Walnut Crusted French Toast

Wet and soggy. With a touch of mold. You can tell I wasn’t made to live in the northwest. Here we are in Austin, with 24 hours of rain, and I’m already eager to wring out my clothes.

But no. Not really. I am actually quite thankful for the way the rain hit my windows as I closed my eyes last night. The soft pattering a constant presence as I dove in and out of sleep. And wet weather does make for better writing. I sat with a cup of coffee and wrote for a few hours this morning. Both me and my thesis director were pleased.

Earlier this week, I received a bag of walnuts from California (I’m fairly certain the southern part) and I happily chopped nuts on Monday afternoon and stretched my culinary imagination. With a few attempts behind me, I landed on this recipe: Walnut Crusted French Toast. Because doesn’t it sound lovely to crust a thick piece of bread with slightly toasted nuts?

If you’re like me, french toast is a weekend breakfast staple. Fresh berries, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup can turn a boring piece of bread (forgive me, ubiquitous white loaf) into something worth sharing with friends.

But I took my weekend tradition a step further by dipping  bread into both the classic egg/milk mixture and a bowl of crushed walnuts. As I placed the nutty bread on a skillet sizzling with butter, the aroma of eggs and toasting nuts made me very grateful to be alive.

So…I just had to share this before we took off for the weekend. Because don’t we all want to make french toast tomorrow morning?

Walnut Crusted French Toast

1 cup of walnuts, very finely chopped
1 cup half-and-half
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 (1/2-inch) slices day-old or stale country loaf, brioche or challah bread
4 tablespoons butter

1. In medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, honey, and salt. Pour custard mixture into a pie pan or wide, shallow bowl and set aside. Place chopped walnuts in another similar size pan.

2. Dip bread slice into custard mixture, allowing to soak for 30 seconds on each side, and then dip each side into walnut mixture. Remove to a cooling rack that is sitting in a sheet pan, and allow to sit for 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large saute pan. Place 2 slices of bread at a time into the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. Repeat with all 8 slices. Serve immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream or fruit.

Monet

Anecdotes and Apple Cores

41 thoughts on “Walnut Crusted French Toast”

  2. Eileen

    Oh, wow–I haven’t had french toast in far too long! I love the idea of crunchy walnut crust with some beautiful fruit on top. Maybe with nectarines? Thanks for the great idea! 🙂

  3. Tammy

    Oh what a beautiful treat!! French toast is my very favorite…I can only imagine how delicious it is with a walnut crust! Splendid post darling!
    Thank you for your sweet comment! 🙂 Have a lovely afternoon.

    Toodles,
    Tammy <3

  6. Leah @ Why Deprive?

    French toast is one of those things that I almost never make, and then every time I do make it I swear to myself that it’ll start happening more often.
    This sounds wonderful, and after “borrowing” some walnuts from my parents house on my way home, I’ll have all the ingredients. 🙂

  7. Jessie

    This looks incredible, Monet! I completely agree on French toast being essential for the weekends. There’s nothing like a thick slice with fruit on top. I’ve got to try your walnut-crusted version — I love a little crunch at breakfast!

    Congrats on getting tons of writing done! Have a great weekend!!

  9. Gina

    Looks like you are starting your leisurely mornings off right. I’m still trying to carve out more time to sit down and work on some creative projects I have scattered about. Hope you have a great weekend.
    -Gina-

  10. Tami

    Hi Monet,

    I just wanted to let you know I posted a comment on an older recipe post-Almond Apricot Shortbread because it seemed appropriate at the time. 🙂

  11. Pam

    Ummm, mmmm! This really makes me want to make French toast this weekend, esp. because my maiden name is French. tee hee! Your French toast looks divine and it’s all because of those luscious, crunchy walnuts! Have a good weekend, dearie!

  15. Lauren (PB&G)

    It’s been ages since I’ve had french toast. I haven’t been brave enough to try it vegan style yet. I watched an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives last night where a place made french toast with a homemade cranberry wild rice bread.. that along with your post has pushed me to give it a go!

  16. Terra

    You know walnuts are so delicious to me, my friends dislike them…..crazy right! I am guessing that your French toast was amazing, each bite was DELISH! Hugs, Terra

  17. Jeanne

    Walnuts sound like a delicious addition to French toast! If I had some bread in the house, I’d give this a try tomorrow morning! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Monet.

  18. foodwanderings

    OMG I barely make french toast at home but it is always a favorite of mine to order for breakfast when we are away. With walnuts in particular though I find often they don;t have them. Great post!

  19. Claudia

    My husband’s favorite breakfast is French toast and I haven’t made it in eons – partly because I can never think how to shake it up a bit and now you’ve come along with a delectable French toast with a crunch and a twist! I am sure that toast would also jumpstart my writing! Happy writing!

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  25. RavieNomNoms

    Oh my goodness! What a fabulous idea this is!! I have no idea why I didn’t think of this myself! I love nuts and I love french toast. This would be the perfect way to enjoy a Sunday morning. You have inspired me Monet!

  26. Wendy Irene

    I adore the rain and how it makes you feel cozy inside. I especially love sitting by the fire when it rains being thankful for my home. I’m actually looking forward to the 1st rain storm we have in our new place. I have to admit in Vancouver the rain got to be too much for me after many winter months of it, but I’m finding Idaho to be a nice balance. I hope your weekend was wonderful and that you have a beautiful week 🙂

  28. Julia {The Roasted Root}

    Monet, this is perfect! I love French toast and have yet to try it crusted with yummy nuts! I literally always have walnuts in my freezer, so I can make this for breakfast tomorrow! Hope you had a great weekend!

  29. Liz

    Mmmmm…now this is one delicious way to start the day! I can almost smell this cooking via your descriptions. I’d even be happy with a slice for my dessert tonight 🙂

  30. Jeannie

    I saw a food programme featuring Ina Garten and she was cooking frenchtoast encrusted with Almond slices and I found myself drooling over it! Now I am drooling over yours! Looks super yummy!

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