What is Pan Frances in English?
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Translation: “French Bread.”
Yes, we are talking about classic French toast. It’s popular not just in the US but also in Mexico and around the world.
As kids, this was one of our favorite breakfasts especially with a berry syrup. YUM!
As a mom, I love it because it’s ready in minutes and stores extremely well.
Seriously, what’s not to love about this delicious recipe?!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Bread – This is your basic white bread that’s a starting to go stale.
- Milk – whole milk, 2%, almond milk, whatever you like and prefer works fine.
- Butter is preferred to absorb into the bread while it’s cooking.
- Ground Cinnamon adds warmth and flavor.
- Eggs – Here you see brown eggs, but you can use white eggs too.
- Vanilla adds spice and depth.
- Sugar – just a little to create a caramelized crust.
You probably already have all these simple ingredients in your kitchen.
Variations
Spices – Try adding nutmeg, ground cloves, ground allspice, or apple pie spice
To make french toast sticks, cut the bread into long sticks and dip into egg mixture. Cook on all sides.
A nice addition to the egg mixture is fresh orange zest.
Toppings – Maple syrup, Nutella, powdered sugar, cajeta, or a delicious berry syrup. Berry syrup instructions are in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Beat the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Dip the bread for 10-15 seconds.
- Flip and let rest for an additional 10 seconds.
The trick to this is not to let it soak for too long.
If you are using bread that is thicker, you’ll need to let it soak a few seconds longer.
- Melt butter in a pan.
- Add the dipped bread.
- Before turning, sprinkle with a little bit of sugar.
- Flip and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Serve immediately or keep warm in the oven.
The thicker the bread, the more time it will need to cook.
Sugar caramelizes when cooked and will give the french toast a yummy texture.
How to Keep Warm in the Oven
Heat the oven to 200 degrees F and place the french toast on a cookie sheet or a casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil. Keep inside the oven while making the rest.
Make a big batch. French toast stores extremely well, making it the perfect breakfast for busy weekdays.
Storing in the Fridge:
Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store for up to 5 days.
How to Reheat:
In the Oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F, place toast on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 7-10 minutes, until warm.
In the Microwave: Place the french toast on a microwaveable plate. Set the timer for 2 minutes, cook until warm.
In a regular toaster: Toast for 1-2 minutes. Given, of course, that they fit in the toaster.
On the stove: Melt butter. Add bread and cook for 1 minute on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bread is best for French toast?
Brioche, french baguette, or challah are the most commonly used breads. Although, you can use just about any type of bread. It’s best to use bread that is older and slightly dry.
How do you make French toast not soggy?
A couple of reasons why this happens. You might have soaked the bread for too long. 10-15 seconds, max! Your bread is too fresh. Toast in the toaster for 1 minute. Turn down the heat. If the heat is too high, it will cook the outside, leaving the center underdone.
Can you freeze French Toast?
Yes! Place in a large sealable bag. Remove as much air as possible. Keep in the freezer for up to 4 months. Best if used within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
More Mexican Breakfast Recipes
Pan Frances is an easy and classic breakfast recipe. The result is a buttery yet fluffy bread that’s begging to be topped with powdered sugar, bananas, or berry syrup. Buen provecho!
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Pan Frances (French Toast)
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices white bread (day old)
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ tablespoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ stick butter
- sugar (for sprinkling on top)
To Make the Berry Syrup
- 1 cup berries (frozen or fresh, whatever mixture you like)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
For the French Toast:
- Beat the eggs, milk, 1 ½ tablespoon sugar, and cinnamon together.
- Dip the bread slices individually into the egg mixture for 10-15 seconds.
- Immediately turn and dip the other side for an additional 10 seconds.
- If the bread is too fresh or soft, toast before dipping.
- Meat butter in a large skillet.
- Add the dipped bread to the skillet.
- Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the top of the bread with some sugar, then flip.
- Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Serve immediately, or keep in a warm oven until ready to serve.
How to Make the Berry Syrup:
- Add sugar, water, and lemon juice to a small to medium size saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Add the berries and let it boil for about 5 minutes.
- Allow it to cool a bit before serving.
Notes
How to Keep Warm in the Oven
Heat the oven to 200 degrees F and place the french toast on a cookie sheet, or a casserole dish. Put inside while making the rest.How to Reheat
In the Oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F, place toast on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 7-10 minutes, until warm. In the Microwave: Place the french toast on a microwaveable plate. Set the timer for 2 minutes, cook until warm. In a regular toaster: Toast for 1-2 minutes. Given, of course, that they fit in the toaster. On the stove: Melt butter. Add bread and cook for 1 minute on each side.Freezer Instruction:
Place in a large sealable bag. Remove as much air as possible. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 months. Best if used within 2 months. To prevent them from sticking together, separate the bread with wax paper then add to the bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge.Storing in the Fridge:
Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store for up to 5 days.Nutrition
Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.
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