What’s the best way to freeze French toast?

French toast is a delicious breakfast dish that can be prepped ahead of time and frozen for quick and easy meals. Freezing French toast allows you to make a large batch at once and have individual portions ready to heat and eat whenever you want. However, there are some important steps to follow when freezing French toast to maintain optimum texture and flavor.

Should You Freeze French Toast?

Freezing is a great option for French toast since the bread absorbs the custard-like mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg before cooking. This prevents the bread from getting soggy or drying out during the freezing process. Here are some of the benefits of freezing French toast:

• Make-ahead convenience – Freeze individual slices or a whole pan to reheat when you want a quick breakfast.
• Portion control – Freeze slices individually to grab and reheat a serving size.
• Waste prevention – Make a big batch and freeze extras to avoid throwing out unused portions.
• Time saver – Reduce morning prep by reheating frozen French toast in minutes.

As long as you follow proper freezing techniques, frozen French toast tastes very close to fresh when reheated. The custard mixture helps maintain moisture and texture.

How to Freeze French Toast

Follow these steps for freezing perfect French toast every time:

1. Prepare the French toast as desired – Whisk together the egg mixture and soak thick slices of bread. Cook the toast on both sides until lightly browned.
2. Cool completely – Let the French toast cool completely, about 30 minutes, before assembling for the freezer.
3. Protect slices – Place wax paper between each piece of cooked French toast to prevent sticking.
4. Package – Seal individual slices or a pan of French toast in an airtight freezer bag or container. Squeeze out excess air.
5. Label and date – Note the contents and freeze-by date. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
6. Freeze quickly – Put in the freezer right away rather than leaving in the refrigerator.
7. Use oldest first – Be sure to use older frozen French toast before fresher ones.

Tips for Freezing

Follow these tips when freezing French toast:

• Use day-old bread – Slightly stale bread soaks up the egg mixture best and holds up better when frozen.
• Undercook slightly – Cook just until set but not completely browned, since it will continue cooking a bit when reheated.
• Choose thick bread – Sturdy slices like Texas toast or challah absorb the custard well and don’t get soggy.
• Avoid fillings – Ingredients like syrup, fruit or nuts can make French toast soggy when frozen.
• Freeze flat – Lay slices flat in a single layer to prevent sticking and for quicker reheating.
• Prevent freezer burn – Use vacuum seal bags, plastic wrap or foil over containers to protect from ice crystals.

How to Reheat Frozen French Toast

It just takes a few minutes to reheat frozen French toast and enjoy a hot, tasty breakfast. Here are some reheating methods:

Oven

The oven produces evenly heated French toast with a crispy crust:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place frozen slices on a baking sheet.
3. Bake 5-10 minutes until hot and slightly browned.

Toaster Oven

A toaster oven also creates crisp reheated French toast:

1. Place frozen slice directly on the rack.
2. Toast at 400°F 4-6 minutes based on thickness.
3. Check frequently to avoid over-browning.

Skillet

Pan frying adds delicious crispy edges:

1. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add frozen French toast and fry 2-3 minutes per side.

Microwave

The microwave produces fast, convenient results:

1. Microwave individual frozen slices on high 1-2 minutes until hot.
2. Let stand 2 minutes before serving.

Avoid microwaving more than 2-3 slices at once for even cooking. Rotate slices and flip halfway through.

Serving Reheated French Toast

Serve reheated French toast with desired toppings. Here are some delicious ways to finish frozen French toast:

• Syrup – Maple, blueberry, strawberry, bourbon barrel aged
• Fresh fruit – Bananas, berries, peaches, plums
• Whipped cream or whipped butter
• Powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or pumpkin pie spice
• Chocolate chips, chocolate-hazelnut spread
• Mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese
• Sliced almonds, pecans or walnuts
• Apple compote, poached pears

Make-Ahead French Toast Casserole

In addition to freezing individual slices, you can make French toast casserole to freeze and bake later. Here’s how:

1. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Arrange slices of bread to cover the bottom.
3. Whisk together the egg mixture and pour evenly over the bread.
4. Top with another layer of bread slices.
5. Pour over any remaining egg mixture.
6. Cover tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
7. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F.
9. Bake uncovered 35-40 minutes until puffed and browned.
10. Let cool 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Here are some tips for storing and reheating leftover French toast:

• Let cool completely before storing.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freeze individual slices up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat refrigerated slices in the microwave or toaster oven until warmed through.
• Crisp refrigerated or frozen French toast by pan frying in butter.
• Bake frozen casserole according to recipe instructions.
• Avoid letting French toast sit out at room temperature more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

Freezing is an excellent way to enjoy French toast any time with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for preparing, freezing, storing, and reheating French toast slices or casserole. With delicious add-ins and toppings, you can customize reheated French toast to serve an easy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.