This delightful Challah French Toast recipe is a brunch showstopper! With rich, fluffy challah soaking in a decadent custard and topped with a luscious berry sauce and whipped cottage cheese, it’s a dish that transforms ordinary mornings into extraordinary feasts. Say goodbye to brunch reservations—this at-home indulgence is all you need!
Budget Information
Total Recipe Cost: $12.50
Cost Per Serving: Approximately $2.50 (serves 5)
Why This Recipe Works
This Challah French Toast recipe works like magic because of the airy and sweet nature of the challah itself, which soaks up the creamy custard beautifully. The contrast of crispy edges with a custardy core delivers a satisfying bite that is simply to die for! Paired with the vibrant berry sauce and fluffy whipped cottage cheese, every mouthful is a blend of textures and flavors that feels indulgent yet comforting. It’s the perfect way to elevate a classic breakfast into a delightful celebration!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this divine French toast:
- 2 cups (10 ounces) mixed frozen berries – $3.00
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar – $0.15
- Pinch of salt – $0.01
- 3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons water, divided – negligible cost
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch – $0.05
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – $0.50
- 2 cups (16 ounces or 455 grams) cottage cheese (whole or low-fat) – $2.50
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated sugar for whipped cheese – $0.15
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract – $0.50
- 3 large eggs – $0.75
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract (for soaking mixture) – $0.50
- 1 1/2 cups (150 grams) milk, any kind – $0.40
- 1 large (1-lb) loaf of challah bread, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch thick slices – $3.00
- Butter for the pan (salted or unsalted) – $0.25
- Powdered sugar for dusting – $0.30
Feel free to swap brioche bread for the challah if that’s what you have on hand. Additionally, experiment with other berries or fresh summer fruits if you’re feeling adventurous!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Let’s kick things off by making the berry sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the frozen mixed berries, granulated sugar, salt, and 3 tablespoons of water. Bring this cozy mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, and let it simmer. After about 8 to 10 minutes, as the berries defrost and transform into a delightful saucy blend, you will want to introduce a small dish containing 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with the remaining 2 teaspoons of water. Stir this into the bubbling berry goodness and let it simmer for another minute until it thickens slightly. Off the heat, squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up, then transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and set it aside.
Step 2: Now, let’s whip up that glorious cottage cheese topping. Grab your trusty food processor or a high-speed blender, and toss in 2 cups of cottage cheese, the tablespoon of granulated sugar, and the teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. Blend these ingredients until they reach a fully smooth and fluffy consistency. This topping is subtly sweet, so taste it and adjust the sugar if you’d like it a bit sweeter. Once it’s just right, spoon it into a serving bowl and set this deliciousness aside as well.
Step 3: It’s time for the star of the show: the French toast! In a spacious bowl or a baking dish (for easier dipping), whisk together 3 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Slowly pour in 1 1/2 cups of milk while whisking continuously. This custard-like creation is what will make your challah sing!
Step 4: Place a large skillet onto the stove over medium-low heat and allow it to warm up for about two minutes. A quick test—just flick a drop of water into the pan. If it dances around the surface, you’re ready to go! Add a tablespoon of your butter to the skillet, letting it melt and swirl around. Now, dip the first few slices of your challah into the egg-milk mixture, giving it a good soak for just a moment before flipping it over to absorb even more of that custard. Place them gently in the skillet to cook for around 2 to 3 minutes or until they’re beautifully browned underneath. If they’re browning too slowly, feel free to increase the heat to medium. Flip each slice carefully and continue cooking until both sides are a perfect golden-brown. Transfer each slice to a serving plate and repeat the process, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
Step 5: Finally, it’s time to assemble this masterpiece! Dust your finished challah French toast with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and charm. On a plate, place two slices of the French toast, then dollop a generous amount of whipped cottage cheese on top. As a finishing touch, spoon over the vibrant berry sauce you prepared earlier. The best part? Enjoy it immediately while it’s warm and decadent!
Do ahead: Feel free to make the berry sauce ahead. It’s just as tasty warm or at room temperature and can be stored in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. The whipped cottage cheese also keeps well in the fridge for the same amount of time. If you’re entertaining, you can keep your finished French toast warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. And if you have any leftovers, they’ll be just fine for about 3 days if stored in the fridge.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 320
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Total Fats: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 240mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep leftovers fresh, store your French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat each slice in a toaster, air fryer, or skillet for a crispy exterior again. For the berry sauce and whipped cottage cheese, make sure they’re also in sealed containers; they’ll last for approximately 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You can warm the berry sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave for a nice touch when serving!
Serving Suggestions
This Challah French Toast is a star on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your presentation, consider serving it alongside crispy bacon or sausage for that sweet-and-savory combo we all love. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves, a side of Greek yogurt, or even a drizzle of creamy maple syrup can add even more flair. You could pair it with fresh fruit, like slices of banana or seasonal strawberries, to create a breakfast spread that feels both luxurious and comforting!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
If you find yourself without challah, don’t sweat it—brioche works beautifully as a replacement for that rich, buttery texture! Adjust your sugar in the custard to your taste, especially if you are planning to serve it with maple syrup later. Remember that fresh challah needs just a brief dip, so don’t over-soak it; however, if your bread is on the staler side, feel free to let it absorb more of that custard! Lastly, this recipe is highly adaptable—switch up the berries based on what you have and love!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh berries will work wonderfully but be sure to adjust the cooking time since they don’t need to thaw.
What if I don’t have cottage cheese?
No worries! You can substitute ricotta cheese, cream cheese, or even whipped cream for a different take on this creamy topping.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the challah with gluten-free bread and you’re good to go. Enjoy!
How do I know when the French toast is done?
The key is to look for that perfect golden-brown color. If the edges are crispy and the center feels soft but not wet, you’re all set!
Can I freeze the French toast?
Yes! Just let the slices cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or skillet!
