French Toast Recipe

This French Toast Recipe transforms humble bread into something truly spectacular. The custard soaked slices develop a beautifully golden, slightly crispy exterior with a soft, rich and custardy interior that is unlike anything you can buy or order. Moreover, this French Toast Recipe is ready in just 15 minutes. Furthermore, it uses ingredients you almost certainly already have at home right now.

Additionally, French toast is one of the most versatile breakfasts you can make. It works equally well as a sweet indulgence or a savory meal. For more fantastic breakfast ideas, explore our fluffy Pancakes Recipe, our classic Scrambled Eggs Recipe and our full Breakfast collection.

The Secret to the Best French Toast Recipe

The secret to a great French Toast Recipe is the custard mixture and the soaking time. The custard is made from eggs, cream, vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon. Together these ingredients create a rich, flavorful coating that soaks deep into the bread. Furthermore, allowing the bread to soak for at least 30 seconds per side — not just a quick dip — is what gives French toast its signature custardy, soft interior.

Moreover, cooking in a combination of butter and a neutral oil prevents the butter from burning. Consequently, you get all the rich buttery flavor without the bitter, acrid taste of burnt milk solids. On the other hand, using butter alone causes it to brown too quickly before the toast is cooked through properly.

The Best Bread for French Toast Recipe

Bread choice makes a significant difference to this French Toast Recipe. Therefore, it is worth choosing carefully. Here are the best options:

• Brioche — The gold standard for French toast. It is rich, buttery and slightly sweet. Furthermore, it absorbs the custard beautifully and develops a stunning golden color in the pan.
• Thick cut white bread — The most accessible option. Additionally, thick slices are essential — thin bread becomes soggy and falls apart during soaking.
• Challah — Similar to brioche but slightly less sweet. It has an excellent eggy, enriched crumb that soaks up the custard perfectly. Moreover, it is widely available at most supermarkets.
• Sourdough — A more rustic option with a chewy crust. Consequently, it produces a firmer, more textural result that works particularly well for a savory version.
• Day old bread — Slightly stale bread is actually better than fresh for French toast. On the other hand, very fresh soft bread can become too sodden and fall apart during cooking.

Why You Will Love This French Toast Recipe Golden custardy perfection in just 15 minutes · Rich egg and cream custard · Serves 2 to 3 people generously · Uses simple everyday ingredients · Sweet or savory serving options · Far better than any cafe version

The Custard Mixture Explained

The custard is the heart of this French Toast Recipe. Each ingredient plays a specific role. Therefore, understanding them helps you make smart adjustments:

• Eggs — Provide structure and richness. They bind the custard and create the characteristic set, custardy texture inside each slice.
• Heavy cream or whole milk — Cream produces a richer, more indulgent result. Moreover, whole milk makes a lighter version that is still deeply satisfying.
• Vanilla extract — Adds warmth and a beautiful aromatic sweetness to the custard. Additionally, it makes the finished French toast smell absolutely irresistible.
• Cinnamon — Adds a warm, spiced depth. Furthermore, just a small pinch elevates the custard flavor without making the toast taste overtly spiced.
• Sugar — A small amount in the custard aids caramelization. Consequently, the exterior develops a deeper golden color and a very slightly sweet crust.

Sweet vs Savory French Toast Recipe

Most people think of French toast as a sweet dish. However, the savory version is equally delicious and sometimes even more satisfying. For a savory French Toast Recipe, simply omit the sugar, vanilla and cinnamon from the custard. Instead, add a pinch of salt, black pepper and a little grated Parmesan. Furthermore, serve with crispy bacon, sauteed mushrooms or a fried egg on top for a truly spectacular savory brunch.

How to Make This French Toast Recipe

The method is simple and fast. First, whisk the custard ingredients together. Then, soak each bread slice thoroughly on both sides. Finally, cook in a buttered pan over medium heat until golden on both sides. The full step by step method is in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with French Toast

This French Toast Recipe is delicious on its own. However, these toppings and sides make it truly exceptional:

• Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar and real maple syrup — consequently the most classic and beloved French toast presentation of all
• Our crispy Bacon and Sausages Recipe alongside for a hearty sweet and savory full breakfast
• Sliced banana, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a naturally sweet and satisfying topping
• Our fluffy Pancakes Recipe alongside — furthermore, the two together make for the ultimate indulgent weekend brunch spread
• A dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a lighter, more nutritious serving option

How to Store and Reheat French Toast

French toast is best served immediately after cooking. However, leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Moreover, they can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a dry pan over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Additionally, a toaster oven at 180°C for 5 minutes restores much of the original crispiness. On the other hand, microwaving makes the toast soft and slightly rubbery.

Easy Variations for This French Toast RecipeStuffed French Toast — Spread cream cheese and strawberry jam between two slices of bread. Dip the sandwich in the custard and cook as normal. As a result, every bite reveals a warm, melting and indulgent filling inside.
Baked French Toast Casserole — Arrange custard soaked bread slices in a buttered baking dish. Pour remaining custard over the top and bake at 180°C for 25 minutes for a spectacular make ahead brunch centerpiece.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast — Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of brown sugar to the custard. Furthermore, serve with a simple cream cheese glaze drizzled on top for a spectacular cinnamon roll inspired result.
Savory Herb Version — Omit the sweet ingredients from the custard. Additionally, add fresh thyme, grated Parmesan and black pepper. Top with a fried egg and crispy bacon.
Coconut French Toast — Replace the cream with coconut cream and add a teaspoon of desiccated coconut to the custard. Moreover, serve with sliced mango and a drizzle of honey for a tropical inspired brunch.

Make This French Toast Recipe Tomorrow Morning

In conclusion, this French Toast Recipe is one of the quickest and most satisfying breakfasts you can make at home. Therefore, whether it is a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion brunch, this recipe always impresses. Browse more of our delicious breakfast recipes and share your favorite topping combination in the comments below!