Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of breakfast! There’s just something magical about starting your day with a warm, comforting plate of French toast. Now, imagine that blissful experience, but with a festive twist—enter my Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast! This delightful combination of rich hot chocolate flavors and refreshing peppermint makes every bite feel like a warm hug. I remember the first time I whipped this up during the holidays; my family couldn’t get enough of it! We had a cozy morning filled with laughter, holiday music, and, of course, this irresistible dish. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make it again!
Ingredients List
- 4 slices of bread: Use your favorite type, but I recommend a nice, thick bread like brioche or challah for the best texture.
- 1 cup of milk: Whole milk gives it a creamier flavor, but feel free to use any milk you have on hand!
- 1/4 cup of hot chocolate mix: Make sure it’s a good quality mix for that rich chocolatey goodness.
- 2 eggs: These will help bind everything together and give the French toast that lovely custardy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract: This is where the magic happens! Adjust to your taste if you want more or less peppermint flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of butter: For cooking—this is what makes the French toast golden brown and delicious.
- Whipped cream for topping: Because what’s French toast without a fluffy cloud of whipped cream on top?
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish: These add a festive crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor!
How to Prepare Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast
Step 1 – Whisk the Mixture
First things first, grab a mixing bowl and let’s get whisking! Combine that creamy milk, rich hot chocolate mix, eggs, and peppermint extract. I love using a whisk for this—it really helps to get everything blended smoothly. You want a nice, velvety mixture without any lumps, so give it a good whisk until it’s all combined. The smell? Oh wow, it’s heavenly!
Step 2 – Prepare the Skillet
Now, let’s talk about the skillet! Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat—this is key for perfectly cooked French toast. While that’s warming up, toss in a tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and get bubbly but not browned, because we want that golden, crispy finish without any burnt bits. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that irresistible butter aroma wafting through the kitchen!
Step 3 – Coat the Bread
Time to dip! Take your slices of bread and gently immerse them in the chocolatey mixture. Make sure both sides get a good coating—no bread left behind! I usually let it soak for just a few seconds to really absorb all those delicious flavors. But don’t overdo it; we don’t want it falling apart!
Step 4 – Cook the French Toast
Now for the fun part—cooking! Place the coated bread slices in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it. You want them to have space to breathe and sizzle. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. You might want to flip them when those edges start looking crispy, and oh boy, the smell will be out of this world!
Step 5 – Serve and Garnish
Once the French toast is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve! Pile those delicious slices onto a plate and don’t hold back on the whipped cream—dollop it generously on top. Finally, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for that festive crunch and a pop of color. You might want to take a moment to admire your creation before diving in; it’s just that pretty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends!
- Delicious flavor that combines rich hot chocolate with refreshing peppermint—like a hug in every bite!
- Festive appeal makes it an ideal choice for holiday breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy this indulgent treat!
- Customizable—you can tweak the peppermint intensity to suit your taste or even try different bread types!
- Pairs wonderfully with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies for that extra festive flair.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast turns out absolutely divine! Here are my top tips to get it just right:
- Use stale bread: Trust me on this! Stale bread holds onto the egg mixture much better than fresh bread, giving you that delicious custardy texture. If you don’t have stale bread, just leave your slices out for a bit to dry out.
- Adjust the peppermint: Not a huge fan of peppermint? No problem! Feel free to start with less peppermint extract and taste as you go. You can always add more to suit your preference. I love a hint of peppermint, but not everyone does!
- Don’t rush the cooking: Letting the French toast cook until golden brown is key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior. If the heat is too high, you risk burning the outside while the inside stays soggy. Medium heat is your best friend here!
- Experiment with toppings: While whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies are a classic, don’t hesitate to get creative! Consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Make it a meal: Pair your French toast with some crispy bacon or sausage for a delightful contrast of flavors. The salty and sweet combo is simply irresistible!
With these tips, you’re well on your way to making the best Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast ever. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers! While I’m all about enjoying delicious food, it’s always good to have a rough idea of what’s in our meals. Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one serving of my Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 10g
These values are estimates based on the ingredients I use, so keep in mind that your numbers may vary a bit depending on your choices. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy every scrumptious bite of this festive French toast without a worry!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While I love using brioche or challah, any bread you have on hand will work. Just keep in mind that denser breads will hold up better, so avoid super soft sandwich bread if you can.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free alternative you prefer. Just make sure to choose a hot chocolate mix that is also dairy-free.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
No worries! You can skip it or use a touch of vanilla extract instead for a different flavor profile. It won’t be the same festive taste, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 2-3 days. Just reheat them in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Can I freeze French toast?
Yes! To freeze, layer the cooked slices between parchment paper in an airtight container. They can last up to a month in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the toaster or oven to reheat!
What toppings do you recommend?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! While whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies are my go-tos, you could also try drizzling some chocolate syrup, maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, cozy touch. Get creative!
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet flavors of chocolate and peppermint. Just be mindful of the crushed candies on top if you have little ones who might choke on them. You can always leave them off for the younger kiddos.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve enjoyed every bite of your Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast, but what if you have leftovers? First off, let me just say, it’s a miracle if you do! But if you do, here’s how to keep them delicious for later:
Once the French toast has cooled completely, store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. Just make sure they’re not stacked too high; we don’t want any soggy French toast when you go to reheat them!
Now, when it comes to reheating, there are a couple of methods you can use:
- Skillet: This is my favorite method! Just heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and toss in the leftover slices. Cook for a couple of minutes on each side until warmed through and slightly crispy again. Trust me, this method brings back that lovely texture!
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, pop the slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until warmed. Just a heads up—this method can make them a bit soft, but they’ll still taste great!
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Whichever method you choose, consider adding a little extra whipped cream and crushed peppermint on top when you serve them again—it’ll feel like you’re indulging all over again! Enjoy every bite of that festive goodness!
Print
Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast for Cozy Mornings
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peppermint hot chocolate flavored French toast.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of hot chocolate mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Whipped cream for topping
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together milk, hot chocolate mix, eggs, and peppermint extract.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
- Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Place the bread in the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with whipped cream and garnish with crushed peppermint candies.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Adjust the level of peppermint to your taste.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast