Italian Toast
Italian Toast offers a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and aromatic flavors with hints of anise and almond. Its crisp exterior and tender interior make it perfect for breakfast or a snack, appealing to those who enjoy flavorful baked goods with a touch of elegance and tradition.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 eggs and flavoring (anise or almond extract).
- Stir in the flour mixture and mix well.
- Add sliced almonds to the batter.
- Chill the dough well, about 2 hours.
- Shape the chilled dough into 3 loaves.
- Brush the top of each loaf with egg white from the third egg.
- Bake on a slightly greased cookie sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Slice into 1/2-inch diagonal slices.
- Return slices to the oven and brown for an additional 30 minutes or until dry.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine, and if you don't have anise or almond extract, vanilla extract can be a great substitute. Ensure your dough is well-chilled before shaping, as this will make it easier to work with. If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake the slices a little longer during the second bake.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Toast pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. You can also serve it alongside a fresh Green Bean And Mozzarella Salad for a light meal, or enjoy it dipped in Dreamy Italian Dressing for a unique twist. It makes a great addition to an Italian-themed dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Italian Toast in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Toast contains roughly 1233 calories, with 35g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (78% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 615mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to chill it for at least 2 hours before baking. Baked Italian Toast can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or even lemon extract for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly.
How can I enhance the flavor of the toast?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bit of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the dough. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).