Homemade Cheese and French Toast Sandwich

This unique and creative recipe features homemade cheese made from milk and Coca-Cola, paired with a delicious French toast-style sandwich. The combination of tangy homemade cheese and the sweet, lemony French toast results in a delightful and unexpected flavor profile. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. The homemade cheese is simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, and the sandwich brings everything together for a refreshing twist on a classic.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cheese:

  • Milk – 1.5 liters
  • Coca-Cola – 0.5 liters
  • Lemon – 1, juiced
  • Salt – To taste

For the Sandwich:

  • Sugar – 20g (about 1½ tablespoons)
  • Chicken egg – 1
  • Milk – 200 ml (about ¾ cup)
  • Bread for toasting – Slices (as needed, usually 4-6 slices)
  • Homemade cheese – Sliced or crumbled (amount to taste)
  • Lemon zest – Zest of 1 lemon
  • Vegetable oil – For frying (a few tablespoons)

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

  • Large pot
  • Strainer or cheesecloth
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grater (for lemon zest)
  • Frying pan

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Cheese

  1. Heat the Milk and Coca-Cola: In a large pot, pour in 1.5 liters of milk and 0.5 liters of Coca-Cola. Stir the mixture gently and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.
  2. Add Lemon Juice: Once the milk mixture starts to boil, add the juice of 1 lemon and stir well. The acid from the lemon will cause the milk to curdle, separating into curds (solid cheese) and whey (liquid).
  3. Strain the Cheese: Once the milk has fully curdled and you see clear separation, remove the pot from the heat. Using a strainer lined with cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, carefully pour the mixture into the strainer to separate the curds from the whey. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow all the liquid to drain out.
  4. Season with Salt: After the curds have drained, transfer them to a mixing bowl and season with salt to taste. You now have fresh, homemade cheese! Set it aside while you prepare the sandwich.

Step 2: Prepare the French Toast Batter

  1. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 200 ml of milk, and 20g of sugar until fully combined. The sugar adds a hint of sweetness that balances the tanginess of the cheese.
  2. Add Lemon Zest: Grate the zest of 1 lemon and stir it into the mixture. The lemon zest adds a fresh, citrusy note that complements both the cheese and the French toast.

Step 3: Prepare the Sandwich

  1. Assemble the Sandwich: Take two slices of bread and spread a generous amount of your homemade cheese on one slice. Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich. Repeat this process to make as many sandwiches as needed.
  2. Dip in the Batter: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil to coat the bottom. Dip each sandwich into the prepared French toast batter, making sure to soak both sides of the bread well.

Step 4: Fry the Sandwiches

  1. Fry the Sandwiches: Place the dipped sandwiches in the heated pan and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to fry them in batches depending on the size of your frying pan.
  2. Drain Excess Oil: Once the sandwiches are fried, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve the Sandwiches

  1. Serve Hot: Serve the homemade cheese and French toast sandwiches hot. You can garnish them with extra lemon zest or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips:

  • Cheese Texture: If you prefer a firmer cheese, let the curds drain for a longer time or press them gently to remove more moisture. For a softer texture, you can use the cheese right after straining.
  • Milk and Coca-Cola Ratio: The Coca-Cola in this recipe adds a subtle sweetness and acidity to the cheese-making process, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. You can even experiment with other soda types if desired.
  • Bread Choice: For the best results, use thick slices of bread such as brioche, sourdough, or white bread. These types of bread soak up the batter well and crisp up beautifully when fried.
  • Customizing the Cheese: Feel free to add herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme to the cheese mixture for additional flavor.

Storage:

  • Homemade Cheese: Store any leftover cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be used in other recipes, such as salads or sandwiches.
  • French Toast Sandwiches: These sandwiches are best eaten fresh, but you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving to restore the crispiness.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 2 Sandwiches):

  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Protein: 18-20 g
  • Fat: 20-22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
  • Fiber: 2-3 g
  • Sugar: 8-10 g
  • Sodium: 500-600 mg

The homemade cheese adds protein and calcium to the dish, while the French toast provides a balance of carbohydrates and fats. With the addition of lemon zest, the sandwich is bright and flavorful without being overly rich.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use store-bought cheese instead of homemade cheese? Yes, you can use any soft or semi-firm cheese such as ricotta, paneer, or feta in place of the homemade cheese. However, making your own cheese adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

2. What can I serve with this sandwich? This sandwich pairs well with a fresh green salad, a light tomato soup, or even a fruit salad. It’s also delicious served with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

3. Can I make the cheese in advance? Yes, the homemade cheese can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

4. Is there a substitute for Coca-Cola in the cheese-making process? You can substitute Coca-Cola with another type of soda, such as Sprite or ginger ale, for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you can make the cheese using just milk and lemon juice if you prefer a more traditional method.

5. How do I prevent the sandwiches from becoming too greasy? To prevent the sandwiches from absorbing too much oil, make sure the oil in the pan is hot enough before adding the sandwiches. You can also drain them on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.

Conclusion:

This Homemade Cheese and French Toast Sandwich recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The homemade cheese, made with a surprising addition of Coca-Cola, is tangy and fresh, while the French toast sandwich adds a touch of sweetness and a crispy, golden finish. The lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus flavor that ties everything together beautifully. This dish is versatile, easy to make, and sure to impress at breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. Whether you’re looking for something unique or simply want to enjoy homemade cheese, this recipe offers a perfect balance of indulgence and creativity.