Healthy French Toast {Chocolate Hazelnut and Blueberry}

If you consider French toast a less-healthy indulgence that can only be consumed for fancy weekend brunches, it’s time to rethink. Yep, the most delicious plate of soft and toasty bread with sweet toppings can be healthy, fast, and easy (WHAT?!?) …so much so that it has become a weekday staple for me.

I’ve shared French toast variations before, but this basic formula is the star that can take you anywhere in the realm of creative combos. One of my favorites is chocolate hazelnut + blueberry jam.

Holy. flippin’. yum.

THE SECRETS REVEALED

1. The Bread. Go for a hearty, high quality whole grain (about 43 g or 100 calories per slice). I use Rudi’s 100% Whole Wheat and it works beautifully. Just thick enough for the middle to stay nice and soft as the outside becomes golden and crisp. And the extra protein and fiber will keep you powered up and satisfied for hours!
2. The Eggs. I’ve found that just using egg whites is a perfect option for lightening it up and maximizing protein. Feel free to include a yolk as well to make it a little richer, but it’s certainly not necessary in my opinion. (I’d rather load up on healthy fats with the toppings!)
3. The Flavor Boosters. You’ll notice that refined sugar isn’t one of them. I’m all about a sweet indulgence, but you can bypass the extra sugar in the egg wash if your toppings are already sweet–that’s what will stand out the most. (I do use a touch of stevia, which you can replace with another natural sweetener or unrefined sugar like coconut, or simply omit altogether.) Instead, take advantage of sweet spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) and vanilla, and adjust them to bring out the best in your toppings.
4. The Toppings. Go nuts! (Literally and figuratively.) My French toast (and pancakes, and waffles, and oatmeal, and bagels…) almost always features nuts, especially in the form of nut butter. It’s the perfect way to get healthy fats, reduce the need for extra sugar, and indulge at the same time. One of my favorite easy combos of late is chocolate hazelnut butter (Justin’s) and just a little blueberry jam (Stonewall Kitchen). You can never go wrong with chocolate, and the blueberry flavor just takes it to the next level. Winner!

Fruit and tea on the side to complete the wholesome, yet indulgent, power breakfast.

Healthy French Toast (Chocolate Hazelnut + Blueberry)

2016-12-04 07:48:27

Serves 1

Lightened up, super easy take on the classic. Thick slices of whole grain soft on the inside and golden crisp on the outside, topped with melty chocolate hazelnut butter and sweet blueberry jam. The perfect wholesome and indulgent breakfast!

Write a review

Save Recipe

Print

300 calories

42 g

2 g

8 g

16 g

1 g

177 g

428 g

11 g

0 g

6 g

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size

177g

Servings

1

Amount Per Serving

Calories 300

Calories from Fat 69

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8g

12%

Saturated Fat 1g

6%

Trans Fat 0g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 2mg

1%

Sodium 428mg

18%

Total Carbohydrates 42g

14%

Dietary Fiber 5g

19%

Sugars 11g

Protein 16g

Vitamin A

1%

Vitamin C

2%

Calcium

16%

Iron

15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Does this look wrong?

French Toast

1. 2 slices whole grain bread*
2. 2 egg whites
3. 2 Tbsp milk
4. 1/2 packet stevia**
5. light sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
6. 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings

1. 1 Tbsp Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter
2. 1/2 Tbsp blueberry jam***

Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, tupperware, or pie pan, add egg whites, milk, sweetener, spices, and vanilla. Thoroughly whisk with a fork.
2. Stack bread and place in egg mixture. Let each side of each slice soak about 1-2 minutes. (So flip the bottom slice, then move top slice to bottom, then flip bottom slice.) All sides should be coated, and almost all of the egg mixture absorbed.
3. Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick skillet/griddle over medium heat. Add a little coconut oil to pan if necessary. Add slices of soaked bread side-by-side. Cook until crisp and browned on each side (about 3-5 minutes per side)****.
4. Remove French toast and slice. Spread on chocolate hazelnut butter and blueberry jam (or other toppings of choice). Enjoy!

Notes

1. *About 43 g or 100 calories per slice. I use Rudi's 100% whole wheat.
2. **Any equivalent to 1 tsp sugar
3. ***My favorite is Stonewall Kitchen's Wild Maine Blueberry Jam!
4. ****Don't try to turn up the heat to rush the cooking process, as it may burn before cooking all the way through.

By Margaret Ann

beta

calories

300

fat

8g

protein

16g

carbs

42g

more

MAK and Her Cheese https://www.makandhercheese.com/