You’ve probably heard of a “milquetoast” person—but have you heard of milk toast, the simple comfort food that has stood the test of time? Here’s what you need to know about the old-fashioned dish that’ll warm you up from the inside out.
What Is Milk Toast?
Milk toast consists of cubed, toasted bread served in warm milk. The milk is usually flavored with vanilla and spices, such as cinnamon. In some versions, a milk sauce is poured over a whole piece of toast.
Milk Toast History
Milk toast was a popular dish in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly for small children and adults suffering from illnesses or gastrointestinal problems (the soft, bland bread was considered easy to digest).
“It has been a source of reassurance and moral and physical strength for hundreds of years, I am sure, and like many such friends, it perhaps does its best work when eaten in solitude,” celebrated food writer M.F.K. Fisher said about milk toast in 1989’s Alphabet for Gourmets. “It seems to soothe the nerves and muscles and mind altogether.’”
The WWII-era comic strip character Caspar Milquetoast’s name comes from the mild, unoffending dish. These days, “milquetoast” is used to describe a timid, meek, or unassertive person.
What Is Milk Toast Made Of?
Milk toast is made with (you guessed it!) milk and toast. The toast is usually cut or torn into bite-sized pieces, while the milk is typically sweetened with sugar and flavored with extracts and spices. Here’s what you’ll need for our top-rated milk toast recipe:
- Milk
- White sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Toasted white bread
- Ground cinnamon
What’s the Best Bread for Milk Toast?
Milk toast is often a meal born from necessity, so any loaf you have on hand is fine. If it’s slightly stale, that’s even better! However, the ideal bread is thick-sliced and sturdy enough to stay intact when soaked in milk. Breads that work well for French toast, such as challah and brioche, will also work well here.
How Do You Make Milk Toast?
Our 5-star milk toast recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners. Allrecipes community members say it is “smooth and delicious” and a “sweet comfort on winter evenings.” Check out the recipe for step-by-step instructions. In the meantime, here’s what you can expect:
- Combine milk, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and divide the milk between three bowls.
- Tear the toast into bite-sized pieces and distribute between the bowls.
- Sprinkle the toast with cinnamon before serving.
