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ThuNov 28

National French Toast Day – November 28, 2024

No need to wonder about what to make for breakfast on November 28 — it’s National French Toast Day.  You know — that thick, sweet, savory dish that’s become a staple of the American breakfast diet. Just writing about this topic has us thinking about heading out for a late breakfast. That’s why we’re so jazzed about National French Toast Day.

History of National French Toast Day

Here’s the first thing you need to know: The French do not call this French toast. It’s called “pain perdu,” or “lost bread,” because you can literally use stale bread to make it. (Most Americans, however, might find that objectionable.)

French toast, according to Frenchly, comes from a desire to not waste food. Also, please note that it’s a major faux pas to throw bread way. (Bread has religious meaning.) Most experts agree that French toast dates back to ancient Rome. A similar recipe can be found in the book of Apicius from the 5th century BC. The Romans dipped slices of bread in milk (and sometimes eggs) before frying them, and called it “Pan Dulcis.”

Fast forward to the 1400s and you’ll find a similar recipe at the court of Henri V where the “lost bread” attracted many fans. Still, it wasn’t until the mid 17th century that the term “French Toast” appeared in England. Food historians believe the term “French” does not even mean France;  instead, it refers to the verb “to French” which means “to slice” in Old Irish. 

So, “French toast” is actually “sliced toast.”

Irish settlers traveling to the U.S. and Canada may have brought the term with them. The phrase “French toast” first appeared in The Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink in 1871. However, similar recipes were also called “Egg toast,” “Spanish toast,” and even “German toast.”

There’s another less exotic theory. French toast may have been called “French” because it enabled chefs to inflate the price. “Traditionally in the United States, we have an admiration for French cuisine, which we consider elaborate and gastronomic,” says Kitchen Project Editor-in-Chief Stephen Block. “And that’s probably why this dish was named that way. It’s just marketing. There’s no chance that ‘Lost Bread’ could have worked. And since the dish was successful and the recipe was easy, the name spread.”

National French Toast Day timeline

4th Century BC
A timeless recipe

An early collection of recipes, the "Apicius," describes a sweet treat known then as "aliter dulcia," or "another sweet dish."

1400s
A recipe flung far and wide

Various recipes for what we call French toast spread the world over.

1871
French Toast Hits America

The "Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink" first includes the phrase "French toast."

2019
Cereal French Toast

A Seattle restaurant adds breakfast cereal to its French Toast recipe — which also includes milk, eggs, cinnamon, salt, butter, thick bread and whipped cream. (They use both Fruity Pebbles and Frosted Flakes.)

National French Toast Day FAQs

Is there a National Breakfast Day?

Even better — check out National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. Which we love but are sure 4 out of 5 doctors would not approve of (at least everyday). 

What is French toast?

French toast, at a minimum, consists of bread (preferably thick) dipped in egg batter and fried. But that’s just the beginning.

What’s a simple French toast recipe?

Here’s an easy French toast recipe that works with many types of bread. Dip bread in a wash of egg and milk, cook on a griddle until browned, then top with butter, fruit, or syrup. 
 

National French Toast Day Activities

  1. Make some!

    The best way to appreciate National French Toast Day is to make some for yourself. Gather the family in the kitchen and create your favorite recipes together!

  2. Learn the history

    Culinary history is filled with fascinating tales of trial and error. Since French toast has such a long, illustrious history, you're bound to stumble upon some interesting stories.

  3. Volunteer

    It's sometimes easy to forget those less fortunate than us. On a day like National French Toast Day, which is a celebration of food, take some time to volunteer at a food drive or a homeless shelter.

5 Things We Didn't Know About French Toast

  1. It's got a bunch of names

    French toast is also known as eggy bread, German toast, poor knights, and torrija.

  2. It's not "French toast" in France

    In France, it's called "pain perdu," which means "lost bread."

  3. It's not even French

    The recipe is first found in Roman documents from the fourth or fifth century BC.

  4. PB&What?

    In Hong Kong teahouses, "Western toast" is often filled with peanut butter or jam.

  5. Not just for breakfast anymore

    Americans like it for breakfast, but other countries and cultures eat it at other times of the day.

Why We Love National French Toast Day

  1. French toast is funny

    Check out Steven Wright’s classic joke about how he went to a restaurant that served "breakfast at any time," so he ordered French toast during the Renaissance. 

  2. It's not actually that bad for us

    While certainly not a health food, French toast can be a part of a healthy and moderated diet. For example, it contains decent amounts of essential nutrients, such as riboflavin, vitamins B6 and B12, thiamine, niacin, and folate.

  3. It's a sweet way to start the day

    Many of us like to load up for breakfast. Although opinions vary as to whether or not breakfast really is "the most important meal of the day," there's no doubt that there are worse ways to start the day than with something sweet.

National French Toast Day dates

YearDateDay
2024November 28Thursday
2025November 28Friday
2026November 28Saturday
2027November 28Sunday
2028November 28Tuesday

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