Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to kick off a cozy winter morning: Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast! This delightful dish takes me right back to childhood memories of sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace while snowflakes danced outside. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint just sings holiday cheer, don’t you think? Every bite is like a warm hug on a chilly day! I love to whip this up on special occasions or just when I need a little pick-me-up. Picture this: golden slices of bread soaked in a velvety chocolate mixture, cooked to perfection, and topped with fluffy whipped cream and crunchy peppermint candies. It’s a breakfast that feels indulgent yet is so easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it all season long!
Ingredients List
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (I love using brioche or challah for that extra richness!)
- 1 cup of whole milk (This adds creaminess—feel free to substitute with your favorite milk!)
- 1/4 cup of hot chocolate mix (Make it your favorite brand for that special touch!)
- 2 large eggs (These help bind everything together for a fluffy texture.)
- 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract (Adjust this to your taste if you love a stronger mint flavor!)
- 1 tablespoon of butter (For that perfect golden crust—don’t skip this part!)
- Whipped cream for topping (Because what’s French toast without a dollop of cream?)
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish (This adds a festive crunch and a pop of color!)
How to Prepare Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, hot chocolate mix, eggs, and peppermint extract until everything is well combined. It should be smooth and creamy—just like your favorite hot cocoa!
- Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the tablespoon of butter. You want it to sizzle and coat the bottom of the pan, but be careful not to let it burn!
- Now, dip each slice of thick-cut bread into the chocolate mixture, making sure both sides are fully coated. Let any excess drip off; we don’t want a soggy mess!
- Place the coated bread slices into the hot skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
- Once they’re done, remove the slices from the skillet and serve immediately while they’re still warm. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle on those crushed peppermint candies for that festive touch!
Tips for Success
- Use stale bread for the best texture—day-old bread soaks up the mixture without getting too mushy.
- Feel free to adjust the peppermint extract—start with less and add more if you want a stronger minty kick!
- Don’t rush the cooking process; medium heat ensures a nice golden crust without burning the bread.
- Flip the bread gently to avoid splashing the batter—trust me, it can get a bit messy otherwise!
- For an extra indulgent touch, add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best experience; this French toast is all about that warm, fluffy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so keep that in mind when calculating your intake!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 10g
So there you have it! It’s a delightful treat that brings a touch of indulgence to your breakfast while still packing in some good stuff. Enjoy every bite without a hint of guilt!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the most scrumptious Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I hear:
What type of bread works best?
I highly recommend using thick-cut bread like brioche or challah for that perfect balance of fluffiness and richness. However, you can also use sourdough or even whole grain if you want to mix it up!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a good whisk before dipping the bread in. Cooking it fresh is best for that warm, comforting flavor!
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover French toast (which rarely happens in my house!), let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to reheat in a skillet or toaster for that crispy texture again!
Can I freeze the French toast?
Absolutely! You can freeze individual slices. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop them in the toaster or oven for a quick reheat!
What can I serve with Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast?
I love pairing it with fresh fruit, like berries or banana slices, and a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa for that extra cozy vibe. It’s the perfect breakfast spread!
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Definitely! If you find the hot chocolate mix too sweet, feel free to use a less sweet version or adjust the amount you add. You can always top it with less whipped cream too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this cozy breakfast even on busy mornings!
- Delicious Flavor: The heavenly combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
- Festive Touch: This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, bringing a festive spirit to your breakfast table.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness and mintiness to match your personal preference, making it a hit for everyone!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will adore the fun flavors, and it’s a great way to get them excited about breakfast!
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully and still taste amazing!
Variations
- Different Types of Bread: Switch things up by using different breads! Try using cinnamon raisin bread for a sweet twist, or a hearty multigrain for added texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor. It pairs beautifully with the chocolate and peppermint!
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free hot chocolate mix. It’s just as delicious!
- Chocolate Variations: If you’re a true chocolate lover, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter for an extra chocolatey kick!
- Nutty Twist: Add a tablespoon of chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, to the batter or as a topping for some delightful crunch and flavor.
- Fruit Add-Ins: Toss in some fresh blueberries or sliced bananas into the batter for a fruity surprise in every bite. It adds a lovely freshness!
Serving Suggestions
Alright, now that you’ve got your Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it for a truly delightful breakfast experience! I love keeping things cozy and festive, so here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Fresh Fruit: A vibrant fruit salad with berries, banana slices, or even some juicy oranges adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the French toast.
- Hot Beverages: Cozy up with a steaming cup of coffee, a classic hot chocolate, or even a peppermint latte to complement the minty notes in your breakfast!
- Maple Syrup: Drizzling a bit of warm maple syrup over the top brings an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and peppermint.
- Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream on the side provides a creamy, tangy balance, making each bite even more indulgent.
- Nuts or Granola: Sprinkle some chopped nuts or granola on top for a crunchy texture that contrasts delightfully with the softness of the toast.
- Holiday Treats: If it’s that time of year, why not serve some festive cookies or gingerbread on the side for a little extra cheer?
These additions not only elevate your breakfast but also make it feel like a special occasion every time you serve it. Enjoy your delicious creation and the wonderful company around your table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have some leftover Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast (which, let’s be honest, is a rare treat in my house!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep that delicious flavor intact. Here’s how to do it:
- Let the French toast cool completely before storing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make it soggy.
- Place the slices in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to maintain freshness!
Now, when it comes time to enjoy your leftovers, you’ll want to reheat them in the best way possible:
- For the crispiest results, I recommend reheating in a skillet over medium heat. Just a couple of minutes on each side will warm them through and bring back that lovely golden crust.
- If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the toaster! Just keep an eye on them to avoid over-toasting.
- Alternatively, you can use the oven—preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices directly on the rack or a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
Reheating this way keeps the French toast fluffy and not overly dry. Trust me, you’ll love how it tastes just as good the second time around! Enjoy every bite!
Print
Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast: 5 Cozy Delights
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peppermint hot chocolate flavored French toast.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of hot chocolate mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Whipped cream for topping
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together milk, hot chocolate mix, eggs, and peppermint extract.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
- Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Place the bread in the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with whipped cream and garnish with crushed peppermint candies.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Adjust the level of peppermint to your taste.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast
