Keto French toast offers a delightful way to enjoy a classic breakfast treat while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle. This article explores various keto French toast recipes, including a casserole version, and provides tips for achieving the perfect result.
Introduction
For those following a ketogenic diet, traditional French toast is off-limits due to its high carbohydrate content. However, with the advent of keto-friendly bread and clever ingredient substitutions, it's now possible to savor a guilt-free version of this beloved breakfast. Whether you prefer a quick and easy skillet recipe or a make-ahead casserole, there's a keto French toast option to satisfy your cravings.
Classic Keto French Toast Recipe
This recipe provides a simple and satisfying way to enjoy keto French toast in just minutes.
Ingredients:
- 6 thin slices low carb bread (aim for 1g or fewer net carbs per slice)
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet with the canola oil over medium-high heat.
- Whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each slice of low carb bread into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides evenly.
- Place the coated bread slices in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Place the cooked French toast on a serving plate and repeat with the remaining bread and egg mixture.
Keto French Toast Casserole: A Make-Ahead Brunch Option
For special occasions or meal prepping, a keto French toast casserole is an excellent choice. It can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for holidays and gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Keto bread, cubed
- Pecans, chopped (optional)
- Swerve Brown (or other granular sweetener)
- Salted caramel collagen (optional, but recommended)
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
- Water
Instructions:
- Dry out the bread: Slice and cube the keto bread into 3/4 inch pieces, then spread out on a baking sheet. Dry them out overnight, or place them in a warm oven (200ºF) for 1 to 2 hours until dry to the touch.
- Arrange in the pan: Grease an 8x8 glass or ceramic baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Sprinkle with pecans, if desired.
- Prepare the custard: In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, cream, sweetener, and water. Add the collagen protein powder and whisk vigorously until no clumps remain (an immersion blender can be used to smooth it out). Whisk in the vanilla and cinnamon.
- Pour over the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring each cube is moistened.
- Refrigerate: Cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap and weigh down with heavy cans. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the egg mixture to soak into the bread.
- Bake the casserole: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325ºF. Remove the casserole from the fridge, remove the cans and plastic wrap, and let stand at room temperature while the oven is heating.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the center is just barely set.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips for Keto French Toast Casserole:
- Dry Bread is Key: Ensure the bread cubes are dry to the touch before assembling the casserole to allow for proper absorption of the custard.
- Even Custard Distribution: As you pour the custard mixture over the bread, try to get a little on each cube to ensure the casserole remains moist and the cubes stick together.
- Collagen Addition: While optional, collagen adds flavor, sweetness, and beneficial nutrition while helping to thicken the custard. Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Toast, and Vanilla collagen are good choices.
Choosing Keto-Friendly Bread
Selecting the right bread is crucial for keeping your French toast keto-compliant.
Read also: Easy Keto Muffins
Homemade vs. Store-Bought:
You can use either homemade or store-bought keto bread. A loaf with a light texture and low carb count is ideal. If using store-bought bread, aim for one with 1g or fewer net carbs per slice.
Considerations for Store-Bought Keto Bread:
Be cautious of store-bought breads that use soluble fibers to artificially lower the net carb count, as these may still spike blood sugar levels. Look for breads with transparent ingredient lists and minimal added fibers.
Keto Bread Options:
- Oroweat keto bread: This bread is a popular choice and readily available in grocery stores.
- Aldi keto bread: Another easily accessible option.
- Thin Slim Foods bread: Known for its low carb content.
- Base Culture bread: A good wheat-free choice.
- Fox Hill Kitchens Awesome Bunz: Can be sliced and used for French toast.
Toppings and Variations
Topping Ideas:
- Keto maple syrup
- Keto powdered sugar
- Keto whipped cream
- Berries (in moderation)
- Chopped nuts
- Peanut butter
Recipe Variations
- Pumpkin French Toast Sticks: Use a keto bread specifically designed for pumpkin French toast sticks.
- Savory Keto French Toast: Omit the sweetener and cinnamon, and add herbs and spices for a savory twist.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of keto French toast will vary depending on the bread and toppings used. Using a keto bread with 3.1g net carbs per serving will help keep the overall carb count low.
Common Questions
Is French bread keto-friendly?
No, traditional French bread (baguette) is not suitable for a keto diet, as a 4-inch slice contains approximately 36 grams of carbs.
How many carbs are in keto French toast?
This depends on the bread you use. The bread in this French toast casserole has less than 3.4g of carbs per slice. If you make Keto French Toast Casserole with the bread recipe I use, it will have 5.2g total carbs and 2.1g of fiber, so it has only 3.1g net carbs per serving.
Read also: Healthy French Toast Sticks
How do you store keto French toast casserole?
Cover the casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for several months. Thaw completely and reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Read also: Ultimate Keto Breakfast