French toast is a classic breakfast favorite. It’s warm and sweet, and you can top it with all kinds of delicious toppings.
But it can be challenging to figure out what side dishes will pair best with them. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of ten expert-recommended side dishes for your next breakfast feast! Continue reading to find out how to pair your french toast with the best sides.
If you are in a little hurry and want to know What to serve with French Toast, then try these- Fruit Compote or Fresh Fruit Salad, Bacon, Breakfast Sausage, Strawberry Yogurt, Syrups & Spreads, Fruit and Yogurt Parfait, Smoothies, Smoked Salmon and Arugula Salad, Fried Bacon Strips, Sautéed Apples, Cheesy Scrambled Eggs, Sauteed Mushrooms, Smoked Salmon, Peanut Butter, Freshly Baked Croissants, Mixed Berry Compote, Sausage Links, Hash Browns, Mouthwatering sweet- spicy Bacon, Maple Syrup, Caramelized pears, Yogurt Parfait, Caramelized bananas, Fried Eggs, Avocado Toast, and Banana Bread.
What is French Toast? What does French Toast taste like?
French Toast is a savory breakfast dish that has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. It typically consists of eggs, and milk-soaked bread cooked in butter or oil and served with different sweet toppings like cinnamon, syrup, or fruit preserves.
The resulting flavor varies depending on the ingredients used and how the toast is prepared, but it usually has a sweet and creamy taste that pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee. French Toast can be served in many different ways, making it a versatile dish that pleases most palates.
What is so special about French Toast?
French Toast has a long and storied history which adds to its appeal. As the story goes, French Toast began as a way to use up stale bread in ancient Rome.
The combination of eggs and milk, flavored with ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, dressing up the old bread gave it a new lease on life.
Over time, this timeless recipe has been enjoyed all around the world. It is a staple of breakfast menus found in countless countries. It is cooked to perfection with light golden brown crusts and creamy interiors that make your mouth water.
French Toast proves that through innovation and tradition, even the simplest ingredients can be turned into something extraordinary.
25 Ideal Side dishes to serve with French Toast
1. Fruit Compote
A fruit compote is a cooked mixture of fresh or dried fruits, often combined with sugar, spices, and other flavorful ingredients such as orange juice or white wine.
It provides contrast in texture and flavor and adds an extra pop of color to your plate. For a heartier option, try adding nuts or granola for added crunch and texture.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad
A healthy option that packs plenty of vitamins and minerals is always welcome at breakfast time! You can mix up whatever fruits are in season or create an exotic blend of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango for something special.
Cut up some fresh fruit such as strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or raspberries into bite-sized pieces and mix them together in a bowl for a homemade salad full of antioxidants and fiber.
The sweetness from the fruit pairs well with the rich flavor of French toast, making this one side you won’t want to miss out on! Top it off with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness if desired.
3. Bacon
Who doesn’t love bacon? These salty yet savory meats are the perfect complement to sweet french toast.
Choose turkey bacon or pork bacon. Also, veggie bacon is a good option, and Serve it up with some maple syrup for an added burst of flavor.
It adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, but it also creates a balanced plate.
If you’re serving a large crowd, you can use bacon slices as a topping on individual pieces of French toast instead of making an entire side dish.
4. Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast sausage is a flavorful and savory addition to any French toast platter. The sweetness of the maple syrup helps to offset the salty and smoky flavors of the sausage.
Breakfast Sausage can be cooked in multiple different ways, making it some of the most versatile sides for French toast. Includes, it can be pan-fried, slow-cooked, grilled, microwaved, or baked.
5. Strawberry Yogurt
French toast is an indulgent breakfast treat, and it tastes especially delightful when accompanied by the sweet taste of strawberries.
Served as a side dish with French toast, a bowl of strawberry yogurt is the perfect way to liven up your morning meal.
You will enjoy the exquisite taste combination of creamy yogurt and fresh berries, and you can reap all of the health benefits associated with these nutrient-packed goodnesses.
6. Syrups & Spreads
Syrup and french toast always go for each other. You choose – maple syrup, honey, and agave nectar – they all pair perfectly with french toast.
You can also mix things up by experimenting with different types of spreads like peanut butter or almond butter – both are delicious options that will take your french toast experience to the next level.
7. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
A yogurt parfait is always a great choice when it comes to side dishes. Start by adding a layer of plain Greek yogurt to a clear glass cup or jar.
Top that off with fresh fruit like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Sprinkle some granola over the top for a crunchy texture and extra sweetness.
You can also add a mizzle of honey for an extra burst of flavor. This sweet and healthy treat will make your french toast even more amazing!
8. Try Guilty Free Smoothies
Smoothies are another great way to enjoy french toast without feeling guilty about eating too much sugar!
Blend frozen fruits like bananas, strawberries, mangoes, pineapples, and cherries with some almond milk or orange juice until smooth and creamy.
Add a scoop of protein powder if you want an extra boost in the morning! Smoothies are packed with vitamins and nutrients to give you energy throughout the day while still satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.
9. Smoked Salmon and Arugula Salad
French toast is a beloved breakfast dish, bringing together the wonderful ingredients of bread, eggs, and cinnamon.
To make it even more special, serve it with the delightful combination of smoked salmon and arugula salad. The smoke from the salmon combines perfectly with the subtle sweetness of French toast, while the peppery kick from the arugula provides a beautiful contrast to balance all flavors.
Adding this colorful side dish will bring a festive atmosphere to any breakfast table and ensure that everyone will be delighted with their meal.
10. Fried Bacon Strips
Bacon strips are an easy and tasty way to bring some crunchy texture and salty flavor to your french toast. Fry them in a pan until they are crispy, and serve them hot alongside your french toast.
You can also get innovative by adding herbs or spices like smoked paprika for extra flavor.
11. Sautéed Apples
Sliced apples sautéed in butter and cinnamon are the perfect way to add sweetness to your plate.
Heat up some butter in a pan, add slices of apple and sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar for an added touch of sweetness. This is a great vegan-friendly alternative if you do not eat meat products like bacon strips.
12. Cheesy Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are the classic breakfast food that everyone loves! To give them an extra boost of flavor, add some shredded cheese before scrambling them up in a pan.
The melted cheese complements the creamy texture of the scrambled eggs perfectly and adds an extra layer of yumminess to this traditional side dish.
13. Sauteed Mushrooms
A delicious yet simple side dish to serve with French toast is Sauteed Mushrooms. These mushrooms are not only easy and fast to prepare, but their juicy bite of umami flavor is guaranteed to satisfy any appetite.
To make simply clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and heat a pan up with 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. When the pan is superheated, add the mushrooms and season generously before sautéing for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
As an extra touch, feel free to throw in onions or pepper for an added crunch. Sauteed Mushrooms are definitely a winning side dish for any French toast meal!
14. Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon may sound like an odd pairing but trust us – its salty flavor works surprisingly well when served alongside sweet french toast. The contrast of the crispy egg-dipped bread and rich, creamy smoked salmon creates a unique flavor combination that not many dishes can rival.
Plus, it’s both filling and healthy — so you can rest assured your guests are enjoying their meal without sacrificing nutrition. Smoked salmon also provides a variety of nutrients like Omega-3s, which promote overall health and heart health specifically.
Served with cream cheese and bread on the side, this combination makes the perfect appetizing morning treat!
15. Peanut Butter
A unique side dish that pairs well with French toast is peanut butter. The salty and slightly sweet taste of creamy peanut butter provides an exciting contrast to the heavier flavor of French toast.
Peanut butter also adds an extra layer of texture and complexity to the meal, making it stand out from other breakfast options.
If you’re looking for an awesome culinary experience, try serving your French toast with a nutty flavor companion – you’ll be glad you did!
16. Freshly Baked Croissants
Freshly baked croissants are guaranteed to be one of the most popular sides on your table!
They’re light and fluffy yet filling enough to tide you over until lunchtime comes around again. Try baking up some homemade croissants as an indulgent treat with your French Toast – you won’t regret it!
17. Mixed Berry Compote
A delightful side to accompany your French toast is Mixed Berry Compote. It’s an easy recipe that requires simple ingredients and minimal effort and yet results in a delicious combination of flavors.
The tart berries are slowly simmered with sugar and spices to create a sweet-tart syrup that adds an exciting twist to this classic breakfast staple.
Its bright purple color stands out against the golden-brown toast, and the swirls of syrup add layers of texture and flavor. Serve it up with some melted butter, a dusting of powdered sugar, and maybe even a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent – savor every bite!
18. Sausage Links
Another delicious savory option is sausage links or patties. Whether they’re cooked in the oven or heated up on the grill, these are sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. They have enough protein and fat content to keep everyone full until lunchtime!
19. Hash Browns
Who doesn’t love hash browns? They have just enough crunch and saltiness to balance out the sweet flavors of French toast while still being relatively healthy (depending on how they’re cooked).
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some cheese into the mix – it’s sure to be a hit!
20. Mouthwatering sweet- spicy Bacon
French toast is a delightful treat and is an all-time favorite for breakfast. But it can also be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a dessert course.
A side dish that goes well with French toast is the catchy combination of sweet and spicy bacon. This unique twist on the classic side of bacon will leave your taste buds wanting more.
The sweet, smoky flavor combined with a pinch of smoky heat ensures that the bacon stands out among other sides. Whether you serve it to please your guests or to satisfy your own cravings, one thing’s for sure – this mouthwatering side dish of sweet-spicy bacon will surely take your French toast experience to the next level!
21. Caramelized pears
Caramelized pears are an excellent choice to go with French Toast. Pears have a wonderful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich, fluffy texture of French toast.
The complex and slightly earthy flavors of the caramelized pears contrast with the maple syrup or jam spread atop the French toast, creating a delicious balance of sweet and savory goodness.
Caramelized pears are delicious and easy to make and also look beautiful when stacked on top of a plate of French toast – making it the perfect accompaniment to a hearty breakfast.
22. Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt parfaits make for an ideal breakfast side dish because they are both nutritious and delicious. Start by layering Greek yogurt with fresh berries or chopped nuts and top off with granola for added crunch and texture – then enjoy alongside your favorite piece of French toast!
23. Caramelized bananas
Caramelized bananas are a delectable side to serve with French toast. With creamy, subtle flavor and hints of sugar and cinnamon, it can be served as a warm accompaniment at breakfast or enjoyed as a cool dessert.
Simply mash ripe bananas and add butter and sugar in a pan until lightly brown and fragrant. They pair perfectly with French toast soaked in sweetened egg-based batter and fried until golden brown.
Add some crunchy chopped walnuts for extra texture, top off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and you have an unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience!
24. Avocado Toast
Yes, avocado toast is technically its own meal, but why not throw in some extra greens on your plate? Avocado adds creaminess and richness that pairs wonderfully with french toast.
– plus, you’ll get all those healthy fats too! Just be sure not to adjust your portion sizes accordingly so that everyone gets their fair share of each item on their plate without feeling overwhelmed by too much food all at once!
25. Banana Bread
For those who aren’t fans of traditional sides, banana bread is an excellent alternative! Its lightly sweetened batter combined with chunks of fresh banana adds just enough sweetness without going overboard – plus, its soft texture complements french toast perfectly!
What to eat with French toast without syrup?
One of the fantastic things about French toast is that it can be enjoyed with various toppings. If you’re looking for something to enjoy on your French toast without syrup, try adding nut butter or fruit jelly.
Alternatively, if you want a rich, savory finish to your morning meal, go for a topping like bacon bits or shredded cheese. The saltiness and crunchy texture of either item would add diversity to the French toast experience.
The possibilities are seemingly limitless when it comes to what you can top french toast with besides syrup – so get creative and find something that satisfies your tastebuds!
What is the proper way to eat French toast?
French toast is a classic breakfast item that anyone can enjoy. There is no wrong way to approach it, but there are fundamental steps that will ensure your toast comes out perfectly delicious.
To start, begin by gathering the necessary ingredients such as bread, eggs, and your favorite flavors for spicing – cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla all work nicely. Then, heat up your skillet and coat it with butter or oil. Finally, whisk together wet ingredients in a bowl and gently dip each piece of bread into the mixture before placing it on the pan.
Once both sides have been evenly cooked, serve with your choice of syrups or jams, plus some powdered sugar if desired! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a deliciously fluffy stack of French toast any time of day.
FAQs
How is French toast served in France?
French toast, known as Pain Perdu in French, is usually served for a sweet breakfast in France. It can also be fitted as a dessert with ice cream, crepes, and other delicious toppings.
The classic version of French toast from France calls for a combination of milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. The ingredients are whisked together to create the custard mixture that will coat the thick slices of white sandwich bread.
The custard-coated bread slices are then fried on both sides until they’re golden brown and crunchy on the outside.
Afterward, the French toast is served warm with a drizzle of Nutella or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Some people enjoy their Pain Perdu with jam or honey, while others prefer it plain.
What is the most common mistake in making French toast?
The most common mistake in making French toast is not using enough butter when cooking egg-battered slices of bread.
Without sufficient butter, the toast will not be able to caramelize properly, leading to a dry and tough final product instead of a crispy delicious French toast.
To avoid this, it’s essential to use plenty of butter and cook on medium to low heat so that the egg cooks without burning the sugar in the batter. If done correctly, you’re sure to enjoy some delicious French toast!