Breakfast · Spanish

Spanish Torrijas (Sweet Milk-Soaked Fried Bread)

Sofia Romano

Recipe by Sofia Romano

Pasta & Mediterranean · July 9, 2026

Think of torrijas as Spain's answer to French toast, thick slices of baguette soaked in sweet citrus and cinnamon milk, then fried golden in olive oil. They are traditionally made around Easter, but honestly they make any lazy weekend morning feel like a treat. A drizzle of honey at the end seals the deal.

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Spanish Torrijas (Sweet Milk-Soaked Fried Bread)

Why you'll love this

  • Turns a stale baguette into a sweet, golden treat.
  • Warm citrus and cinnamon flavor in every bite.
  • Fried in olive oil for that authentic Spanish taste.
  • Easy enough for a relaxed weekend morning.

EveryDayMeal recipe

Spanish Torrijas (Sweet Milk-Soaked Fried Bread)

Prep
15m
Cook
25m
Total
40m
Serves
4
Level
Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 medium orange, zested
  • 1 medium lemon, zested
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 (about 3 inches) cinnamon stick
  • 1/3 cup dry sherry
  • 1 (about 12 oz) day-old baguette
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • to taste honey, for serving

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Large frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Microplane or zester

Instructions

  1. Grate the zest of the orange (about 2 teaspoons) and lemon (about 1 teaspoon) straight into a medium saucepan, so all the fragrant oils go into the milk.
  2. Add the milk, sugar, and cinnamon stick, then bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring so the sugar dissolves fully. Pull the pan off the heat and stir in the sherry, then let it cool until warm enough to handle safely.
  3. While the milk cools, cut the baguette crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices (about 16) and lay them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet so each piece can soak evenly.
  4. Pour the warm milk mixture over the bread and let it soak for 5 minutes, then flip each slice and soak 5 minutes more, until the bread is saturated but still holds together and does not fall apart.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high until it shimmers, which means it is hot enough to crisp the bread instead of soaking in. Whisk the eggs in a bowl while the oil heats.
  6. Working one slice at a time, dip a soaked piece into the egg to coat, let the excess drip off, and lay it in the pan. Add as many slices as fit in a single layer without crowding.
  7. Fry until deeply golden on the bottom, about 4 minutes, then flip and fry the second side 3 to 4 minutes more until golden and set. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  8. Repeat with the remaining bread, then drizzle everything generously with honey and serve warm.

Tips from the kitchen

  • Use bread that is a day or two old so it soaks up the milk without turning to mush.
  • Keep the oil hot and steady; if it cools, the torrijas go greasy instead of crisp.
  • Let excess egg drip off before frying so you get an even golden crust, not a scrambled coating.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 480 cal · 13g protein · 58g carbs · 22g fat

Make it your own

  • Swap the sherry for a splash of vanilla or orange juice to keep it alcohol-free.
  • Roll the fried slices in cinnamon sugar instead of honey for a churro-like finish.
  • Use brioche or challah for an even richer, softer result.

Storing & make-ahead

Best eaten fresh and warm. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 2 days and reheat in a hot skillet or 350F oven to bring back the crisp edges. Avoid the microwave, which turns them soggy.

Good to know

Can I make torrijas ahead?
You can soak the bread and refrigerate it a few hours ahead, but fry them just before serving for the best texture.
My bread fell apart in the milk. What went wrong?
Fresh, soft bread absorbs too much liquid. Use day-old baguette and do not soak longer than the times given.
Do I have to use olive oil?
Olive oil is traditional and gives real Spanish flavor, but a neutral oil works if you prefer a milder taste.
Can I skip the sherry?
Yes. Leave it out or replace with a little vanilla or orange juice for flavor without the alcohol.

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