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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Torrejas (Mexican French Toast)

    Torrejas (Mexican French Toast)

    Last Updated February 21, 2023. Originally Posted February 21, 2023 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Torrejas (or Mexican French toast) are a sweet treat served during Lent. Made with old bread and a fluffy egg mixture, these little pieces of heaven make a filling meal.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Torrejas served with miel de maguey on a white plate.
    A single torreja sitting on a white plate.
    Fried Mexican Torrejas stacked in a deep dish.
    Pouring syrup on Mexican french toast.
    Pouring syrup on Mexican french toast.

    Origin of Torrejas or Torrijas

    In Spain, this recipe is referred to as torrijas, coming from the word “torrija” meaning sliced. Spanish torrijas date back to the Roman times. It was given to expectant mothers who needed a high caloric dish to help them give birth.

    Later in the Middle Ages, it became associated with Lent as a meat alternative. The Spanish conquistadors brought the dish to Mexico and other Latin American countries.

    This easy recipe differs from state to state in Mexico. Here I’m sharing how we make in Durango. Similar to Capirotada, it is a must at Lent, Good Friday, and throughout the Holy Week. Although, you might also see it at Christmas.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients needed to make Torrejas labeled and sitting on a marble surface.
    • French bread (baguette leftover bread or bolillo rolls)
    • Miel de Maguey, or Maguey Syrup (optional) 
    • Eggs
    • Vegetable oil 

    Also try adding ground cinnamon, ground cloves, grated orange peel or orange zest, or a splash of vanilla extract.

    Topping Suggestions:

    In Durango, we serve it with miel de maguey, but it is virtually impossible to find in the US. The closest alternative is agave nectar.

    Other substitutes include piloncillo syrup, cajeta, or even regular maple syrup. 

    I like to dust mine with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

    Instructions

    Slicing the bread with a serrated knife.
    • With a sharp serrated knife, cut to make the slices of bread. 
    • Set aside until ready to use.

    Stale bread is the main ingredient. Using day-old stale bread or bolillo bread is much easier to slice. 

    Only have fresh bread in the house? Slice the bread and keep it out for a couple of hours before making this recipe.

    Change it up! Instead of french bread, try using Mexican sweet bread.

    Mixing the egg whites and eggs yolks to create the coating mixture for the Mexican french toast.
    • Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. 
    • Beat the egg whites until stiff. 
    • Then add the yolks with the egg whites and stir. 

    How do you separate eggs without a tool?

    First, crack the eggs into a large bowl. Next, use your clean hands to take the yolks out of the bowl. Pick up each yolk and let the whites drip back down through your fingers. Then put the yolks into a separate bowl.

    An egg mixture in a silver bowl.
    • Add the egg whites with the egg yolks. Gently mix.
    • Set the eggs mixture aside until ready to use.

    How long does it take to make stiff peaks?

    Using a hand mixer, it takes about 5 minutes to create a soft peaks. To create stiff peaks, about 8 to 9 minutes.

    Coating the bread slices with the egg mixture and frying in oil.
    • Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. 
    • Coat each slice of bread, one by one in the egg mixture. 
    • Place the soaked bread into the pan and fry in hot oil, piece by piece until golden brown. 

    Allow about 2 minutes per side. Until they are golden brown. 

    In order to keep their shape intact, use a wide spatula to flip your fried bread.

    Fry in small batches. Be careful not to fry too many pieces at the same time (2-3 is ideal). Otherwise, they will not brown nicely. 

    Fried Mexican Torrejas stacked in a deep dish.
    • Once ready, place the fried bread slices on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. 
    • Then place in a large dish or shallow bowl and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

    What is the difference between torrejas and French toast?

    Torrejas are coated in a fluffy and light egg mixture then fried in oil. French toast is coated in egg and cooked in butter.

    A single torreja sitting on a white plate.

    Storing and Reheating

    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    To reheat, place them in a hot pan and heat for a few minutes on each side. Or reheat for 30 seconds to 1 minute in a microwave.

    Torrejas served with miel de maguey on a white plate.

    What to Serve with It

    • Cafe de Olla
    • Champurrado
    • Atole de Chocolate
    • Chocomilk

    You’re going to love these crispy and delicious Mexican torrejas. Drizzle with sweet syrup or your favorite topping and enjoy!

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    Pouring syrup on Mexican french toast.

    Torrejas (Mexican French Toast)

    Torrejas (or Mexican French toast) are a sweet treat served during Lent. Made with old bread and a fluffy egg mixture, these little pieces of heaven make a filling meal.
    5 from 39 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 219kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 day old french loaf (or 4 bolillos)
    • 5 eggs
    • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
    • 2 cups miel de maguey (or use agave nectar, maple syrup, or cinnamon and sugar)

    Instructions

    • Slice the bread and set aside.
    • Separate the eggs yolks from the egg whites.
    • Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks.
    • Mix the egg yolks in with the egg whites.
    • Gently mix.
    • Heat the oil in a large frying pan.
    • Coat each slice of bread in the egg mixture, one by one.
    • Fry in the oil for 2 minutes.
    • Turn and fry for an additional 2 minutes.
    • Be sure not to fry too many pieces in the pan or they will not fry well.
    • When done place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
    • Then place in a shallow plate and cover with foil.
    • Repeat with the remaining bread until done.
    • Cover with desired topping and enjoy.

    Notes

    Miel de Maguey is what we use in Durango and virtually impossible to find in the US. Substitute for agave nectar, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a cinnamon sugar mixture. 
    If you don’t have day old bread, slice your fresh bread. Let it sit out for a few hours before starting this recipe. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7.3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 237mg | Potassium: 96.7mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1.7mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Breakfast, Desserts, Lent, Mexican, Recipes, Vegetarian

    About Maggie Unzueta

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ann

      February 22, 2023 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      We had this on a vacation a few years ago, and I have been trying to re-create it! So happy I found your recipe!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 28, 2023 at 11:11 am

        Hope you make this Torrejas recipe soon. Let me know how it turns out for you!

        Reply
    2. Jamie

      February 26, 2023 at 2:18 am

      5 stars
      This variety of french toast looks absolutely delicious and so yummy! A perfect toast to pair with our hot drinks! An instant favorite! Loving this already!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 28, 2023 at 10:41 am

        You’d love this recipe. Super tasty!

        Reply
    3. Amy Liu Dong

      February 26, 2023 at 8:20 am

      5 stars
      A different way of making french toast for breakfast.
      I am so excited to make for this my family!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 28, 2023 at 10:34 am

        Hope you do. I know you’ll enjoy it.

        Reply
    4. Elizabeth

      February 26, 2023 at 10:06 am

      5 stars
      I made this Mexican French Toast for breakfast this morning, and everyone loved them! I don’t think I will go back to making my usual French toast!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 28, 2023 at 10:33 am

        I know what you mean about switching to a new favorite recipe, especially when it’s something as delicious as these Torrejas.

        Reply

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