Baked Yogurt Custard Toast Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

This delightful custard toast, topped with fresh berries and drizzled with maple syrup, is the perfect breakfast or brunch treat. The creamy custard mixture soaks into thick slices of French bread, creating a golden brown, sweet, and indulgent dish. Serve with fresh fruit and a touch of honey for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons soft unsalted butter
• 4 large, thick slices French bread
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fruit Topping (optional):
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup quartered strawberries
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the buttered side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, lemon zest, egg, and kosher salt until well combined.
4. Spoon the custard mixture generously over each slice of bread, spreading it all the way to the edges. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the custard as much as possible. Use all the custard mixture.
5. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6. While the bread is baking, prepare the fruit topping. In a bowl, mix the blueberries, quartered strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice together. Set aside.
7. Once the custard toast is done, remove it from the oven. Serve immediately, topped with the fresh fruit mixture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 570
• Total Fat: 17g (22% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (44% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 128mg (43% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1001mg (44% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 79g (29% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 25g (50% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 1mg (2% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 190mg (15% Daily Value)
• Iron: 6mg (31% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 329mg (7% Daily Value)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins

The Baked Yogurt Custard Toast recipe is a modern take on traditional breakfast dishes, blending the creamy richness of custard with the simplicity of toast. This dish is inspired by the classic French toast but adds a tangy, creamy twist with Greek yogurt. While French toast has roots in various cultures, dating back to the Roman Empire, Baked Yogurt Custard Toast incorporates a unique element of yogurt, making it a contemporary variation that has gained popularity in recent years. This fusion of flavors is a perfect example of how traditional comfort foods can be reimagined with new ingredients.

Regional Variations

The use of yogurt in custard-based recipes is particularly popular in Mediterranean countries, where yogurt is a staple in many dishes. In Greece, for instance, yogurt plays a central role in the diet, often paired with honey and fresh fruit. This recipe, while American in its origins, draws on these regional traditions of using yogurt in sweet dishes, making it a familiar yet innovative creation for those who enjoy Mediterranean flavors. The use of Greek yogurt gives the dish a tangy depth that sets it apart from traditional custard or French toast, which are typically made with milk or cream.

What Sets It Apart

Unlike French toast, which typically uses eggs, milk, and sugar, Baked Yogurt Custard Toast relies on the rich, creamy texture of Greek yogurt. The result is a lighter, yet equally satisfying, dish with a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit topping. While it may resemble a cheese danish in texture, it is far lighter, with less sugar and a fresh, fruity topping. The custard is more delicate, and the use of whole-grain or rustic bread gives it a heartier feel compared to traditional French toast, which can sometimes be too rich and eggy for some palates.

Where Is It Typically Served?

Baked Yogurt Custard Toast is often served as a breakfast or brunch item, making it perfect for leisurely weekend mornings. It can also be a quick and nutritious option for a weekday breakfast when you need something thats both satisfying and relatively easy to prepare. This dish is commonly enjoyed in American households and cafs, particularly those that specialize in modern twists on classic comfort foods. You can also find variations of this dish in trendy brunch spots, often topped with fresh seasonal fruits or even a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the flavors.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that yogurt has been a part of human diets for over 4,000 years? It was first discovered by ancient civilizations in Central Asia, where the process of fermenting milk led to the creation of yogurt. Today, yogurt is known for its health benefits, particularly for digestion, due to the probiotics it contains. In this recipe, Greek yogurt not only adds a creamy texture but also provides a boost of protein, making the dish both delicious and nourishing. In addition, the use of fresh berries and maple syrup adds vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness, making this dish a well-rounded breakfast option.

Conclusion

Baked Yogurt Custard Toast offers a fresh, lighter alternative to the traditional French toast while maintaining the indulgent comfort we all crave for breakfast. With its roots in Mediterranean yogurt traditions, this dish is a modern twist that can be customized with various toppings, making it versatile enough to suit any taste. Whether youre serving it for a special brunch or a quick morning meal, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing together the best of both worldscomfort and innovation.

FAQ about Baked Yogurt Custard Toast Recipe

Comments