Description
French Toast Churro Bites – Quick and comforting churros made with French toast; perfect for a crowd. Irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices day-old bread (brioche or challah work best) – 1-inch thick
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, for cooking
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Maple syrup
- Chocolate sauce
- Dulce de leche
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the bread Start by cutting your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by placing the cubes on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven for 10 minutes. Set these aside while you prepare the custard mixture. Having uniformly sized cubes ensures even cooking and the perfect bite-sized experience.
- Step 2: Make the custard mixture In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until completely combined. The mixture should be smooth with no visible egg streaks. This custard base will infuse your French Toast Churro Bites with that classic French toast flavor that serves as the foundation for the churro transformation.
- Step 3: Prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating In another bowl, combine the 1 cup of sugar with the cinnamon and optional nutmeg, mixing thoroughly. Set this aside – this magical mixture will transform your French toast into churro-inspired treats. Make sure this bowl is large enough to toss the bites easily after cooking.
- Step 4: Soak the bread Working in batches, place bread cubes into the custard mixture, allowing them to soak for about 30 seconds per side. Gently turn them to ensure even soaking. Be careful not to oversoak – you want them custard-infused but not falling apart. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the soaked cubes to a plate, ready for cooking.
- Step 5: Cook the bites Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until melted and slightly foaming. Add a single layer of soaked bread cubes (don’t overcrowd), and cook for about 2 minutes per side until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy. Work in batches, adding more butter as needed between batches.
- Step 6: Coat with cinnamon sugar Immediately transfer the hot French Toast Churro Bites to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Gently toss or roll them until completely coated on all sides. The residual heat and butter will help the cinnamon-sugar adhere perfectly. Transfer to a serving plate and continue with remaining batches.
- Step 7: Serve warm Serve your French Toast Churro Bites immediately while warm, either on their own or with dipping sauces like maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or dulce de leche. The contrast between the warm, soft interior and the crunchy, sweet coating is most pronounced when fresh from the pan.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 bites
- Calories: 280 calories per serving
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 38 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 105 mg