Name: Milk Toast
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 2 thick slices of firm, hearty bread (like white or sourdough); 2 cups creamy whole milk; Butter, for toast; Cinnamon and sugar or brown sugar, to taste

Photo by James Ramson

Test Kitchen-Approved

Author Notes

Adapted from M.F.K. Fisher's milk toast recipe. —Sarah E Daniels

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 thick slices of firm, hearty bread (like white or sourdough)
2 cups creamy whole milk
Butter, for toast
Cinnamon and sugar or brown sugar, to taste

In This Recipe

Tools

Set a Timer

Directions

Warm two bowls.
Toast the bread well and butter slices generously.
Cut the toast into cubes and divide evenly between the two bowls.
Meanwhile, warm the milk until simmering and season with cinnamon and sugar as desired.
Pour the warm milk over the toast and serve immediately.
Eat like cereal.

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Gibson2011
Marie Nelson
Kimberly J. Kerr-Keller
Sarah E Daniels

Review

It's mostly a matter of yeast.

Popular on Food52

7 Reviews

Gibson2011 November 11, 2019

My grandpa grew up in the '40s and said they had milk toast when food was tight. I think he said they just laid a slice of bread in a bowl and poured hot milk over it. Pretty simple.

Marie N. September 26, 2017

My dad ate left over cornbread with cold buttermilk poured over it & a sprinkle of black pepper. My paternal grandmother used to give us what she called "coffee & bread" which was leftover biscuits crumbled in a heavy glassware tumbler, sprinkled with white sugar, & topped off with hot coffee. It was awesome. Neither of these were quite 'milk toast' but, the concept was the same.

GAM June 15, 2016

Oh my goodness!! This brings back such memories!! It was a given that my Mom would make this for me and my siblings when we were sick. We recently lost our Mother so this is bringing back some much needed memories. Thanks!

Deb May 22, 2016

I had completely forgotten about milk toast. Oh my gosh! I must be 45 years since I've had it, but I surely do remember it being one of the best things as a child after having been ill. Right or wrong, it was supposed to something that made you feel better and eased you back into eating regularly. Thank you for reminding of this treat :)

Nan May 12, 2016

I did too...and got some very strange responses from those who didn't eat it or had heard about it. We actually put salt and pepper on the toast before the milk. A savory-ish twist to this sweeter variety. It really is delicious... Thanks for the trip down memory lane. :-)

Author Comment

Sarah E. May 12, 2016

Yes! I've read about versions that employ a more savory spice, or salt & pepper, but my taste buds are skeptical. One day I'll do it!
Glad you liked the recipe, Nan!

Kimberly J. May 11, 2016

Used to eat this as a kid in tennessee. Thanks for knocking my head around!

Milk/Cream

Milk Toast