How to Make the Best French Toast: A Simple & Delicious Recipe
Who doesn’t love a plate of warm, cinnamon-kissed French toast? It’s the ultimate comfort breakfast, with its crispy edges, soft center, and a hint of vanilla that makes mornings feel special. Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or whipping up something cozy on a lazy Sunday, this recipe will make you feel like a brunch pro at home.
So, grab those eggs, break out the cinnamon, and let’s make some delicious French toast!
The Best French Toast Recipe You’ll Ever Try
This recipe is simple, quick, and guarantees golden perfection with every slice. What makes it even better? It’s customizable to your taste. But first, here’s the base recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 6-8 slices of bread (preferably thick slices like brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- Whisk the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the ingredients are well combined.
- Dip the bread: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. While it heats up, dip one slice of bread at a time into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side, but not so long that it becomes soggy.
- Cook to perfection: Place the soaked bread onto the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Think maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of honey. The possibilities are endless!
FAQ About French Toast
Here are some of the most common questions that come up when making French toast:
1. Can I use any type of bread?
Yes! While thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah is ideal because they soak up the egg mixture beautifully, you can use whatever bread you have on hand. Just keep in mind that thinner bread may not hold up as well and could fall apart.
2. Can I make this French toast recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the milk for your favorite dairy-free alternative like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Just make sure whatever you use is unsweetened so it doesn’t mess with the balance of flavors.
3. How do I avoid soggy French toast?
Make sure not to soak your bread for too long in the egg mixture. A few seconds on each side should do the trick. Also, cooking over medium heat helps the toast get crispy on the outside without getting too mushy inside.
4. What kind of pan should I use?
A non-stick skillet or a cast-iron griddle works best. They provide even heat distribution and help achieve that golden brown crust. Just don’t forget to lightly grease the surface before cooking.
5. Can I make French toast ahead of time?
You can! French toast reheats surprisingly well. Make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and pop it in the toaster or oven when you’re ready to eat.
Delicious French Toast Variations
Feeling creative? This basic French toast recipe can be dressed up in countless ways. Here are a few fun variations to try:
1. Stuffed French Toast
Take your French toast to the next level by stuffing it with cream cheese, Nutella, or even a fruity jam. To do this, make a sandwich with two slices of bread, add your filling, and dip the entire sandwich in the egg mixture before frying.
2. Coconut Crusted French Toast
Want a tropical twist? Dip your French toast in shredded coconut right after soaking it in the egg mixture. Then fry it as usual. The coconut gives the toast an extra layer of flavor and a little crunch.
3. French Toast Casserole
Perfect for feeding a crowd or for a make-ahead brunch. Cube the bread and arrange it in a baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top, let it soak for a while (or overnight), and bake at 350°F for about 40-45 minutes, or until it’s set and golden on top. You can even add in extras like blueberries or chocolate chips!
4. Savory French Toast
Who says French toast has to be sweet? Omit the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, and add in a little black pepper, grated cheese, and chopped herbs to the egg mixture. Serve it with a side of crispy bacon, avocado, or smoked salmon for a savory twist on the classic.
5. Banana Foster French Toast
Top your French toast with caramelized bananas for a dessert-worthy breakfast. Simply sauté sliced bananas in butter, brown sugar, and a splash of rum (optional) until soft and syrupy. Pour over your French toast, and enjoy the decadent flavors!
Pairing Suggestions
Now that you’ve got the perfect French toast, what should you serve alongside it? Here are some ideas to make your breakfast spread even more delicious:
- Fresh Fruit: A colorful medley of berries, bananas, or sliced apples provides a refreshing contrast to the rich toast.
- Bacon or Sausage: A little savory protein is the perfect counterpart to the sweetness of French toast. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage are classic choices.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer vanilla yogurt with granola and fruit for a light and creamy side dish that complements the toast without overwhelming it.
- Mimosas or Fresh Juice: If you’re serving French toast for brunch, a glass of fresh orange juice or a mimosa pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced flavors of the dish.
- Coffee or Tea: Of course, no breakfast is complete without a hot beverage. The slightly bitter flavor of black coffee or a strong tea balances out the sweetness of the French toast.
Storing and Freezing French Toast
Wondering what to do with leftovers? French toast stores well, making it a great option for meal prepping or saving for a quick breakfast during the week.
Refrigerating Leftovers
Allow the French toast to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet or pop it in the toaster oven for a few minutes to restore its crispy texture.
Freezing French Toast
French toast freezes wonderfully! Lay the cooked slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once they’re frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop the frozen slices in the toaster or oven. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them!
Final Thoughts
French toast is one of those feel-good breakfasts that never goes out of style. It’s quick, easy, and always customizable depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the fun variations, you’re sure to end up with a delicious plate that’s perfect for slow mornings, family brunches, or even a cozy breakfast-for-dinner night.
What are your favorite ways to make French toast? Let me know in the comments below! And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation—I’d love to see how you customize it!
French Toast
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 6-8 slices thick bread brioche, challah, or Texas toast
- as needed butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture for a few seconds on both sides.
- Place the soaked bread slices on the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.