of both ingredients.
What type of bread works best?
Thick slices of bread with a dense, sturdy texture tend to work best as they can soak up batter without falling apart. Breads like challah, brioche, sourdough and Texas toast are French toast favorites. Avoid flimsy sliced breads or very dense whole grain loaves.
Should the bread be stale or fresh?
Lightly stale bread works great for French toast, as it will soak up the egg batter nicely without becoming too soggy. Bread that’s extremely fresh may not hold up as well when dipped and fried. Let your bread sit out overnight to dry and firm up a bit before using.
What’s the best way to fry it?
Use plenty of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Let the toast cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden. Trying to flip it too soon may cause it to tear or stick. Be patient and let it brown!
What are good toppings?
Maple syrup and powdered sugar are classic French toast toppings. You can also serve it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, hazelnut spread, caramel sauce, honey butter or savory choices like sausage or bacon.
Conclusion
So while it may go by different names like eggy bread, German toast or Spanish toast, French toast remains one of the most beloved and indulgent breakfast treats worldwide. Its origins may be murky, but its appeal is universal. No matter if you fry it in butter or olive oil, top it with syrup or jam, this simple yet satisfying dish holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of breakfast lovers everywhere.