There’s a cozy charm that takes over my kitchen when I’m whipping up Hong Kong-Style French Toast Sandwiches. The moment I smell the rich peanut butter and hear the satisfying sizzle as the sandwich meets the hot oil, my heart skips a beat. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a nostalgic trip back to my favorite dim sum spot, where the delicate crunch gives way to a gooey, sweet center—pure bliss in every bite.
A happy kitchen accident led me to convert this beloved treat into a weekend staple, capturing that same irresistible taste without the fuss of dining out. Imagine skipping the typical fast food fare and impressing friends or family with this delightful twist on breakfast. Whether you’re diving into a tasty breakfast or craving a sweet snack, these French toast sandwiches are quick to whip up and sure to impress. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also a true crowd-pleaser. So, are you ready to indulge in crispy, creamy, and utterly delicious delight? Let’s get cooking!
Why will you love Hong Kong-Style French Toast?
Irresistible Comfort: Each bite of this sandwich offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that warms your heart.
Quick to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, this dish comes together in no time, perfect for a busy morning or an afternoon treat.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether you serve it to family or guests, everyone will rave about this delicious twist on classic French toast.
Versatile Indulgence: Top it with your favorite fruits or extra syrup for a personalized touch that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Nostalgic Experience: Relive the charm of dim sum dining right in your kitchen with this easy-to-make recipe.
Hong Kong-Style French Toast Ingredients
• Get ready to make this delightful treat at home!
For the Sandwiches
- 8 slices country white sandwich bread – Use pan de mie or milk bread for an authentic soft texture.
- 4 tablespoons peanut butter – Choose creamy or crunchy, depending on your preference.
- 2 large eggs – Fresh eggs will give your French toast a richer flavor.
- 2 tablespoons whole milk – For a creamier egg mixture that coats the bread beautifully.
- 1 pinch kosher salt – This enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
For Frying
- 2 cups neutral oil – Canola or vegetable oil works perfectly to achieve that golden crisp.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and a delicious buttery finish.
For Topping
- 4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk – The perfect sweet drizzle that embodies the flavors of Hong Kong-Style French Toast.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a scrumptious crowd-pleaser that captures the heart of home cooking.
How to Make Hong Kong-Style French Toast
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Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating 2 cups of neutral oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350ºF. This is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. -
Assemble the Sandwiches:
On a cutting board, place 4 slices of your chosen bread. Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on each slice, making sure to leave a 1/2-inch border. Top with another slice of bread and cut off the crusts for a fun finger-friendly treat. -
Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons whole milk, and 1 pinch of kosher salt until well combined. This mixture adds richness and flavor to your sandwich. -
Dip the Sandwiches:
Once your oil is hot, dip each sandwich quickly in the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated without soaking. This step will create a beautiful custardy interior! -
Fry the Sandwiches:
Carefully place the sandwiches in the hot oil, frying 2 at a time. Flip them halfway through till they are deep golden brown on both sides, which should take about 1 1/2 minutes per side. -
Drain the Sandwiches:
Transfer the fried sandwiches to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly. This helps absorb any excess oil and keeps them crispy, then place each on a serving plate. -
Add the Toppings:
Top each French toast sandwich with 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Serve them immediately for the best experience, while they’re still warm and heavenly.
Optional: Drizzle additional sweetened condensed milk for an extra sweet touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Hong Kong-Style French Toast
Room Temperature: Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 1 hour. Keep them covered to maintain warmth and prevent dryness before serving.
Fridge: If you have any sandwiches left, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked sandwiches individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the frozen or refrigerated sandwiches in a preheated skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy again, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Enjoy your Hong Kong-Style French Toast warm!
Variations & Substitutions for Hong Kong-Style French Toast
Feel free to get creative and tailor this delightful recipe to your taste buds!
- Nut Butter Twist: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a nutty twist that’s equally creamy.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond or oat milk in place of whole milk for a lactose-free version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Syrup Sensation: Drizzle with maple syrup or honey instead of sweetened condensed milk for a different sweetness profile.
- Flavor Infusion: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture for a fragrant boost that elevates the overall taste.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into your egg mix to introduce warm, cozy spices to every bite.
- Fruity Upgrade: Layer slices of banana or strawberries inside the sandwich before frying for a fresh, fruity surprise.
- Cheese Variation: Try adding a slice of cream cheese or mascarpone in the middle for an indulgent, creamy center!
- Savory Spin: For a twist, use ham or turkey slices with a hint of mustard instead of peanut butter for a delightful savory sandwich.
There are endless variations to explore! Enjoy experimenting with these suggestions to find your perfect version of this cozy classic.
What to Serve with Hong Kong-Style French Toast?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful side dishes that balance the richness of this sweet treat.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a vibrant color and refreshing contrast to the creamy French toast.
- Crispy Bacon: The savory, salty notes of bacon complement the sweetness wonderfully, creating a balance that’s simply irresistible.
- Maple Syrup: A classic pairing, the warm, rich flavors of pure maple syrup drizzle perfectly over the French toast for extra indulgence.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream enhances the dessert-like quality and provides a creamy texture.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusted Fruit Salad: A mix of apples, bananas, and oranges sprinkled with cinnamon sugar gives a bright and sweet freshness that lifts the meal.
- Chai Latte: The warm spices of a chai latte perfectly echo the flavors of the French toast, making for a comforting beverage combo.
- Iced Coffee: Serve an iced coffee on the side for a refreshing pick-me-up, enhancing your breakfast or brunch with that beloved caffeine kick.
With these delightful sides and pairings, your Hong Kong-Style French Toast will shine as the star of your meal!
Make Ahead Options
These Hong Kong-Style French Toast Sandwiches are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can assemble the sandwiches and store them, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just spread the peanut butter, assemble the sandwiches, and pop them in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply whisk the egg mixture and fry them in hot oil as directed. This makes for a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack with minimal effort. To maintain their quality, avoid soaking the bread in the egg mixture before refrigerating; this ensures they remain fluffy and delicious when fried.
Expert Tips for Hong Kong-Style French Toast
- Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil reaches 350ºF before frying. A thermometer is best to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Quick Dips: Dip sandwiches quickly in the egg mixture; soaking will make them too soggy. Perfect for that crispy bite!
- Bread Choices: Use thicker bread, like pan de mie, for better absorption and a heartier texture. Avoid flimsy bread.
- Fry in Batches: Fry only two sandwiches at a time to prevent overcrowding, ensuring even cooking and crispness.
- Topping Variations: Experiment with toppings! Fruits like bananas or strawberries add freshness to the classic sweetened condensed milk.
Hong Kong-Style French Toast Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right bread for Hong Kong-Style French Toast?
Opt for thick slices of country white sandwich bread, pan de mie, or milk bread. These types have a soft texture that holds up well during frying, giving you that perfect crispy exterior and custardy interior. Avoid using flimsy or thin bread, as it may fall apart when dipped in the egg mixture.
How should I store leftover Hong Kong-Style French Toast?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can store them at room temperature for up to 1 hour but cover them to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze Hong Kong-Style French Toast?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each fried sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they’re nice and crispy again.
What if my sandwiches turn out soggy after frying?
If your sandwiches are soggy, it’s likely they soaked too long in the egg mixture. Quick dips are key! Just a quick dunk—about 1-2 seconds on each side—will ensure they get coated without becoming overly wet. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough (350ºF), which helps achieve that crispy finish you want.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
While traditional Hong Kong-Style French Toast uses eggs and dairy, you can create a vegan version! Substitute the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 2.5 tablespoons of water (let it sit for a few minutes to thicken) or use a store-bought egg replacer. Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk, and you can still enjoy a delicious plant-based treat!
Is this recipe suitable for children or pets?
This dish is a beloved favorite among kids due to its sweetness and crunchiness! However, do keep in mind that sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar and should be served in moderation. As for pets, it’s best to avoid giving them bread fried in oil due to its high fat content and potential for causing digestive upset. Always consult a vet if you have concerns about sharing human food with your furry friends.
Hong Kong-Style French Toast Recipe FAQs
Savor Hong Kong-Style French Toast for a Sweet Escape
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 cups of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350ºF.
- Assemble the sandwiches by spreading 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on 4 slices of bread and topping with another slice of bread.
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons whole milk, and 1 pinch of kosher salt.
- Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture quickly.
- Fry the sandwiches in hot oil, 2 at a time, flipping halfway through until golden brown, about 1.5 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain before serving.
- Top each sandwich with 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk and 0.5 tablespoon of unsalted butter.