Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the half-and-half (or heavy cream), whisking continuously to form a creamy, well-combined custard.
Step 2: Soak the Bread Slices
- Pour the custard mixture into a shallow baking dish.
- Lay thick slices of challah or brioche in the dish, allowing them to soak for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side until fully saturated but not falling apart.
- For extra fluffy interiors, let them sit a bit longer to absorb more custard.
Step 3: Preheat & Butter the Skillet
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Add a pat of salted butter, swirling to coat the surface evenly.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
- Carefully transfer soaked bread slices to the skillet.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Flip gently and cook the other side.
- Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed between batches.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve the French Toast hot, topped with a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries for a fancy touch.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftover French Toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer:
Freeze cooked French Toast slices in layers with parchment paper between them for up to 2 months. Reheating:
Toast in the toaster or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. 🥄 Variations Stuffed French Toast: Add a layer of cream cheese or Nutella between two slices of bread before soaking. Caramelized Banana French Toast: Top with sautéed bananas in brown sugar and butter. Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl and drizzle with cream cheese glaze. Lemon Ricotta French Toast: Spread lemon ricotta on the bread slices before soaking. Savory Herb French Toast: Omit sugar and vanilla; add herbs and grated parmesan to the custard. Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or oat milk with a splash of coconut cream. Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with a flax egg mixture and use plant-based cream. Crispy Cornflake Coating: Dip the soaked bread into crushed cornflakes before cooking for extra crunch. Maple-Pecan French Toast: Top with maple syrup and chopped toasted pecans. French Toast Bake (Casserole Style): Layer the bread in a baking dish, pour custard over, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning. ❓ 10 FAQs What’s the best bread for French Toast?
Brioche or challah is ideal for its rich, soft texture. Thick-cut sandwich bread also works in a pinch. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but using half-and-half or heavy cream makes the French Toast richer and more decadent. Why is my French Toast soggy?
Over-soaking or using bread that’s too soft can make it soggy. Use thick, slightly stale bread and soak just until saturated. Do I need to dry out the bread?
Day-old bread works best, but if fresh, you can lightly toast the slices before soaking. Can I make the custard mix ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Can I bake French Toast instead of pan-frying?
Yes, arrange soaked slices on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. What’s the best way to keep French Toast warm while cooking batches?
Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. Can I freeze the custard mix for later use?
It’s not recommended; fresh custard gives the best texture. What’s the difference between French Toast and Pain Perdu?
“Pain Perdu” is the traditional French name meaning “lost bread,” often made with stale bread. What are the best toppings for French Toast?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, honey, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar. 🏁 Conclusion This Best French Toast recipe delivers everything you want in a breakfast classic — a custardy inside, crispy golden edges, and a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Made with fresh, simple ingredients, no pork, no alcohol, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat.
Store leftover French Toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer:
Freeze cooked French Toast slices in layers with parchment paper between them for up to 2 months. Reheating:
Toast in the toaster or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. 🥄 Variations Stuffed French Toast: Add a layer of cream cheese or Nutella between two slices of bread before soaking. Caramelized Banana French Toast: Top with sautéed bananas in brown sugar and butter. Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl and drizzle with cream cheese glaze. Lemon Ricotta French Toast: Spread lemon ricotta on the bread slices before soaking. Savory Herb French Toast: Omit sugar and vanilla; add herbs and grated parmesan to the custard. Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or oat milk with a splash of coconut cream. Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with a flax egg mixture and use plant-based cream. Crispy Cornflake Coating: Dip the soaked bread into crushed cornflakes before cooking for extra crunch. Maple-Pecan French Toast: Top with maple syrup and chopped toasted pecans. French Toast Bake (Casserole Style): Layer the bread in a baking dish, pour custard over, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning. ❓ 10 FAQs What’s the best bread for French Toast?
Brioche or challah is ideal for its rich, soft texture. Thick-cut sandwich bread also works in a pinch. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but using half-and-half or heavy cream makes the French Toast richer and more decadent. Why is my French Toast soggy?
Over-soaking or using bread that’s too soft can make it soggy. Use thick, slightly stale bread and soak just until saturated. Do I need to dry out the bread?
Day-old bread works best, but if fresh, you can lightly toast the slices before soaking. Can I make the custard mix ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Can I bake French Toast instead of pan-frying?
Yes, arrange soaked slices on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. What’s the best way to keep French Toast warm while cooking batches?
Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. Can I freeze the custard mix for later use?
It’s not recommended; fresh custard gives the best texture. What’s the difference between French Toast and Pain Perdu?
“Pain Perdu” is the traditional French name meaning “lost bread,” often made with stale bread. What are the best toppings for French Toast?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, honey, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar. 🏁 Conclusion This Best French Toast recipe delivers everything you want in a breakfast classic — a custardy inside, crispy golden edges, and a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Made with fresh, simple ingredients, no pork, no alcohol, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat.