French toast has long been a favorite among breakfast enthusiasts. Topped with melted butter and a pool of syrup, it is the perfect accompaniment to eggs and bacon. The following sheds some light on how it became a morning staple.

A History of French Toast

Ancient Rome

French toast dates back to Ancient Rome. Historians found a cookbook from the first century A.D. that goes by the name of Apicius, featuring a recipe to create the dish. It recommends soaking the slices in milk and eggs, then frying them in a pan of hot oil before drizzling with honey. France had a similar dish that was known as “pain perdu” — or “lost bread.” It provided a way for cooks to use up stale bread without throwing away the entire loaf.

American Settlers

French toast didn’t come to America until the 17th century. Settlers brought over various cuisines and shared recipes among their neighbors. Since French toast was such a simple dish, it soon became a popular method for preparing breakfast for the family. In 1887, the dish was recorded in a White House cookbook by F. L. Gilette and Hugo Ziemann. It recommends soaking the bread in a mixture of sweet milk and eggs and browning the slices in a pan with hot butter.

Today’s Breakfast

Today’s French toast breaks away from the traditional butter and syrup combination. Some like to pile on a generous portion of fresh fruit and finish it off with whipped cream. Others prefer a more subtle approach and spread a thin layer of jelly or jam over each slice. However you choose to top it, the dish hasn’t changed much over the years and retains many qualities that are reminiscent of ancient times.

Start your day off right by ordering a fresh plate of French toast at The Diner at Sugar Hill. This locally owned restaurant is located in Buford, GA, and offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their cooks use only the finest ingredients and create new soups, salads, and entrees for the daily specials. With a friendly staff and plenty of seating, these professionals are ready to serve. Call (770) 831-0180 to request a reservation. Visit their website to browse the online menu.