There is something absolutely magical about biting into The Best French Toast: golden on the outside, fluffy in the center, tinged with warmth and spice, and crowned with maple syrup. This classic breakfast is truly dreamy and so easy to make at home — you’ll want to treat yourself every weekend!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp & Custardy Texture: Every slice is golden and crispy on the outside, with an irresistibly soft, custardy middle you’ll want more of.
- Simple, Classic Ingredients: The recipe uses pantry staples, making it possible to whip up The Best French Toast whenever the craving strikes.
- Easy to Customize: From boozy orange zest to fresh berries, you can easily put your spin on this great classic.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a special brunch, this recipe always feels like a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes The Best French Toast so special? It’s all about a handful of everyday ingredients coming together perfectly. Each piece brings its own magic: rich eggs for fluffiness, cinnamon for warmth, and sturdy bread for the ultimate base.
- 4 large eggs: The essential building block for that silky, custardy center.
- 2/3 cup milk: Whole milk is best for richness, but feel free to use what you have.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and classic flavor — don’t skip it!
- 8 thick slices 2-day-old bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard without falling apart—think brioche, challah, or sturdy white.
- Butter (or vegetable oil): For perfectly crisp, golden edges every time.
- Maple syrup: The finishing touch: drizzly, sweet, and absolutely necessary!
- Optional: 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest: This splash of citrus adds an uplifting brightness.
- Optional: 1/4 cup triple sec: A little boozy orange liqueur for grown-up brunches.
- Optional: Fresh berries: The juiciest, prettiest topper you could ask for.
Variations
The Best French Toast is the ultimate canvas for creativity—feel free to switch things up to suit your mood or guests! It’s so easy to adapt based on what you have, dietary needs, or flavor cravings.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond milk or coconut milk, and swap butter for a plant-based spread for a luscious, dairy-free brunch.
- Gluten-Free Twist: Try your favorite gluten-free bread—just be sure it’s a sturdy loaf to soak up all the goodness.
- Spiced Up: Added nutmeg or a dash of cardamom takes the flavor to new, aromatic heights.
- Decadent Additions: Swirl a handful of chocolate chips or layer in sliced bananas for an extra-special treat.
How to Make The Best French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
Grab a medium bowl and whisk up the eggs, milk, and cinnamon until fully combined—no streaks! Add orange zest and triple sec now if you’re going for that citrus brunch version. Pour your custard mixture into a shallow dish that can hold your bread slices flat for more efficient soaking.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Lay each bread slice in the custard, letting it soak up the mixture for just long enough to get moist, but not soggy (about 15-20 seconds per side is perfect if your bread is two days old). This gives you that signature creamy center when pan-fried!
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat a generous pat of butter (or a splash of oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let the soaked bread drip off any excess custard, then fry each slice until deeply golden and crisp on both sides—usually about 2-3 minutes per side. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 4: Serve While Hot
Transfer your French toast to plates, stack ’em high, and serve right away with more butter, a generous pour of maple syrup, and all the fresh berries your heart desires. Dig in!
Pro Tips for Making The Best French Toast
- Bread Matters Most: Use bread that’s at least a day old—it’s just firm enough to hold all that custard without turning mushy or falling apart.
- Adjust the Soak: If your bread is extra thick or super stale, let it bathe a little longer in the egg mixture for that luscious center.
- Skillet Secrets: Keep the skillet at medium-high heat so the toast crisps beautifully outside while staying creamy within—too low, and it gets soggy; too high, it can scorch.
- Serve Right Away: The Best French Toast is at its dreamiest hot from the pan, so serve immediately for the ultimate experience.
How to Serve The Best French Toast
Garnishes
The Best French Toast practically begs for a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a handful of glossy, fresh berries. If you like a little extra flair, a dollop of whipped cream or a scattering of toasted nuts is sure to delight!
Side Dishes
Make this breakfast a full feast by serving with crisp bacon, juicy sausage links, or a simple fresh fruit salad on the side. For a lighter touch, a creamy vanilla yogurt with extra berries is absolute perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your slices high and fan out the pieces for a pretty, café-style plate—or make a stunning platter by layering French toast in a baking dish, topping with berries, and dusting with cinnamon sugar for sharing. For brunch parties, cut toast slices into “fingers” for fun dipping with little bowls of syrup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (lucky you!), let The Best French Toast cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
French toast freezes beautifully! Layer slices between sheets of parchment paper, seal tightly in a freezer bag, and stash for up to 2 months. This makes weekday breakfast feel totally special.
Reheating
Warm your slices in the toaster or a 350°F oven for best results—they crisp right back up! Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a rush, as it can make the toast a bit chewy.
FAQs
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What’s the best bread for making French Toast?
The absolute best bread is a thick-cut, slightly stale loaf—think brioche, challah, or a crusty country bread. Their texture soaks up the egg custard evenly without falling apart, giving The Best French Toast a decadent bite every time.
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Can I make The Best French Toast gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread and follow the same steps. Just make sure to handle the slices gently in the custard, as gluten-free loaves can sometimes be a bit more tender.
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How do I prevent my French Toast from getting soggy?
Be sure not to over-soak your bread—15 to 20 seconds per side is usually perfect, unless your loaf is very thick or super stale. Also, fry over medium-high heat to crisp the outside quickly while keeping the inside tender.
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Can I prepare the egg mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! The egg and milk mixture can be whisked together and kept covered in the refrigerator for up to a day. Give it a quick whisk before dipping the bread, and you’re all set for speedy French toast mornings.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to whip up The Best French Toast soon—the kind that makes mornings magical and everyone at the table smile a little brighter. Whether for a leisurely brunch or a cozy breakfast surprise, don’t wait to give this timeless treat a place at your table. Happy cooking!
Print
The Best French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic French toast recipe that results in perfectly golden and flavorful slices of toast, perfect for a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 8 thick slices 2-day-old bread (better if slightly stale)
- Butter (can sub vegetable oil)
- Maple syrup
Optional:
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
- 1/4 cup triple sec
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Make the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Stir in the orange zest and/or triple sec if using. Whisk the mixture until well blended and pour into a shallow bowl, wide enough to place a slice of the bread you will be using.
- Soak the bread slices in egg mixture: Place each slice of bread into the milk egg mixture, allowing the bread to soak in some of it.
- Fry the French toast: Melt some butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Shake off the excess egg mixture from the bread and place the bread slices onto the hot skillet. Fry the French toast until browned on one side, then flip and brown the other side.
- Serve: Serve the French toast hot with butter, maple syrup, and/or fresh berries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: unknown
- Sodium: unknown
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: unknown
- Trans Fat: unknown
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: unknown
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: unknown
