Classic French Toast

French toast is one of those magical breakfast dishes that feels fancy but is secretly incredibly easy to make. It takes humble ingredients—bread, eggs, milk—and transforms them into a golden, crispy, custard-soaked delight that makes any morning feel special.

Whether you’re making a cozy breakfast for yourself, serving brunch to friends, or trying to impress someone (yes, food can be romantic), French toast has got your back.

It’s also endlessly customizable. Keep it classic with just a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, or go all out with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and nuts. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to get it just right.

With a few simple tips, you’ll be making the best French toast of your life in no time.

A Brief History of French Toast

Despite its name, French toast didn’t actually originate in France. Variations of this dish have been around for centuries—some say as far back as the Roman Empire.

The concept was simple: soak stale bread in a mixture of eggs and milk, then cook it to revive it into something delicious. The French later perfected it, naming it pain perdu (meaning “lost bread”), since it was a way to rescue bread that would otherwise go to waste.

Interestingly, in the U.S., it’s rumored that an innkeeper named Joseph French popularized the dish in the 18th century but forgot to add an apostrophe to “French’s Toast”—hence the name we use today.

Whatever the origins, one thing’s for sure: French toast has stood the test of time for a reason.

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Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make a classic French toast recipe that’s crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 thick slices of bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, but adds a slight sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because vanilla makes everything better)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (adds warmth and depth)
• Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness)
• Butter or oil for frying (butter for flavor, oil for crispiness)

For Serving (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh fruit (berries, bananas, or whatever’s in season)
• Whipped cream
• Chopped nuts

Ingredient Breakdown:

Bread: The Foundation of Great French Toast

The best French toast starts with the right bread. Stale bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard mixture without falling apart. Brioche and challah are top choices—they’re rich, slightly sweet, and hold their structure well. French bread works too if you like a slightly chewier texture. Avoid thin, airy sandwich bread, which can turn to mush.

Eggs: The Custard Maker

Eggs are the key to turning your toast into a rich, custard-like treat. They provide structure, binding the milk to the bread and helping everything cook up into that golden, slightly crispy texture.

Milk: For That Perfect Creaminess

Whole milk works best because the fat adds richness, but if you want to level up, try half-and-half or even a splash of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk will do the trick, though they’ll slightly change the flavor.

Vanilla and Cinnamon: Flavor Boosters

Vanilla gives the custard a warm, aromatic depth, while cinnamon adds a subtle spiced note. If you want to go even fancier, a pinch of nutmeg can bring extra warmth.

Sugar and Salt: The Balancers

A little sugar enhances the natural sweetness, while salt prevents everything from tasting flat. If you’re serving French toast with syrup, you can skip the sugar in the batter.

Butter vs. Oil: The Frying Debate

Butter gives your toast that classic, rich flavor, but it can burn quickly. A mix of butter and neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) gives you the best of both worlds—flavor and crispiness.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Classic French Toast

Step 1: Prep the Bread

If your bread is fresh, leave it out for a few hours or lightly toast it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Dry bread soaks up the custard better, giving you that perfect creamy inside without getting soggy.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is fully combined—you don’t want streaks of egg white floating around. A fork works, but a whisk makes the job easier.

Step 3: Soak the Bread (But Don’t Overdo It)

Place a slice of bread into the mixture, letting it soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. You want it to absorb the custard without getting so wet that it falls apart. If your bread is particularly dense (like challah), you can soak it a bit longer.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add a small pat of butter and a drizzle of oil. The oil prevents burning, while the butter adds flavor.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Place the soaked bread slices into the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. Don’t rush it—low and slow is the key to even cooking. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside is set.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

French toast is best hot off the pan. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and any toppings you love.

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Tips for the Best French Toast

✔ Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread = soggy toast. Let your bread dry out for the best texture.
✔ Don’t Skimp on the Soak: You want custard all the way through, not just on the surface.
✔ Medium-Low Heat is Your Friend: Too high, and it burns; too low, and it won’t crisp.
✔ Get Creative with Toppings: Try honey, yogurt, or even a dollop of Nutella.

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Variations to Try

If you want to switch things up, here are some fun twists on the classic:

• Stuffed French Toast: Spread cream cheese and jam between two slices before dipping.
• Savory French Toast: Skip the sugar and vanilla; add herbs and cheese instead.
• Crispy Coated French Toast: Press the soaked slices into crushed cornflakes before frying.

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Classic French Toast Recipe

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