French Toast is a classic breakfast dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. With its golden, crisp exterior and soft, custard-like interior, this dish is sure to be a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Whether served with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, it’s the perfect way to start your day off right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French Toast recipe offers the ideal balance of sweetness, warmth, and crunch. The custard mixture, flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, soaks into thick slices of French or Italian bread, creating a decadent breakfast treat. It’s quick to prepare, and you can easily adjust the toppings to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread!
Ingredients
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
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3 eggs
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1 cup milk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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10-12 oz French or Italian bread, cut into 12 slices
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Butter for cooking
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Make the Custard Mixture:
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In a shallow dish (such as a pie plate), whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
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Add the eggs and beat them well to break up any clumps.
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Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Heat the Skillet:
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Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom of the skillet.
Dip the Bread:
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Take one slice of bread and dip it into the custard mixture, letting each side soak for 1-2 seconds. Be careful not to oversaturate the bread; just let it soak in enough custard for a good coating.
Cook the French Toast:
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Place the custard-soaked bread on the hot skillet. Repeat with as many slices as will fit in the skillet.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until it is browned and crispy.
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Flip the bread and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until golden brown.
Repeat and Serve:
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Continue cooking the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
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Serve the French toast warm with syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 12 minutes
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Cook Time: 18 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Flavored French Toast: Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
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Stuffed French Toast: For a decadent twist, stuff the bread with cream cheese, peanut butter, or Nutella before dipping in the custard.
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Vegan French Toast: Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk.
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Sourdough French Toast: Swap the French bread for sourdough for a tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with maple syrup.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of bread for French Toast?
Yes! While French or Italian bread works best for its texture, you can use any bread, such as challah, brioche, or even regular sandwich bread. Thicker slices work better for soaking in the custard.
2. Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good whisk before using.
3. Can I freeze French Toast?
Yes, you can freeze leftover French Toast. Place the slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven when ready to serve.
4. How can I make my French Toast extra crispy?
To make the French toast extra crispy, make sure to cook it over medium heat, allowing the bread to get nice and brown without burning. Using a little extra butter can also help achieve a crispier exterior.
5. Can I make French Toast without eggs?
Yes, you can make egg-free French Toast by using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute for each egg. You can also use a vegan custard mixture made with plant-based milk and a pinch of cornstarch for thickening.
6. Can I add chocolate chips to the French Toast?
Yes, for a sweeter twist, sprinkle chocolate chips over the French toast while it’s cooking on the skillet or add them to the batter for a chocolatey surprise.
7. How do I make the French Toast fluffier?
To make the French Toast fluffier, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the custard mixture. The cornstarch will help make the bread puff up slightly as it cooks.
8. How do I prevent my French Toast from becoming soggy?
Be sure not to oversaturate the bread when dipping it into the custard mixture. You only need a quick dip on each side—just enough for the bread to soak up the mixture without becoming overly soggy.
Conclusion
French Toast is the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. This simple recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. The buttery, crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior make it a breakfast classic that everyone will enjoy. Whether you keep it traditional with syrup or dress it up with your favorite toppings, this French Toast will become a breakfast favorite in your home!
Print
French Toast
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American, French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic, fluffy French toast made with a cinnamon-infused custard and cooked to golden perfection. Serve with syrup or your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- For the Custard:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For Cooking:
- 10–12 oz French or Italian bread, cut into 12 slices
- Butter for cooking
Instructions
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a shallow dish (like a pie plate), whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the eggs and beat well to break up any clumps. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt.
- Dip the Bread: Take one slice of bread and dip it into the custard mixture, allowing each side to soak for 1-2 seconds. Be sure not to oversaturate the bread, just let it soak in a bit.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the custard-soaked bread on the hot skillet. Repeat with as many slices as will fit in the skillet. Cook until the first side is browned, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the second side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Repeat and Serve: Continue with the remaining slices of bread. Serve warm with syrup or toppings of your choice, such as fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Notes
- For extra crispy French toast, cook it a little longer on each side until it’s golden and crispy.
- If you like it a little sweeter, add a bit more sugar to the custard mixture or top with maple syrup or honey.
- For a richer flavor, use thick-cut bread or brioche. It soaks up the custard beautifully!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
