French toast is one of the easiest and most delicious breakfast dishes. Whether you enjoy it with just a drizzle of maple syrup or fully loaded with fruit, whipped cream, and powdered sugar, this dish never disappoints. If you want to make perfectly golden, crispy, and custardy French toast, this guide has everything you need.
This classic breakfast favorite is loved for its simplicity. You only need bread, eggs, milk, and a few pantry staples to create something truly satisfying. But the real secret to making restaurant-quality French toast is the right technique, the perfect bread, and a well-balanced custard mixture.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, and the best toppings to make your French toast the best you’ve ever had.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – You likely have everything you need in your kitchen already.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfectly Crispy – Golden brown on the outside, soft and custardy inside.
- Customizable – Make it classic, stuffed, or even savory.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Basic French Toast Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (thick-cut works best)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (whole milk for richness)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional for added flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for cooking
Choosing the Best Bread for French Toast
The bread makes a big difference! Here are the best options:
- Brioche – Buttery, soft, and rich. This is the ultimate choice for indulgent French toast.
- Challah – Slightly sweet and fluffy. Absorbs the custard well without getting too soggy.
- Texas Toast – Thick, sturdy, and widely available. A great classic choice.
- French Baguette – Ideal for a chewier texture with a crispy crust.
Pro Tip: Using stale bread (one to two days old) is better because it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
- In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Pro Tip: If you want an extra rich and creamy custard, replace some milk with heavy cream.
Step 2: Dip the Bread
- Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat.
- Add butter or oil and let it melt completely.
- Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture for two to three seconds per side.
- Make sure it’s coated but not overly soaked to avoid sogginess.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
- Place the soaked bread in the hot pan.
- Cook for two to three minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side.
Pro Tip: If making a large batch, keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the pan and serve immediately.
- Top with maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
French Toast Variations
Want to level up your French toast game? Try these fun variations!
1. Stuffed French Toast
- Spread cream cheese, Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves between two slices of bread before dipping.
- Cook as usual for a rich, indulgent treat.
2. French Toast Sticks
- Slice bread into thick strips before dipping and cooking.
- Perfect for kids and easy dipping into syrup.
3. Savory French Toast
- Skip the sugar and vanilla.
- Add salt, pepper, and grated cheese for a savory twist.
- Serve with bacon, avocado, or smoked salmon.
4. Baked French Toast Casserole
- Layer soaked bread slices in a baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Great for feeding a crowd.
Best Toppings for French Toast
Classic Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Butter
Fruity Toppings
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Peaches
Indulgent Toppings
- Chocolate chips
- Caramel drizzle
- Nutella
Crunchy Toppings
- Chopped nuts
- Granola
- Toasted coconut
Want it extra crispy? Sprinkle sugar on each side before cooking to get a caramelized crust.
Troubleshooting and Expert Tips
French Toast is Too Soggy
- Use stale bread and don’t soak for too long.
- Avoid using bread that’s too thin.
French Toast is Too Dry
- Increase the milk-to-egg ratio for a creamier custard.
French Toast is Not Browning Properly
- Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the bread.
- Use butter and oil together for the best browning.
Pairing French Toast with Other Breakfast Favorites
Want to make a complete breakfast? Here are some perfect pairings:
- Crispy bacon or sausage – The savory-sweet combo is unbeatable.
- Scrambled eggs or omelets – Balance out the sweetness with protein.
- Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Hot coffee or fresh orange juice – The ultimate breakfast beverage.
Final Thoughts
French toast is one of the easiest and most satisfying breakfasts you can make. With just a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can achieve crispy, golden-brown slices with a soft, custardy center.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try out stuffed, baked, or savory variations, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.
So grab your favorite bread, whisk up the custard, and get ready to make the best French toast of your life.
FAQ’s
1. What is the best bread for French toast?
Brioche, challah, Texas toast, and French baguette work best because they absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
2. Can I make French toast without milk?
Yes! You can substitute milk with almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or even water for a dairy-free option.
3. How do I keep French toast from getting soggy?
Use stale or thick-cut bread and avoid soaking it in the custard for too long. Cook on medium heat for a crispy finish.
4. Can I make French toast ahead of time?
Yes! Cooked French toast can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven.
5. What can I use instead of eggs in French toast?
For an egg-free version, mix mashed bananas, flaxseed meal with water, or cornstarch with milk to create a similar custard-like texture.
