This French Toast recipe delivers perfectly golden, crispy-on-the-outside and fluffy-on-the-inside slices of breakfast bliss. Made with rich, thick-cut bread like brioche, challah, or French bread, each slice is soaked in a creamy, vanilla-infused batter, then cooked to perfection.
Topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries, this dish is a timeless favorite that’s easy to prepare yet impressively indulgent. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast, this French Toast recipe is sure to become your go-to for creating breakfast perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple and Quick: Just a few basic ingredients and less than 30 minutes are all you need for a gourmet breakfast experience.
Perfect Texture: Thick-cut bread soaks up the rich custard mixture while staying firm enough to hold its shape.
Customizable: Add flavors like nutmeg, orange zest, or almond extract for your personal twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: This is a dish that everyone loves, from kids to adults. Plus, it’s easy to double or triple for gatherings.
Versatile Toppings: Sweet, fruity, or savory—dress it up however you like!
Key Ingredients
Eggs: The foundation of the custard mixture, eggs bind the ingredients and help create a creamy coating that crisps up beautifully when cooked.
Milk or Cream: Whole milk gives the custard a silky texture, but heavy cream adds extra richness. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the flavor of the custard.
Bread: Thick slices of brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal as they soak up the custard without falling apart. Slightly stale bread works best, as it absorbs the liquid better than fresh bread.
Butter: Butter is essential for cooking the French toast, lending a rich flavor and helping to achieve that signature golden crust.
Toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries are classic choices, but feel free to get creative with whipped cream, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following until smooth:
2 large eggs
½ cup of milk or cream
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
A pinch of salt
Step 2: Dip the Bread
Preheat Skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely, spreading it across the surface.
Soak the Bread: Dip a slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing each side to soak for a few seconds. Ensure the bread is evenly coated but not overly saturated to avoid becoming too soggy.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Place on Skillet: Place the soaked bread slice onto the hot skillet or griddle.
Cook: Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Repeat: Add more butter as needed for additional batches and repeat the process with the remaining bread slices.
Step 4: Serve
Plate and Garnish: Serve the French toast warm with desired toppings such as:
Maple Syrup
Powdered Sugar
Fresh Berries
A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.
Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Breakfast: Pair your French toast with crispy bacon or sausage and a hot cup of coffee.
Brunch Spread: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and mimosas for a complete brunch feast.
Kid-Friendly: Add sprinkles, a dollop of whipped cream, and mini chocolate chips for a fun treat kids will adore.
Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and cinnamon in the batter, and serve your French toast with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and chives.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Arrange cooked French toast slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm slices in a toaster oven, skillet, or microwave. For frozen slices, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations
Stuffed French Toast: Spread cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter between two slices of bread before dipping them in the custard.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Add extra cinnamon and swirl in a touch of brown sugar for a cinnamon roll-inspired flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Vegan French Toast: Replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture, and use non-dairy milk and vegan butter.
Tropical Twist: Top your French toast with pineapple, coconut flakes, and a drizzle of coconut cream for a taste of the tropics.
Conclusion
The Best French Toast is more than a meal—it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate. This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and versatility, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Pro Tip: For an extra crispy texture, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on the bread right before cooking—it will caramelize for a delectable crunch!
So, dust off your skillet, gather your ingredients, and whip up this breakfast classic. Trust me, once you try this French toast, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again and again.
The Best French Toast
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- pinch of salt
- 8 slices thick-cut bread brioche, challah, or French bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- maple syrup for serving
- powdered sugar for serving
- fresh berries for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (optional), and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely. Dip a slice of bread into the egg mixture, letting each side soak for a few seconds. Ensure it is evenly coated but not overly saturated.
- Place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet or griddle. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Add more butter as needed for additional batches and repeat the process with the remaining slices.
- Serve the French toast warm with desired toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
