Coconut Crusted French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Marry Me Pasta: the name alone promises a dish so irresistible, so utterly delicious, that it could inspire a proposal! But beyond the charming moniker, lies a creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused pasta that has captured hearts (and stomachs) worldwide. Have you ever tasted something so good that you immediately wanted to share it with everyone you know? That’s the magic of this dish.

While the exact origins of “Marry Me Pasta” remain shrouded in mystery, its popularity exploded in recent years, fueled by social media and its undeniable deliciousness. It’s a modern comfort food classic, a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined in perfect harmony. This isn’t some ancient family recipe passed down through generations; it’s a contemporary culinary phenomenon, a dish born from the internet age and embraced by food lovers everywhere.

So, what makes this Marry Me Pasta so special? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures. The richness of the cream, the tangy sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, the subtle heat of the red pepper flakes, and the savory depth of the Parmesan cheese all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and impressive, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even proposing!).

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Coconut Crust:
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• For the Custard Dip:
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the French Toast:
• 8 slices of bread (challah, brioche, or Texas toast work best)
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Fresh fruit (berries, bananas), for serving (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Preparing the Coconut Crust:

Alright, let’s get started with the star of the show – the coconut crust! This is what’s going to give our French toast that amazing texture and tropical flavor. It’s super easy, I promise!

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded coconut, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
2. Use a fork or your fingers to mix everything together until it’s evenly distributed. Make sure there are no clumps of flour or sugar. We want a nice, uniform coating for our bread.
3. Set this bowl aside. We’ll need it later when we’re ready to coat the bread.

Making the Custard Dip:

Now, let’s move on to the custard dip. This is what’s going to soak into the bread and give it that soft, pillowy texture on the inside. Don’t skimp on the ingredients here – the quality of your custard will directly impact the final result!

1. In a separate medium-sized bowl, crack the four large eggs.
2. Add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg.
3. Whisk everything together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You want to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved and there are no streaks of egg yolk. A good whisking is key to a creamy custard!
4. Set this bowl aside as well. We’re almost ready to start cooking!

Coating and Cooking the French Toast:

Okay, this is where the magic happens! We’re going to coat the bread in the custard, then in the coconut crust, and finally, cook it to golden perfection. Get your skillet ready!

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Make sure the butter coats the entire surface of the skillet to prevent sticking.
2. While the skillet is heating, take one slice of bread and dip it into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 15-20 seconds on each side, ensuring that the bread is thoroughly saturated. You don’t want it dripping wet, but you do want it to be nice and soaked.
3. Carefully remove the soaked bread from the custard and let any excess drip off.
4. Now, transfer the bread to the bowl with the coconut crust mixture. Gently press the bread into the coconut mixture, making sure to coat both sides completely. You want a nice, even layer of coconut on the bread.
5. Once the skillet is hot and the butter is melted, carefully place the coconut-crusted bread into the skillet.
6. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the coconut crust is toasted and crispy. Keep an eye on it, as the coconut can burn easily. Adjust the heat if necessary.
7. Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter to the skillet as needed. You may need to cook the French toast in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
8. Once all the French toast is cooked, transfer it to a plate and keep it warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve. This will prevent it from getting soggy.

Serving and Enjoying:

Finally, the best part – serving and enjoying your delicious Coconut Crusted French Toast! This is where you can get creative and add your own personal touch.

1. Serve the French toast immediately while it’s still warm and crispy.
2. Drizzle generously with maple syrup.
3. Optionally, top with fresh fruit such as berries or sliced bananas.
4. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar.

Tips for Success:

• Bread Choice: The type of bread you use will greatly affect the outcome of your French toast. Challah, brioche, and Texas toast are all excellent choices because they are thick, rich, and absorbent. Avoid using thin, flimsy bread, as it will likely become soggy.
• Custard Consistency: Make sure your custard is well-whisked and smooth. This will ensure that the bread soaks evenly and the French toast cooks properly.
• Coconut Coating: Don’t be afraid to be generous with the coconut coating. The more coconut, the crispier and more flavorful the French toast will be.
• Cooking Temperature: Maintain a medium heat to prevent the coconut from burning. If the coconut is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
• Keeping Warm: If you’re making a large batch of French toast, keep the cooked slices warm in a preheated oven until ready to serve. This will prevent them from getting soggy.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings. You can add a splash of coconut milk to the custard for extra coconut flavor, or top with toasted nuts, chocolate chips, or whipped cream.

Troubleshooting:

• French Toast is Soggy: This is usually caused by using bread that is too thin or not soaking the bread long enough in the custard. Try using a thicker bread and soaking it for a longer period of time.
• Coconut is Burning: This is usually caused by cooking the French toast over too high of heat. Reduce the heat and cook the French toast more slowly.
• French Toast is Not Cooking Through: This is usually caused by not cooking the French toast long enough. Cook the French toast for a longer period of time, or increase the heat slightly.
• Coconut Coating is Falling Off: Make sure the bread is thoroughly soaked in the custard before coating it with the coconut mixture. This will help the coconut adhere to the bread.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a perfect way to start the day or to treat yourself to a special brunch. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Coconut Crusted French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a tropical escape on a plate! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it elevates the classic French toast to a whole new level of deliciousness. The crispy, golden coconut crust provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft, custardy interior, and the subtle sweetness of the coconut perfectly complements the richness of the bread. It’s a flavor combination that’s both comforting and exciting, making it the perfect way to start your day or impress your brunch guests.

But the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can whip up a batch of this incredible French toast in no time. Forget those soggy, bland French toast experiences of the past. This recipe guarantees a crispy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying breakfast that will have you coming back for more.

Why is this Coconut Crusted French Toast a must-try? Because it’s a simple recipe that delivers extraordinary results. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, and it’s guaranteed to brighten up your morning.

And the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and serving suggestions. A drizzle of pure maple syrup is always a classic choice, but why not try a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an extra touch of indulgence? Fresh berries, like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, add a burst of freshness and color. For a truly decadent experience, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Here are a few variations to consider:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the egg mixture for a warm and inviting flavor.
* Go nutty: Incorporate chopped macadamia nuts or almonds into the coconut crust for added crunch and flavor.
* Make it savory: Omit the sugar from the egg mixture and serve with crispy bacon and a drizzle of hot sauce for a savory twist.
* Different Breads: While I love using brioche or challah, feel free to experiment with other types of bread, such as sourdough or even croissants. Just adjust the soaking time accordingly.
* Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and eggs for a vegan version that’s just as delicious.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Coconut Crusted French Toast that I urge you to give it a try. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to a special breakfast or brunch. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #CoconutCrustedFrenchToast and let me know what you think. What toppings did you use? Did you make any variations? I’m always eager to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking, and enjoy your tropical breakfast adventure! I can’t wait to see what you create!