🍞 How to Make French Toast with Day-Old Bread
Got some stale bread sitting on your counter? Don’t toss it—transform it! This frugal French toast recipe uses day-old bread to make a rich, golden breakfast treat that’s crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside. It’s the perfect way to reduce food waste while feeding your family on a budget.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 slices of day-old bread (white, sourdough, brioche, or French bread)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or any dairy/non-dairy alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for cooking
🧑🍳 Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak for 10–15 seconds per side.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Cook the bread slices for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
💡 Budget Tip
Use bread that’s on clearance or nearing its expiration date—it actually works better for French toast! Check bakery markdown racks or use grocery coupons from YesWeCoupon.com to score cheap loaves perfect for toasting.
🍯 Topping Ideas
- Classic maple syrup and butter
- Strawberries and whipped cream
- Bananas with peanut butter drizzle
- Powdered sugar and cinnamon
- Greek yogurt and honey
For a savory twist, serve with bacon, eggs, or even cheese and hot sauce for a brunch-worthy meal.
🌟 Pro Tip: Use Different Breads
Different types of bread yield different results. Thick-cut challah and brioche give you a rich, luxurious texture, while sourdough or French bread creates a firmer, heartier base. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
♻️ Reduce Food Waste & Save
Every slice of bread you save from the trash saves money. Instead of tossing stale bread, freeze it in batches for French toast later. You can also turn leftover French toast into:
- French toast sticks for kids’ lunches
- French toast casserole (great for brunch)
- Freezer breakfasts—just reheat in a toaster!
🔁 Related Recipes:
🧺 Frugal Breakfasts That Feel Fancy
One of the best things about French toast is how luxurious it feels—without the luxury price tag. It’s the type of breakfast you’d find at a trendy brunch café for $12 a plate, yet you can make it at home for under $2. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of creativity, you can recreate that weekend brunch feeling in your own kitchen—even on a weekday.
Day-old bread, which many people throw out, is actually the secret to its success. The slightly drier texture helps soak up the eggy custard, giving each slice a soft, pillowy interior and crispy edges. You’ll get that golden crust and satisfying bite every time. In fact, this recipe is so versatile that it works year-round with seasonal toppings: pumpkin spice in the fall, berry compote in the summer, and cinnamon apples in the winter.
🍴 French Toast Meal Prep Ideas
French toast isn’t just for lazy weekends—it’s perfect for meal prep too. Make a big batch on Sunday morning and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. You can use them all week long for fast, hot breakfasts or even transform them into other meals:
- French Toast Sticks: Slice cooked French toast into strips and store in zip-top bags for easy reheat-and-eat breakfasts or lunchbox additions.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Use French toast slices as “bread” for a sandwich layered with eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon.
- French Toast Bake: Cube up leftovers and layer them in a casserole dish with eggs, milk, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Bake the next day for a crowd-pleasing brunch dish.
Pair your French toast with fresh fruit, homemade whipped cream, or a scoop of Greek yogurt for a balanced and filling meal. If you’re on a tight grocery budget, these combinations stretch your ingredients further and help prevent food waste.
🛒 Stack the Savings with YesWeCoupon
Smart home cooks know that saving money starts at the grocery store—and that’s where YesWeCoupon.com comes in. Before you shop, check the site for:
- 🧾 Printable coupons for eggs, milk, bread, and vanilla
- 📲 Digital store apps with instant coupons and deals
- 📦 Clearance finds on bread and baking supplies
- 💰 Cashback offers through rebate apps like Ibotta
Pro Tip: Buy bakery bread at the end of the day. Many grocery stores discount unsold loaves in the evening, and those day-old breads are ideal for French toast.
📣 Join the YesWeCoupon Breakfast Club!
If you love saving money on breakfast staples while making delicious homemade meals, make sure to follow us on social media. Tag your best French toast creations with @YesWeCoupon and use the hashtag #YesWeBrunch for a chance to be featured. We repost your amazing kitchen creations every week—and you might just win a coupon prize pack!