• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
We Eat At Last
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • World Cuisine
  • African dishes
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • World Cuisine
  • Subscribe

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • World Cuisine
  • Subscribe

×
Home » World Cuisine

Arme Ritter- German French Toast

Dated: November 21, 2022 . Modified: Nov 21, 2022 by Kate Hahnel

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
German French Toast (Arme Ritter)

This Arme Ritter (German French Toast) recipe makes for a perfect breakfast or brunch! It is easy to make, delicious, and is bound to be loved by everyone!

An overhead picture of German French Toast.

*This post may contain affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

This is one of our favorite recipes to make, especially over the weekends when we have a bit of time on our hands. It is very easy to prepare, even my German husband, who is not so keen on cooking, makes it.

It is one of those things you can be sure that kids will love, and is, if you ask me, one of the best ways to put leftover bread to good use.

what is Arme Ritter?

Arme Ritter, also known as Armer Ritter, Semmelschmarrn, or Blinder Fisch, refers to German French Toast. Literally translated, the name Arme Ritter stands for poor knights.

This is because it was a recipe that was used to put old stale bread to good use by frying it until crispy, then serving it as a meal, mostly topped with some sugar.

French Toast, which can trace it's origins back to the Romans, has many interesting names around the world. In France, it is known as Pain perdu which translates to lost bread, to reflect the putting to good use of stale bread, so it does not get lost.

It is known as Bundáskenyér in Hungary, to mean bread in fur. In Germany, the oldest recipe for Armer Ritter can be traced back to the 1350 book buoch von guoter spîse.

ingredients

This is a summary of the ingredients you will need to make this Arme Ritter recipe, as well as possible substitutions. You will find the detailed measurements, step-by-step instructions as well as storage instructions in the recipe card below.

Arme Ritter ingredients

The ingredients are more or less similar to what I used to make my Air Fryer French toast (for that matter, what you would need to make regular French toast, minus the sugar)! Here is what you will need:-

  • bread - use slightly stale or old bread slices, as these are able to absorb the egg mixture while still maintaining structure (not falling apart). Examples of bread you can use include Sandwich bread, baguette, brioche, sourdough, or even Zwieback (Rusk), but don't let this limit you as the whole idea is putting to good use what you already have.
  • butter and cooking oil - to prevent the butter from burning or smoking too much, use a combination of butter and a neutral cooking oil such as sunflower oil. If necessary, wipe your pan after each batch.
  • milk - we like to use plant-based milk sources such as almond or coconut milk whenever we are making this for friends and family who are on a dairy-free diet, so feel free to substitute accordingly, if you are vegetarian, vegan, or cannot have dairy.
  • eggs and a pinch of salt.
  • cinnamon sugar - see how to make your own cinnamon sugar here.

a few helpful tips

  • Preheat your pan to make sure it is hot enough when you fry the first toast.
  • Soak your bread just enough to enable it to soak up the egg and milk mixture (custard), but not too long as it will otherwise end up soggy or fall apart.
  • To allow the bread to heat up properly inside, use low to medium heat. This will prevent it from browning up too quickly before it has cooked properly.

German French Toast serving suggestions

Friends I spoke to said that growing up, they had Arme Ritter served with either some sugar, honey, or cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top. Other ways to serve it include having it with some fruit compote, vanilla sauce, ice cream, berries, maple syrup, or honey, or with some powdered sugar on top.

An overhead picture of German French Toast.

more delicious world cuisine recipes to try

Try these other tasty International Cuisine Recipes!

  • Kalter Hund
  • Rougaille Saucisse
  • Jollof Rice
  • A plate of Wirsing served with Bratwurst
    Wirsing German Savoy Cabbage
  • An overhead picture of the Moroccan Aubergine and Tomato Dip (Zaalouk)
    Zaalouk – Tomato and Aubergine Dip
  • South African yellow rice
    South African Yellow Rice
  • German Egg Salad
    Easy Delicious German Egg Salad

Enjoy making this recipe! Be sure to give it a review ⭐ below! Also don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Tiktok!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and Newsletter for regular recipe notifications!

📖 Recipe

A plate of German French Toast (Arme Ritter) served with berries.

Arme Ritter- German French Toast

Kate Hahnel
Delectable Arme Ritter (German French Toast) recipe that you will enjoy serving for breakfast, brunch or even as a dessert!
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, brunch, Dessert
Cuisine European, German
Servings 4
Calories 315 kcal

Equipment

a heavy-based pan or skillet
a heavy-based pan or skillet
Mixing bowl
Mixing bowl
whisk
whisk
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
  

  • 8 slices toast bread
  • 2 eggs
  • 250 ml milk
  • pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoon melted butter and a neutral cooking oil (2 tablespoon of each - see notes)
  • 4 teaspoons cinnamon sugar

Instructions
 

  • In a shallow bowl or a plate, whisk the eggs then add the milk and salt.
  • Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, allow to slightly soak, and then flip in order to coat both sides.
    A slice of bread inside a bowl of eggs and milk.
  • Heat oil in a pan or skillet. Lift each slice of bread to drain as much of the egg-mixture as possible into the bowl, then place the slices on the pan.
    A piece of toast cooking in a pan.
  • Fry on both sides under medium to low heat until golden brown then transfer the bread to a plate. Repeat the process for the remaining bread slices.
    German French toast cooking in a pan.
  • Once done, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top then serve.
    German French Toast (Arme Ritter) and cinnamon sugar on a plate.

Notes

  • Make yourself a savory version of this recipe (''Herzhafte Ritter'') by making it with cheese and bacon.
  • You may need to use a little bit more or less oil, depending on the type of pan you are using.  A combination of butter and oil helps prevent the butter from burning too quickly. For the same reason, I recommend wiping your pan after each 1-2 batches.
 
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Feel free to prepare this German French toast recipe ahead (up to 30 minutes before serving). Simply arrange the bread slices on a baking tray in a single layer and keep warm in the oven at approximately 120°C (250°F).
Regarding freezing, yes, you can make up a large batch of Arme Ritter and keep it in the freezer. To freeze, arrange the German French Toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze this for a few hours. Once the time is over, remove them from the freezer and transfer the slices to a freezer-friendly container. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutritional information is an estimate calculated based on the tools we use. It may differ, depending on factors such as the type of product used.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 9gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 406mgPotassium: 188mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 573IUCalcium: 147mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a rating by clicking on the stars above on this recipe card.Pin this recipe on Pinterest or tag me out on socials @weeatatlast. I love seeing your creations.

More World Cuisine

  • Chicken and orzo in a casserole dish with peas.
    Orzo Chicken Bake
  • A square zoomed in image of orzo salad with feta, cucumber and peas in a bowl.
    Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad
  • Hummus topped with balsamic onions in a small bowl.
    Balsamic Onion Hummus
  • A bowl of minestrone soup.
    Soup Maker Minestrone Soup

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Diamiondisis

    February 24, 2025 at 2:57 pm

    is it French or German?

    • Kate Hahnel

      February 26, 2025 at 10:08 pm

      Hahaa! That's a good one. It is German French Toast, hehe!

  2. Camille

    June 07, 2023 at 9:20 pm

    5 stars
    I just made your German French Toast, and let me tell you, it was a breakfast game-changer! Such a delicious twist on a classic, I loved every bite. I'm eagerly looking forward to what other international culinary gems you've got up your sleeve! Thanks for sharing. xx

    • Kate Hahnel

      June 09, 2023 at 10:23 pm

      Thank you very much! x

  3. Jazz

    June 07, 2023 at 4:04 am

    5 stars
    I do a brunch club (kind of like supper club) with my friends and I made your German French toast as part of the spread when it was my turn to host last weekend. Nobody had heard of it but everyone was impressed and there were no leftovers! Thank you for making me look worldly!

  4. Marcus Avery

    June 05, 2023 at 2:53 am

    5 stars
    I tried this recipe with your fruit compote suggestion and absolutely loved it! Can't wait to make this again!

  5. Marta

    June 01, 2023 at 3:52 pm

    5 stars
    I absolutely loved how easy this arme ritter recipe was to make. The french toast really did remind me of the recipes I ate in Germany. I'll add these to our brunch list!

    • Kate Hahnel

      June 06, 2023 at 6:23 pm

      Glad you loved the recipe and hope you get to visit Germany again!

5 from 6 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Primary Sidebar

A picture of Kate Hahnel, owner of the website We Eat At Last

Hi, I'm Kate! Join me in discovering how to effortlessly prepare easy, simple and tasty meals at home.

About Me

Readers Picks

  • Air fryer chicken breast using the Ninja foodi.
    Ninja Air Fryer Chicken Breast
  • Sliced oatmeal banana bread on a plate.
    Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Banana Bread
  • Lemon and walnut oil salad dressing.
    Lemon Walnut Oil Salad Dressing
  • A bowl of air fryer carrots.
    Air Fryer Honey Roasted Carrots

Spring Recipes

  • Air fryer asparagus on a plate.
    Air Fryer Asparagus
  • Two bowls of spicy carrot and coriander soup.
    Carrot Coriander Soup
  • A plate of white asparagus with potatoes, and a yogurt dip.
    Air Fryer White Asparagus
  • Jamaican steamed cabbage
    Jamaican Steamed Cabbage Recipe + Video
  • A close-up shot of crispy, golden-brown fried goat cheese slices arranged neatly on a plate.
    Fried Goat Cheese

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Impressum
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates.

Contact

  • About Kate
  • Contact

We Eat At Last is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2025 Foodie Pro on the Foodie Pro Theme.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.