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French toast is a timeless breakfast classic that transforms simple ingredients into a rich and indulgent dish. With a crisp golden crust and a soft, custardy center, it’s the perfect way to start your day.
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Cuisine: French-American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Perfectly Crispy & Custardy – Golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside, this French toast has the ideal balance of texture and flavor.
- Beginner-Friendly – Simple steps make this a great recipe for those new to cooking.
- Great for Leftover Bread – Stale bread works best, so this is a perfect way to use up any extra slices.
- Customizable – Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, nuts, or flavored syrups for variety.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Easily store leftovers and reheat for a quick breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) loaf of white sandwich bread, challah, or brioche – Stale or day-old bread absorbs the custard best without getting too mushy.
- 5 large eggs – Provide structure and help create a rich custard coating.
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk, half-and-half, heavy cream, or a combination – The higher the fat content, the richer the final result.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – A classic spice that adds warmth and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, plus more for serving – Ensures a crisp golden crust while adding richness.
- Maple syrup or powdered sugar, for serving – The perfect finishing touch.
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Setup
Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 200°F (93°C). This helps keep the cooked French toast warm while you finish the batches. Fit a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and set it aside. The wire rack prevents the French toast from getting soggy while keeping it warm.
Step 2: Slice the Bread
Cut the loaf crosswise into thick slices (¾-inch to 1-inch thick). Thicker slices hold up better when soaked in the custard.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large shallow dish (9×13-inch baking dish), whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved and that there are no streaks of egg left. The mixture should look evenly blended and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
Place as many bread slices as possible into the custard mixture in a single layer. Let the bread soak for about 1 minute per side for white bread or 15 seconds per side for richer breads like brioche and challah. Avoid over-soaking, as this can make the bread too soft to handle. Transfer the soaked slices to the wire rack to allow excess custard to drip off. Repeat with the remaining slices.
Step 5: Cook the French Toast
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Add as many slices as will fit comfortably in the pan with some space around them. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and slightly crisp. Flip the slices and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low. Transfer the cooked French toast to a second baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining bread slices, adding 1 tablespoon butter before each batch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. For extra indulgence, try adding chocolate chips, nut butter, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts
FAQs
Can I Make French Toast Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare French toast in advance in two ways: Refrigerator Method: Cook as directed, let cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat. Freezer Method: Arrange cooked and cooled slices on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in a toaster, oven, or skillet.
Can I Make French Toast Without Dairy?
Absolutely! Substitute almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for the dairy. For a creamier texture, use full-fat coconut milk.
