Milk Toast

Milk Toast

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 bowl
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
947 Calories
53g Fat
90g Carbs
28g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 947
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 53g 68%
Saturated Fat 31g 155%
Cholesterol 276mg 92%
Sodium 789mg 34%
Total Carbohydrate 90g 33%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9%
Total Sugars 40g
Protein 28g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 613mg 47%
Iron 4mg 22%
Potassium 809mg 17%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

If you have ever heard of someone being described as a "milquetoast" it means that they are a timid, meek, or unassertive person who is afraid to stand up for themselves. The origin of this term goes all the way back to a comic strip in the 1930's where the character, Caspar Milquetoast, was bland and unassuming. This play on words sounds just like "milk toast" which is a sometimes bland, yet nutritious and easily digested food that has been mentioned in cookbooks as far back as the 1800's.

Milk toast has made a comeback recently, and while it is still an easy and nutritious breakfast, it doesn't have to be bland or boring. With simple recipes like this, with few ingredients, it is important to use the absolute best ingredients every step along the way.

For the bread, the star of the dish, this is a great opportunity to give day-old bread a new life. Flavorful and rich brioche slices are perfect. They are first toasted to firm up the bread a bit, and then slathered with soft butter to make the dish rich and delicious. Then milk - full fat cow milk or any milk alternative to suit your particular taste and nutritional needs - gently warmed on the stovetop.

Finally, milk toast can have a hint of sweetness and flavor by sprinkling cinnamon and sugar into the bowl just before that first bite. Instead of ground cinnamon, feel free to experiment with other warm spices. Ground nutmeg, ground ginger, or even pumpkin pie spice are all delicious options. You can enjoy a bowl of milk toast just as you would a morning breakfast cereal, but instead it is warm and comforting.

Maybe as we expand the definition of a milk toast recipe to include a wide variety of breads, milk options, and sweet or savory flavor mix-ins, the old-fashioned term can take on a whole new meaning in the future.

Ingredients

  • 2 thick slices day-old brioche bread

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 2 cups whole milk

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Milk Toast

    Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg

  2. Toast the day-old brioche bread in the toaster. Softer bread can be toasted longer so it can hold up to the milk in the bowl. Firmer bread can be lightly toasted.

    Milk Toast

    Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg

  3. Generously butter each slice.

    Milk Toast

    Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg

  4. Using a serrated knife, cut the toasted bread into bite-sized cubes.

    Milk Toast

    Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg

  5. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

    Milk Toast

    Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg

  6. In a small saucepan, warm the milk just to simmering.

    Milk Toast

    Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg

  7. Place the toasted bread cubes in a bowl and top with the warmed milk. Sprinkle with the desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Enjoy immediately as you would a bowl of cereal.

    Milk Toast

    Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg