No, French toast should not be soggy in the middle. The ideal French toast has a crisp, golden-brown exterior with a tender and fluffy interior. When prepared correctly, the middle of the French toast should be cooked through, moist, and custardy, but not soggy.
To achieve the perfect French toast texture, it's essential to follow some key steps:
Bread Selection: Use stale or slightly dried-out bread slices, preferably a day old. Fresh bread tends to become too soggy during the soaking process.
Soaking Time: Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated, but do not soak them for too long. About 20-30 seconds on each side is usually sufficient to allow the egg mixture to penetrate without making the toast soggy.
Egg Mixture: The egg mixture should consist of beaten eggs, milk or cream, a pinch of salt, and any desired flavorings like vanilla extract or cinnamon. Whisk the mixture until well combined.
Cooking Temperature: Preheat the griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Too high heat can cause the outside to burn before the inside cooks properly.
Cooking Time: Cook the French toast until it's golden brown on both sides. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bread slices.
Draining Excess Liquid: After cooking, place the French toast on a wire rack briefly to allow any excess moisture to drain away, preventing it from becoming soggy.
If your French toast is turning out soggy in the middle, try adjusting the soaking time, using slightly drier bread, or ensuring the cooking temperature is appropriate. With practice and attention to these details, you can achieve delicious, fluffy French toast every time.