Crunchy French Toast Cereal

Crunchy French Toast brings the classic weekend breakfast up a notch with a crispy golden coating that never fails to impress. This version swaps the ordinary dip for a thick crust of crispy rice cereal or crushed corn flakes, which transforms every bite into the ultimate texture experience. I first made this for a lazy Sunday brunch and my family now refuses plain French toast—the crunch is just too good to skip.

When I first made this with my kids, I realized just how fun breakfast could be. Dunking the bread in cereal was like a game, and now we make it together anytime someone spends the night.

Ingredients

• Large eggs: Fresh eggs help the batter hold together and give that custardy base
• Milk: Whole or two percent milk gives the right richness and soaks the bread well
• All-purpose flour: Just a touch thickens the custard so it sticks to the toast
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance out the savory notes
• Salt: Balances flavors so nothing tastes flat
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a gentle spice that pairs perfectly with syrup
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor for that classic French toast taste
• Thick bread like Texas Toast: Thick slices resist getting soggy and crisp up beautifully. Look for sturdy loaves
• Crispy rice cereal or crushed corn flakes: These create the signature crunch. Use whatever you have, but go for a fresh unopened box so they stay crisp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Cooking Surface:

Get your griddle to 350 degrees F or set your skillet over medium heat. A preheated surface gives the toast an even golden crust without burning

Prepare the Cereal Coating:

Pour your cereal or crushed corn flakes into a shallow pie plate or dish. The more even the layer, the better the coating

Make the Custard Batter:

Combine the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla in a blender or a large shallow dish. If using a whisk, do not worry if the flour leaves a few small lumps

Set Up Your Dipping Station:

Pour the custard into one shallow dish and the cereal into another. Place these side by side for ease

Coat the Bread:

Dip each bread slice into the custard, ensuring both sides are soaked but not mushy. Then press each piece firmly into the cereal, flipping so both sides are evenly coated. Press gently to get a solid crunch layer

Cook the Toast:

Add a little butter to your hot skillet, allowing it to foam. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet. Cook them for about three minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed so the crust gets golden and crisp without burning

Serve:

Enjoy warm from the skillet topped with your favorite syrup, fresh fruit, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately while the coating is crunchy and hot

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My favorite part about this recipe is the sound the toast makes when you cut into it. That satisfying crunch always takes me back to the first time my youngest daughter asked for seconds because it was so “yummy and loud” at the same time.

Storage Tips

Crunchy French Toast tastes best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days. Let them cool on a rack before storing so they stay crisp. Reheat in the oven or toaster to bring back the crunch; avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in dairy-free milk or gluten-free flour with good results. For the coating, crushed pretzels or even sweet cereal like frosted flakes work in a pinch. Not all breads are equal, so try to use something thick-sliced and firm to hold up to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Top with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt. If you love a savory-sweet combo, try serving with a side of crispy bacon or a sprinkle of flaky salt over the syrup. For a brunch buffet, keep slices warm in a 200-degree oven until ready to serve.

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This crunchy French toast brings joy to any breakfast table with its perfect balance of flavors and textures—sure to make your mornings unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread works best?

Thick, sturdy slices like Texas Toast hold up well and soak in the batter without falling apart.

→ Can I use a different cereal for coating?

Yes, crushed corn flakes or crispy rice cereal both add great crunch and work equally well.

→ How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Press each side of the battered bread firmly into the cereal so it adheres before cooking.

→ Can this be made ahead?

Best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble and refrigerate before cooking. Reheat on a griddle as needed.

→ What toppings pair well?

Classic maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream all complement the crunch.