PB and J French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

PB and J French Toast: Prepare to experience a breakfast revolution! Imagine the comforting nostalgia of a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, elevated to a decadent, golden-brown French toast experience. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a joyful explosion of flavor that will have you leaping out of bed in the morning.

While the origins of French toast itself can be traced back to ancient Rome, the addition of peanut butter and jelly is a distinctly American innovation, born from our love of simple pleasures and creative culinary combinations. The PB&J, a staple in lunchboxes and a symbol of childhood comfort, finds new life in this delightful breakfast mashup. It’s a playful twist on tradition that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

People adore this PB and J French Toast because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy. The soft, eggy bread soaks up the peanut butter and jelly, creating a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches. Plus, who can resist the irresistible combination of peanut butter and jelly? It’s a flavor pairing that transcends generations, and when transformed into French toast, it becomes an unforgettable culinary adventure. So, get ready to indulge in a breakfast that’s both comforting and exciting – you won’t be disappointed!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of your favorite bread (I prefer brioche or challah for extra richness!)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup strawberry or grape jelly (or your preferred flavor!)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best, but any kind will do)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, but adds a lovely richness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, extra peanut butter, extra jelly, chopped peanuts, whipped cream

Preparing the PB&J Sandwiches:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is assemble our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. This is pretty straightforward, but a little attention to detail here will make the final product even better.

1. Spread the Peanut Butter: Take three slices of bread and spread a generous layer of peanut butter on one side of each slice. Don’t be shy! We want that peanut butter flavor to really shine through. Make sure to spread it evenly, right to the edges. This helps prevent the jelly from soaking into the bread too much.
2. Add the Jelly: Now, take the remaining three slices of bread and spread a layer of jelly on one side of each slice. Again, spread it evenly, but be careful not to use too much, or it might get a little messy. I find that about a tablespoon per slice is perfect.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Carefully place the jelly-covered slices of bread on top of the peanut butter-covered slices, jelly-side down. Press gently to seal the sandwiches. You now have three delicious PB&J sandwiches ready to be transformed into French toast!

Making the French Toast Custard:

Next, we’re going to whip up the custard that will give our French toast its signature richness and flavor. This is where the magic happens!

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a medium-sized bowl, crack the three large eggs. Whisk them vigorously until they are light and frothy. This will help create a smooth and even custard.
2. Add the Milk and Cream: Pour in the milk and heavy cream (if using) into the bowl with the eggs. Whisk again until everything is well combined. The heavy cream adds a wonderful richness, but if you’re looking to lighten things up, you can skip it and just use more milk.
3. Incorporate the Flavorings: Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Whisk one last time to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The vanilla and cinnamon add a warm and comforting flavor that complements the peanut butter and jelly perfectly. The pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness.

Soaking and Cooking the French Toast:

Now comes the fun part – soaking the sandwiches in the custard and cooking them to golden-brown perfection! This is where patience is key. Don’t rush the soaking process, and make sure to cook the French toast over medium heat to prevent burning.

1. Prepare the Soaking Station: Pour the custard mixture into a shallow dish or baking pan. This will make it easier to soak the sandwiches evenly.
2. Soak the Sandwiches: One at a time, gently place a PB&J sandwich into the custard. Let it soak for about 30-60 seconds per side, making sure that the bread is thoroughly saturated. You want the custard to penetrate all the way through the bread, but be careful not to let it soak for too long, or the sandwiches might become too soggy.
3. Melt the Butter: While the sandwiches are soaking, melt the butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Make sure the entire surface of the skillet is coated with butter to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the French Toast: Carefully transfer the soaked sandwiches to the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust as needed to prevent burning. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
5. Check for Doneness: To ensure that the French toast is cooked through, you can insert a toothpick into the center of a sandwich. If it comes out clean, the French toast is ready. If not, continue cooking for a minute or two longer.
6. Keep Warm (Optional): If you’re making a large batch of French toast, you can keep the cooked pieces warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until you’re ready to serve them.

Serving and Enjoying Your PB&J French Toast:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving and enjoying our delicious PB&J French toast! This is where you can get creative with toppings and make it your own.

1. Plate the French Toast: Arrange the cooked French toast slices on plates. You can serve them whole or cut them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference.
2. Add Your Favorite Toppings: Now comes the fun part! Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, or top with extra peanut butter and jelly. Chopped peanuts add a nice crunch, and a sprinkle of cinnamon is always a good idea.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the PB&J French toast immediately while it’s still warm and delicious. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: As I mentioned earlier, brioche or challah bread are my favorites for French toast because they are rich and absorbent. However, you can use any type of bread you like. Sourdough bread adds a nice tang, while Texas toast is extra thick and fluffy.
• Peanut Butter: I prefer creamy peanut butter for this recipe, but you can use crunchy peanut butter if you like the added texture. You can also experiment with different types of nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter.
• Jelly: Strawberry and grape jelly are classic choices for PB&J, but you can use any flavor you like. Raspberry, blueberry, or even fig jam would be delicious.
• Custard Variations: For a richer custard, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese. For a lighter custard, you can use skim milk or almond milk. You can also add a splash of orange juice or lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the custard.
• Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk) and a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). You can also use vegan butter for cooking.
• Overnight Soak: For an even richer and more flavorful French toast, you can soak the sandwiches in the custard overnight in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Enjoy your delicious PB&J French Toast!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just French toast; it’s a nostalgic hug on a plate, elevated to breakfast royalty! The PB and J French Toast recipe is a must-try because it’s ridiculously easy, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, no matter your age. We’ve taken the classic comfort of peanut butter and jelly and transformed it into a decadent, unforgettable breakfast (or brunch, or even dessert – we won’t judge!). The combination of the crispy, golden-brown French toast, the warm, melty peanut butter, and the sweet, fruity jelly is simply divine. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a truly irresistible treat.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of bread. Challah or brioche will give you an extra rich and custardy result, while sourdough adds a delightful tang. And don’t limit yourself to just peanut butter and jelly! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work beautifully. As for the jelly, think beyond grape and strawberry. Raspberry, blackberry, or even a spicy pepper jelly can add a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For the ultimate indulgence: Top your PB and J French Toast with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
* For a healthier option: Use whole-wheat bread, natural peanut butter (with no added sugar), and a fruit spread with no added sugar. You can also add a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra fiber.
* For a fun twist: Cut the French toast into strips and serve them as “French toast sticks” for dipping. This is a great option for kids (and adults who are kids at heart!).
* For a brunch party: Set up a PB and J French Toast bar with a variety of breads, nut butters, jellies, and toppings, and let your guests create their own masterpieces.
* For a dessert treat: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

I truly believe that this PB and J French Toast recipe will become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect way to start your day, impress your friends, or simply treat yourself to something special. It’s quick enough for a weekday breakfast but impressive enough for a weekend brunch.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the magic of PB and J French Toast! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family think? I’m eager to hear all about your PB and J French Toast adventures! Don’t be shy – let’s spread the love (and the peanut butter and jelly!). Happy cooking!