Torrijas (Spanish-Style French Toast)

There’s something magical about a dish that carries history, tradition, and warmth in every bite. Torrijas are exactly that—a Spanish classic that has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly during Holy Week (Semana Santa). If you love French toast, you’re in for a treat, because torrijas take this simple, comforting dish to a whole new level.

Unlike the American version of French toast, which is often soaked in milk and eggs before being cooked in butter, torrijas are bathed in sweetened milk, infused with warm spices, then coated in eggs and fried to golden perfection. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and bursting with warm cinnamon and citrus flavors. They’re traditionally served with a dusting of sugar and sometimes drizzled with honey or syrup, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and flavorful – The combination of cinnamon, citrus, and creamy milk creates a deep, comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – Unlike traditional French toast, torrijas develop a slightly crispy outer layer while remaining soft and custardy inside.
• Perfect for using up stale bread – This is an ideal way to transform day-old bread into something absolutely delicious.
• A taste of Spain in your kitchen – If you’ve ever traveled to Spain (or dream of going), making torrijas at home is a great way to experience the country’s culinary traditions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably a sturdy white bread or baguette)
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• Additional sugar and ground cinnamon for dusting
• Honey or syrup for drizzling (optional)

How to Make Torrijas

Making torrijas is a simple process, but the key is allowing the bread to soak in the flavored milk just long enough to absorb the flavors without falling apart. Here’s how to make them step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Flavored Milk

Start by warming the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest. Stir gently and let the milk heat until it’s just about to simmer, but don’t let it boil. This allows the cinnamon and lemon zest to infuse their flavors into the milk, creating a warm, aromatic base for the torrijas.

Once the milk is hot and fragrant, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This step ensures the bread absorbs the milk without becoming too soggy.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Slice your bread into thick slices—about 1 inch thick. The thicker the slices, the better they will hold up when soaked. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in a shallow dish. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture over the bread, making sure each slice gets evenly soaked. Let them sit for about 5 minutes, but be careful not to leave them too long, or they may become too soft to handle.

Step 3: Coat in Egg and Fry

In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully lift each soaked slice of bread, letting any excess milk drip off, then dip it into the beaten eggs, coating both sides. Immediately place the bread into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when the outside is beautifully crisp and golden.

Transfer the fried torrijas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Finish with Cinnamon and Sugar

While the torrijas are still warm, mix a little sugar and ground cinnamon together and sprinkle generously over each slice. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with honey or syrup before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Use day-old bread – Stale bread soaks up the milk mixture better without becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry out.
• Don’t over-soak – Letting the bread sit too long in the milk will make it fall apart when frying. A quick soak of about 5 minutes is just right.
• Control the frying temperature – Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked; too low, and the bread will absorb too much oil. Medium heat is best.
• Experiment with toppings – While traditional torrijas are served with cinnamon and sugar, you can also drizzle them with honey, condensed milk, or even a fruit compote for extra flavor.

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Spanish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• You can store leftover torrijas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake them instead of frying. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutritional Information (Per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make torrijas ahead of time?

Yes! While torrijas are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare them ahead and reheat them in the oven before serving. They will lose some crispness but still taste amazing.

What’s the best bread for torrijas?

A sturdy white bread like baguette, brioche, or a traditional Spanish loaf works best. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it will fall apart when soaked.

Do I have to use lemon zest?

Lemon zest adds a lovely citrus note that balances the sweetness, but you can skip it if you prefer a more neutral flavor.

Can I bake torrijas instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative if you want a slightly healthier version. Bake them at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover torrijas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture changes significantly after thawing.

Related Recipes

If you loved this torrijas recipe, you might also enjoy:

• Hong Kong-Style French Toast: A Crispy, Buttery Delight
• Cheesy Garlic Cruffin – Buttery, Flaky, and Irresistible
• Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake
• Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Conclusion

Torrijas are a delightful, nostalgic treat that brings a little taste of Spain into your home. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite. With their crispy, golden exterior and soft, flavorful inside, these Spanish-style French toasts are simply irresistible.

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