Intro to French Toast Roll-Ups
French toast roll-ups are a fun and creative twist on the classic French toast breakfast dish. Instead of simply dipping sliced bread directly into a sweet egg bath, this recipe involves rolling up pieces of bread with a variety of sweet or savory fillings before frying to create a delicious stuffed French toast. It’s perfect for a special weekend brunch or breakfast.
Fillings for French Toast Roll-Ups
One of the best parts of making French toast roll-ups is choosing fun fillings to stuff the bread with before frying. Both sweet and savory fillings can be used to satisfy any taste. Popular sweet fillings include cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit like banana slices or berries, fruit jams or preserves, hazelnut or chocolate spreads, and vanilla custard or cream cheese.
Savory options for fillings can include cheeses like cheddar or goat cheese, cooked breakfast meats like ham, bacon or sausage, sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, and avocado. Get creative and make combinations that complement each other!
Making the Roll-Ups
Start by choosing a soft, fluffy bread that can be rolled up without cracking, like sandwich bread, croissants, or even pancakes. Flatten or gently stretch the bread slightly before spreading filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border. Starting at one end, roll up the bread as tightly as possible to enclose the filling.
Once rolled, dip the stuffed bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk or cream, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or vanilla before frying until golden brown on both sides. The egg coating helps seal the roll together.
Frying Method
Use a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt butter or oil before frying the roll-ups for even browning. Place 3-4 rolls at a time seam-side down in the pan and fry for 2-3 minutes on the first side until deep golden. Flip over using a spatula and fry the other side. Take care not to overcrowd the pan and adjust heat as needed.
Once fried, let cool slightly before slicing roll-ups through the middle to reveal the gooey filling for an eye-catching presentation. Arrange on plates and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
There are many tasty ways to serve French toast roll-ups. For a classic touch, dust the fried rolls with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup. Fresh fruit like berries, banana slices or orange wedges served on the side also complements the dish.
For savory roll-ups, try topping with an extra sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a cheese sauce for dipping. Sautéed vegetables like peppers, onions or potatoes make great additions too.
For a fun meal activity, set up a DIY French toast roll-up bar with various breads, fillings and toppings so guests can create their own custom stuffed rolls.
Tips and Tricks
Chilling stuffed rolls overnight in the fridge before frying can help them hold their shape better for tidy results. Feel free to substitute ingredients like gluten-free bread or almond milk to accommodate dietary needs. Store any leftover uncooked rolls overnight in the fridge and fry them up fresh in the morning. You can also change up the shape by cutting the rolled bread into pieces first to make French toast roll bite “sticks”. Get creative!
