Visit The Portuguese Kitchen Shop ›
Tuga Pops − Wednesday, May 25, 2016, 10 Years ago in Breakfast Recipes
5 out of 5 with 25 ratings

Best Portuguese French Toast: Easy Rabanadas Recipe

Savor authentic Portuguese French toast with this easy rabanadas recipe—crispy, fluffy, and ready in 30 minutes for a special breakfast or brunch!
35 min 4 servings Easy Prep time 10 min Cooking Time 15 min

Why you will love this Best Portuguese French Toast: Easy Rabanadas Recipe

Master the art of the perfect weekend breakfast. This ultimate guide delivers flawlessly golden Portuguese French toast every single time. Forget the soggy bread and discover how to make authentic rabanadas that boast a crisp cinnamon-sugar crust and a custardy center. Whether hosting brunch or craving easy Portuguese desserts this simple guide guarantees spectacular results.


Ingredients

1 loaf (about 400g / 14 oz) day-old crusty bread480 ml (2 cups) milk3 large eggs (about 150g / 5.3 oz)12.5g (1 tablespoon) sugar1.3g (1/2 teaspoon) ground cinnamon30g (2 tablespoons) margarine for cooking50g (1/4 cup) sugar and 5g (2 teaspoons) cinnamon for topping

Equipment:

Deep dish panMixing bowlWhiskLarge flat skillet or griddle

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Slice the bread into 2.5 cm (1-inch) slices and place in a deep dish pan.
  2. Beat all the other ingredients in a bowl including the eggs.
  3. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread.
  4. Let the bread slices sit in the egg for about 30 seconds and then flip them over to absorb into the other side.
  5. Keep flipping the bread until all of the egg mixture is absorbed.
  6. Meanwhile on medium high heat melt margarine in a large flat skillet or griddle.
  7. When the skillet is hot lower the heat to medium and gently place the slices of bread on the grill greasing the pan as needed.
  8. Cook both sides of the bread until golden brown and it becomes firm to the touch.
  9. If you find the bread still soggy continue cooking them on low heat for longer.
  10. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon while still hot.

Recipe Tips

Use day-old crusty bread for the best texture; fresh bread can become too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, consider toasting it lightly before soaking.
For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or add a splash of vanilla extract to the egg mixture. This will enhance the overall taste of the rabanadas.
Avoid cooking the rabanadas on high heat as it can lead to burnt outsides and uncooked insides. Cook on medium-low heat, allowing them to brown evenly while cooking through.
Adapted from a Recipe by: Tia Maria's Blog

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
310 kcal
Fat
12 g
Carbs
40 g
Protein
10 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread for this recipe?

Fresh bread can be used, but it may not absorb the egg mixture as well as day-old bread. Day-old bread is firmer and allows for better soaking. If using fresh bread, consider toasting it lightly first to help it hold up better.

How should I store leftover rabanadas?

Leftover rabanadas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

What should I do if my rabanadas are soggy after cooking?

If your rabanadas are still soggy, try cooking them on low heat for a longer period. Make sure the pan is not too hot, as this may cook the outside too quickly without allowing the inside to firm up. You can also try pressing them gently with a spatula while cooking to help them firm up.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Madeira - This fortified wine has a rich, caramelized flavor that complements the sweetness of the French toast beautifully.

General: Riesling - A slightly sweet Riesling enhances the spiced notes of cinnamon while balancing the richness of the dish.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This lager offers a crisp and refreshing taste that cuts through the sweetness of the Rabanadas.

General: Weissbier - A wheat beer with fruity and spicy notes pairs well with the eggy, sweet flavors of the French toast.

Other Beverages

Coffee: A rich, dark coffee enhances the caramelized sugar and cinnamon, providing a perfect balance to the dish's sweetness.

You might also like

Gorete's Flavorful Scrambled Eggs Recipe

Savor Gorete's flavorful scrambled eggs with fresh tomatoes and onions, served with...

Level of Difficulty Very Easy
Servings 4
Gorete's Green Onion Omelette Recipe

Savor Gorete's Green Onion Omelette, a fluffy breakfast delight bursting with flavor and spice,...

Level of Difficulty Very Easy
Servings 4
Gorete's Yum Semolina Cereal Recipe

Savor Gorete's Yum Semolina Cereal, a creamy breakfast delight with semolina, milk, and cinnamon,...

Level of Difficulty Very Easy
Servings 10

Reviews (9) Add a review

Lucille Rissler
Lucille Rissler
I make this using sweet bread and I don't use sugar or cinnamon but I do put a little butter on them and have a small bowl with maple syrup on the side for dipping. I also have a fried egg on top and I use the sides of the sweet bread not covered by the egg to dip in the egg yolk so, so good.
2 Years ago, Friday, January 5, 2024

Isabel
Isabel
I make a fish my mom taught me with day old bread .. it's all the same ingredients but the milk is separate from the eggs and you soaked the bread with milk then squeezed it out then dipped in eggs then fried I think this version would be much much easier
3 Years ago, Monday, September 4, 2023

Alex Bisset
Alex Bisset
I also like to add a little Nutmeg.
4 Years ago, Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Thank you for the tip. 👍👍
4 Years ago, Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Maria
Maria
These are delicious, my favorite!
4 Years ago, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great to know Maria, enjoy.
4 Years ago, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Dulcinea
Dulcinea
Delicious recipes. Good memories.
4 Years ago, Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Happy to hear. :-)
4 Years ago, Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
Share
this Page
Facebook Pinterest X Reddit