Arteflame Grilled French Toast: A Smoky Twist on a Breakfast Classic

Introduction

Elevate your breakfast game with this delicious French Toast recipe, cooked to perfection on the Arteflame Grill. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a unique twist to the rich, custardy center of traditional French toast, making it a must-try for any breakfast lover.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah work best)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for grilling
• Maple syrup, fresh berries, and powdered sugar for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute with vanilla coffee creamer for a similar flavor.

2. Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 30 seconds on each side. Make sure the bread is fully coated but not too soggy.

3. Preheat the Arteflame Grill

Lightly oil the flat cooktop surface of your Arteflame Grill and preheat it. The grill should be hot enough to cook the French toast evenly, creating a golden-brown crust with a tender center.

4. Grill the French Toast

Place the soaked bread slices onto the flat cooktop. Grill each slice for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy around the edges. The slight smokiness from the grill will enhance the flavor of the French toast.

5. Serve

Serve the grilled French toast hot, topped with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy the combination of sweet, smoky, and rich flavors.

Tips for Perfect Grilled French Toast:

• Choose the Right Bread: Thick slices of bread like brioche or challah are ideal for grilling because they absorb the custard well and maintain a soft texture inside while getting crispy on the outside.
• Keep It Warm: If you're making multiple batches, keep the cooked French toast warm by placing it on the outer edge of the grill cooktop until ready to serve.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like whipped cream, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of honey for added variety.

Alternatives and Variations

1. Cinnamon Sugar French Toast

Sprinkle the bread with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before grilling for an extra sweet and spiced crust.

2. Stuffed French Toast

Make it indulgent by stuffing the bread slices with cream cheese and fruit preserves before dipping them in the custard mixture.

3. Savory French Toast

Omit the sugar and vanilla from the custard, and add herbs and grated cheese for a savory version. Top with grilled tomatoes and avocado.

4. Banana Foster French Toast

Top the grilled French toast with caramelized bananas and a splash of rum for a decadent brunch treat.

5. Vegan French Toast

Use almond milk and flaxseed eggs as a substitute for dairy and eggs, and grill the bread as usual for a vegan-friendly version.

Best Pairings

• Side Dish: Serve with crispy bacon, sausage links, or grilled fruit like peaches or pineapple.
• Drink: Pair with a hot cup of coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or a refreshing mimosa.
• Dessert: Finish off with a light fruit salad or a yogurt parfait for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Arteflame Grilled French Toast is a delightful and unique take on a classic breakfast dish. The combination of a crispy exterior, rich custard flavor, and subtle smokiness from the grill makes this recipe a surefire winner for any morning meal.