Traditional Dutch Wentelteefjes Recipe (Dutch Toast)

Wentelteefjes, also known as Dutch toast, are a delicious breakfast treat similar to French toast. These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside slices of bread are soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, then fried until golden brown. It’s perfect for using up stale bread and is often served with powdered sugar, syrup, or fresh fruit.

Ingredients

4 slices of stale white bread (or brioche for a richer flavor)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Butter for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional toppings: fresh berries, syrup, honey, or whipped cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Whisk the eggs and milk: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Soak the bread slices: Dip each slice of stale bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are fully coated. Let the bread soak for about 30 seconds on each side so it absorbs the flavors.

Step 3: Fry the Wentelteefjes

Heat the grill: Preheat your Arteflame grill by lighting the firewood and allowing the grill to heat for 20 minutes. Melt butter on the flat cooktop as it heats.
Cook on the flat cooktop: Place the soaked bread slices on the flat top, where the temperature is moderate. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bread turns golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Dust with powdered sugar: Once the wentelteefjes are golden and crispy, remove them from the grill and dust with powdered sugar.
Add your favorite toppings: Serve with fresh berries, a drizzle of syrup or honey, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips:

If you prefer a richer flavor, use brioche or challah instead of regular bread.
Using slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart.
Adjust the sweetness and spice by adding more or less cinnamon and sugar to the egg mixture.

Variations

Apple Cinnamon Wentelteefjes: Add thin apple slices to the egg mixture and fry along with the bread for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Chip Wentelteefjes: Sprinkle chocolate chips on the bread before frying for a sweet and indulgent version.
Savory Wentelteefjes: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and use herbs like rosemary and thyme in the egg mixture. Serve with cheese and ham for a savory variation.
Orange Zest Wentelteefjes: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the egg mixture for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Nutella-Stuffed Wentelteefjes: Spread Nutella between two slices of bread before soaking and frying for a decadent treat.