Classic French Toast
This simple French toast turns everyday bread, eggs, and milk into a warm breakfast with crisp edges and a soft, custardy middle. It is easy enough for a slow weekday and special enough for the weekend.
Total
25 min
Servings
4 servings
Level
Easy
French toast is one of the most useful breakfast recipes to know. It works with bread that is a little stale, and the batter comes together in one shallow bowl.
The key is a quick soak, not a long bath. You want the bread to absorb the egg mixture without falling apart in the pan.
Serve it hot with maple syrup, fruit, yogurt, or a dusting of powdered sugar. It is also easy to scale up if you are cooking for a bigger table.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
9 items · 4 servings
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk, 2% milk, or unsweetened dairy-free milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 8 slices thick-cut bread, such as brioche, challah, Texas toast, or sturdy sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more as needed
- Maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or powdered sugar, for serving
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Whisk the custard
In a wide, shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk again until the mixture looks even. This egg-and-milk mixture is called a custard.
2. Heat the pan
Set a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1/2 tablespoon butter and let it melt. The pan is ready when the butter foams gently but does not brown right away.
3. Soak the bread
Dip one slice of bread into the custard, then flip it and dip the other side. Let thick bread soak for about 10 to 15 seconds per side. Let thinner sandwich bread soak for only a few seconds so it does not tear.
4. Cook the first side
Lift the bread from the custard and let extra liquid drip back into the bowl. Place the bread in the hot pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and the edges look set.
5. Flip and finish
Turn the bread with a spatula. Cook the second side for 2 to 3 minutes more, until golden brown and cooked through. The center should feel soft but not wet or runny.
6. Repeat in batches
Move the cooked French toast to a plate. Add more butter to the pan as needed, then soak and cook the remaining slices. If the pan starts to smoke or the toast browns too fast, lower the heat slightly.
7. Serve warm
Serve the French toast right away with maple syrup, fruit, or your favorite toppings. For a crisp finish, place the cooked slices on a wire rack instead of stacking them, which can make them steam and soften.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Use slightly stale bread if you can. Day-old bread absorbs the custard without turning mushy. If your bread is very fresh, toast it lightly or leave the slices out for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.
- For dairy-free French toast, use unsweetened oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Cook in a neutral oil or plant-based butter instead of dairy butter.
- For a richer version, replace 1/4 cup of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. For a less sweet version, leave out the sugar and rely on toppings.
- To make ahead, whisk the custard up to 1 day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Whisk again before using because the cinnamon may settle.
- Store leftover cooked French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster, toaster oven, skillet, or 350°F oven until hot.
- Freeze cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then move them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or oven.
Cook's note
Medium heat is important here. If the heat is too high, the outside browns before the egg in the center sets. If the heat is too low, the bread can turn soggy. Adjust as you cook, especially after the first batch.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What is the best bread for French toast?
Thick slices of brioche, challah, Texas toast, or sturdy white bread work well. The bread should be firm enough to hold together after dipping. Slightly stale bread is better than very fresh, soft bread.
Why is my French toast soggy?
It may have soaked too long, the bread may have been too thin, or the pan may not have been hot enough. Use sturdier bread, dip quickly, and cook over medium heat until both sides are golden and the center is set.
Can I make French toast without cinnamon?
Yes. Leave it out, or swap in a small pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice. You can also keep the flavor plain with just vanilla and salt.
How do I keep French toast warm for a crowd?
Place cooked slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep them in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest. Do not stack them, or they may steam and soften.
Can I use sandwich bread?
Yes, but choose a sturdy sandwich bread and dip it quickly. Soft, thin bread can fall apart if it sits in the custard too long.
05Keep cooking
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