The Best French Toast Recipe

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Golden, fluffy slices of bread soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, then cooked to perfection for a breakfast classic that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French toast is pure comfort on a plate. The custard mixture infuses the bread with sweet, aromatic flavor, while the exterior gets perfectly golden and crisp. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable with toppings, and guaranteed to make your morning feel special.

The Best French Toast Recipe

French toast is a timeless breakfast favorite that has graced American tables for generations. Its appeal lies in its simplicity—bread, eggs, milk, and a few flavorings transformed into something indulgent yet approachable.

The magic begins when thick slices of bread are dipped into a smooth custard of milk and eggs. The bread soaks up just enough liquid to become tender inside while developing a golden crust in the pan.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth, making every bite fragrant and inviting. A sprinkle of cinnamon gives it that comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks.

This recipe takes the classic approach but ensures consistent results with the right balance of ingredients. The goal is bread that’s custardy without being soggy, crisp without being dry.

The beauty of French toast lies in its versatility. You can serve it simply with a drizzle of maple syrup, or dress it up with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even a dollop of yogurt.

Choosing the right bread makes a difference. Thick-cut slices of brioche or challah work beautifully, but sturdy sandwich bread can still yield delicious results.

It’s a dish that’s perfect for both everyday breakfasts and special weekend brunches. With minimal prep time, it can be ready to enjoy in under 15 minutes.

French toast also offers room for creativity—infuse the custard with orange zest, swap cinnamon for nutmeg, or layer slices with cream and berries for a more decadent presentation.

Cooking it on a medium-high griddle ensures even browning while keeping the inside soft. Butter adds flavor and helps achieve that signature crisp crust.

Leftovers, if you have any, can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or air fryer, making this an easy make-ahead option.

While it’s simple enough for beginners, French toast rewards careful attention to detail. Soaking the bread just long enough and controlling the heat are the keys to perfection.

Whether enjoyed with coffee on a quiet morning or shared at a bustling brunch table, this French toast delivers comfort, flavor, and nostalgia in every bite.

Servings

Serves: 3 (2 slices each)

Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 6 thick slices bread (brioche or challah preferred)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus more as needed

Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
2. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly butter the surface.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the custard, coating both sides but not oversoaking.
4. Place the bread on the hot griddle and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Tips

• Use day-old bread for the best texture—it absorbs custard without falling apart.
• Adjust sweetness by adding a teaspoon of sugar to the custard if desired.
• Keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven while making the rest.