Let's be honest, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal is a classic for a reason. That irresistible blend of sweet cinnamon and crunchy toasty squares is pure comfort in a bowl. But have you ever considered taking your CTC love beyond the breakfast table? This post explores delicious and surprisingly versatile ways to use this beloved cereal, transforming it from a simple breakfast staple into exciting ingredients for a variety of dishes. Prepare to unleash your inner culinary adventurer!
Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Casserole
This recipe is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion. It’s surprisingly easy to make and tastes unbelievably delicious.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, coarsely crushed
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind works well)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Cereal & Bread: In a separate large bowl, gently combine the crushed cereal and bread cubes. Don’t crush the bread too much; you want some texture.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Pour the wet ingredients over the bread and cereal mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Casserole:
- Use day-old bread for the best results. It will absorb the custard better and prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Don’t overmix the casserole. Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking up the bread cubes too much.
- If you want a sweeter casserole, add a little more sugar. You can also drizzle some maple syrup on top before serving.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Chicken Coating
This adds a surprising, sweet and savory twist to your favorite chicken recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- Chicken breasts or tenders
Instructions:
- Prep Your Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the crushed cereal, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dip & Coat: Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs and milk mixture, then dredge in the cereal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. You can also pan-fry or air-fry.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating for a spicy kick.
- Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicier chicken.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving of French Toast Casserole):**
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
These are just a couple of ideas to get you started. The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating Cinnamon Toast Crunch into your cooking. Get creative, experiment, and enjoy the delicious results! Remember to always adjust seasonings to your personal taste. Happy cooking!