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A delightful breakfast classic, Arme Ritter (or "Poor Knights") transforms stale bread into golden, custardy slices. Fried to perfection and dusted with cinnamon sugar, it's a simple, comforting treat that feels incredibly indulgent.
Prepare Custard and Topping
Soak the Bread Slices
Fry to Golden Perfection
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A delightful breakfast classic, Arme Ritter (or "Poor Knights") transforms stale bread into golden, custardy slices. Fried to perfection and dusted with cinnamon sugar, it's a simple, comforting treat that feels incredibly indulgent.
This german recipe takes 20 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 387.7 calories per serving with 13.67g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Coat and Serve
Add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to the custard for a bright, citrusy note.
Create a sandwich with a thin layer of Nutella, cream cheese, or fruit preserves between two slices of bread before dipping in the custard and frying.
Omit the sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon from the custard. Instead, add a pinch of black pepper, paprika, and finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley. Serve with a fried egg on top.
After dipping in custard, press one side of the bread into crushed cornflakes or sliced almonds before frying for an extra crunchy texture.
The eggs and milk in the custard offer a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
The carbohydrates from the bread and sugar provide a quick and easily accessible source of energy, making this a popular choice for breakfast to start the day.
Milk is a primary ingredient, contributing calcium which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Enjoying a warm, sweet, and satisfying meal like Arme Ritter can have a positive psychological effect, providing comfort and improving mood.
They are very similar, and Arme Ritter is essentially the German name for French toast. The name translates to "Poor Knights," reflecting its origin as a way to use up stale bread. Traditional German versions are often simply fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar, while American French toast might be served with more elaborate toppings like syrup and fruit.
Sogginess is usually caused by two things: using fresh, soft bread that can't hold its structure, or over-soaking the bread in the custard. Use stale, sturdy bread and soak it just long enough for the custard to penetrate, not turn it to mush.
Arme Ritter is an indulgent treat and is high in carbohydrates, fat, and sugar. While it provides protein from eggs and milk, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can make it slightly healthier by using whole-grain bread and serving it with fresh fruit instead of extra sugar or syrup.
A typical serving of two pieces of Arme Ritter made with this recipe contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the type of bread and amount of butter used. This does not include additional toppings like syrup or fruit.
A sturdy, enriched bread that is slightly stale works best. Brioche, challah, and thick-cut Texas toast are excellent choices because they are rich and can absorb a lot of custard without falling apart. A good quality, thick-sliced white sandwich bread will also work well.
Yes. For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk, and use oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for frying. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite thick-sliced gluten-free bread.
Store leftover Arme Ritter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a toaster or air fryer for a crispier result.