Name: Torrijas (Spanish French Toast)
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 6 thick slices stale bread; 3 cups whole milk; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon); 2 wide strips lemon or orange peel; 2 large eggs; Extra virgin olive oil (for frying); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; Honey (optional, for drizzling)

Why You’ll Love Torrijas (Spanish French Toast) Recipe

This recipe turns simple stale bread into a rich and cozy dessert or breakfast.

The milk is infused with honey, cinnamon, and citrus peel, giving the torrijas a warm and aromatic flavor.

They are golden on the outside, tender in the center, and perfect served warm with cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Thick slices stale bread
Whole milk
Honey
Granulated sugar
Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon
Lemon peel, orange peel, or both
Large eggs
Extra virgin olive oil
Ground cinnamon
Extra honey for serving, optional

Directions

Infuse the milk by gently simmering the milk, honey, sugar, cinnamon, and citrus peels in a saucepan. Remove from the heat and let it cool to lukewarm, then discard the cinnamon stick and peels.

Place the stale bread slices in a shallow dish and pour the infused milk over them. Let the bread soak until it absorbs the milk.

Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl for the topping.

Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Heat enough olive oil in a nonstick pan to coat the bottom.

Carefully dip each soaked bread slice in beaten egg, then fry in hot oil until golden on both sides.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, then serve warm with cinnamon sugar and honey if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6

Prep time: 1 hour

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Use orange peel instead of lemon peel for a sweeter citrus flavor.

Add a splash of vanilla to the milk infusion for extra warmth.

Serve with fresh berries for a lighter topping.

Use brioche or challah for a richer version.

Drizzle with chocolate sauce instead of honey for a dessert-style twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover torrijas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to help keep the outside slightly crisp.

Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the bread overly soft.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread?

Stale bread works best because it absorbs the milk without falling apart. Fresh bread may become too soft.

What type of bread is best for torrijas?

Thick-cut stale bread, brioche, challah, or a rustic loaf all work well.

Can I make torrijas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead and reheat them gently before serving.

Can I use ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick?

Yes, use ground cinnamon if you do not have a cinnamon stick.

Do I have to use olive oil?

Olive oil is traditional, but you can use another neutral frying oil if preferred.

Why did my torrijas break apart?

The bread may have been too fresh, too thin, or soaked for too long.

Can I serve torrijas cold?

Yes, they can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled, though they are especially good warm.

Are torrijas the same as French toast?

They are similar, but torrijas are usually soaked in infused milk first, then dipped in egg and fried.

Can I make them less sweet?

Yes, reduce the sugar in the milk or skip the honey drizzle.

What can I serve with torrijas?

Serve them with cinnamon sugar, honey, fruit, whipped cream, or a simple cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion

Torrijas are a simple yet flavorful Spanish-style French toast with a soft center, golden exterior, and fragrant cinnamon-citrus sweetness. They are a wonderful way to use stale bread and make a comforting dish for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat.