French toast recipe
Try the classic French toast recipe for a tasty breakfast. It has thick bread slices dipped in a sweet custard. Then, they’re fried until they’re golden and served with maple syrup.
This recipe is great with many types of bread. You can use white, whole wheat, brioche, or even French bread1.
The batter is made from eggs, milk, flour, and spices. It makes the French toast fluffy and full of flavor1. People love it so much, it’s a top pick for weekend mornings
Key Takeaways:
- Classic French toast recipe with a cinnamon-vanilla custard batter
- Versatile recipe that works with a variety of bread types
- Highly-rated recipe with an average of 4.99 out of 5 stars
- Easy to make, with a batter that can be prepared 1-2 days in advance
- French toast can be frozen for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep
The Perfect French Toast Recipe: A Breakfast Classic
Make your breakfast special with this amazing French toast recipe. It has a thick custard batter and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. This mix of flavors will take you straight to French cuisine
What Makes This Recipe Special
This French toast is special because of the flour. It makes the toast fluffier and more fun to eat. The batter also has cinnamon and vanilla, making every bite warm and deep
Key Recipe Features
This recipe is flexible. You can use different breads and milks to make it your own. Whether you choose soft white bread or a hearty loaf, it will be golden and soft inside
Adding a cinnamon sugar topping or a drizzle of syrup makes it even better. It makes the French toast a special treat for breakfast
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Eggs | 6 large |
Milk | 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk |
Vanilla Extract | 2 tablespoons pure |
Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon ground |
Nutmeg | Pinch of ground |
Bread | 6 slices (1-inch-thick), preferably day old |
Butter | 4 tablespoons unsalted |
Vegetable Oil | 4 tablespoons |
This recipe for French toast is a breakfast dish that everyone loves. It proves that basic, good ingredients with skill can go a long way. This French dish is ideal for brunching on the weekends or wow-ing your guests.
“Perfect French toast requires the following: crispy golden-brown edges and a soft, custardy interior that melts in your mouth”
Essential Ingredients for French Toast Success
The oven-baked French toast can be made to be incredible with a few basic ingredients. Your choice of bread has to be thick like white sandwich bread, challah, or brioche. Breads must have a width of about 3/4 to 1 inch for the best custard-soaked result.5
Bread Selection Guide
A denser slightly stale bread is the very essence when it comes to French toast goals. It should easily soak up the egg mixture without getting overly soggy5. As do not opt for thin or delicate bread, they don’t hold on very well.
Custard Base Components
A creamy custard base requires eggs, milk or cream, and a little something sweet. Use 5 large eggs and 1 3/4 cups of milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream.5 Complete it with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of salt.
Optional Add-ins and Flavorings
For added flavor, consider incorporating a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice. One to two tablespoons of rum or brandy also adds flavor.5 If you’re making a dairy-free version, you can substitute unsweetened almond or coconut milk.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the best french toast recipe is about getting the cooking right. First, mix eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a bit of salt in a shallow dish This mix is what makes French toast taste and feel just right
Then, soak bread slices in the egg mix, making sure both sides get covered. Heat a bit of butter in a pan over medium heat. Place the bread in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side7. You want it to be golden and crispy outside
- Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow dish.
- Dip bread slices in the mixture, coating both sides.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook bread for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
- Serve immediately with desired toppings.
It’s important to dip the bread fast to avoid it getting soggy. Cook on medium heat for a golden-brown outside Serve the french toast right away. If it gets cold, warm it up in a 200°F oven
Secret Tips for Creating the Perfect Batter
To make the best French toast, focus on the batter. Use a blender for a smooth batter. Adding a bit of flour makes it thicker and fluffier
For great taste, add real vanilla and fresh cinnamon
Achieving the Right Consistency
The batter should cover the bread well but not too much. Try different milks for more richness Adding nutmeg or bourbon can also enhance flavor
Flavor Enhancement Techniques
Make your French toast special by adding savory ingredients. Try Parmesan cheese, parsley, or mushroom powder Fry the bread for 2-3 minutes on each side for a crispy outside
Best Bread Choices and Preparation Methods
Selection of bread is a prime importance for a perfect French toast recipe11. Some recommended thick-sliced white breads, challah, brioche, Texas toast, or French bread make for a good breakfast item12. For making perfect French toast, some recommend using brioche, challah, ciabatta, sourdough, French bread, or good sandwich bread12.
Slightly stale bread is perfect because it soaks up the custard well without falling apart11. Cut the bread into 3/4 to 1-inch thick slices for the best results11. Soaking time varies, but challah or brioche need about 15 seconds per side. White sandwich bread can soak for up to 1 minute per side11. Don’t soak too long to avoid a soggy texture.
Finding the right balance is crucial. You want the bread to soak up the custard but not get too wet. With the right bread and soaking time, you’ll make the most delicious French toast ever
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
French toast is a yummy breakfast dish. It’s great for trying new toppings and ways to serve it You can use maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, whipped cream, and fresh berries. There are so many choices
Classic Topping Combinations
Try maple syrup and butter on your French toast for a classic taste Powdered sugar or honey adds sweetness . For something different, add Nutella or fruit preserves
Creative Garnish Ideas
Make your French toast fun with whipped cream, nuts, or granola . Fresh berries, bananas, or chocolate sauce can make it even better
Seasonal Fruit Pairings
Use fruits that are in season to make your French toast special In fall, try apples or pears with cinnamon . Summer brings berries or pineapple salsa . Winter is for figs or citrus compotes
French toast is very flexible. Try different breads like brioche or Hawaiian bread for new tastes. Don’t worry about trying new toppings. Your creativity is the only limit
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
For french toast recipe, planning ahead is the thing. It makes a difference for that special breakfast or brunch. Having make-ahead options and storage tips makes it easier
To store leftover French toast, cool it first. Then, put in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days. Another option is freezing it. Cool it down, flash freeze on a baking sheet, then bag for 3 months
Heat frozen French toast in 325°F oven for 7-15 minutes.
Make the batter up to 24 hours in advance for a make-ahead breakfast. That saves you on the big day. Cooked french toast may be kept warm in a 250°F oven up to 30 minutes
Variations and Dietary Adaptations
The classic french toast recipe can be easily adapted to fit different diets and tastes. You can make it dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan. There are many tasty options to try
Dairy-Free Alternatives
For a dairy-free version, use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of regular milk. These plant-based milks work great in the custard base. They make the french toast creamy and flavorful
Gluten-Free Options
Use gluten-free bread or prepare a flourless batter. Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or ground nuts. Thus, you can enjoy this tasty gluten-free french toast
If you want to make it egg-free, use 1/3 cup of cornstarch or skip the eggs. To prepare vegan french toast, you can use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers like flax or chickpea flour
Try adding spices such as cinnamon or gingerbread to the batter. You can also add sweet ingredients like raisins or banana. These make the french toast unique and tasty
French toast is versatile, perfect for dietary needs or just to try something new. It’s a beloved breakfast dish that can be enjoyed in many ways
Recipe | Bread | Custard Base | Bake Time | Servings |
---|---|---|---|---|
Classic French Toast | Sourdough | 8 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 Tbsp. vanilla | 1 hour at 350 degrees, or 45 minutes for softer texture | 12 large servings |
Vegan French Toast | Stale bread | Ground chia seeds, plant-based milk | 20 minutes | Varies |
By trying different variations, you can make french toast fit your needs and tastes. It’s a versatile breakfast dish that everyone can enjoy
How to Make French Toast:
Combine all the ingredients, excluding the bread, in a blender or shallow dish and stir until well mixed.
Coat the Bread: Immerse each slice of bread in the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated.
Cook: Lay the bread on a hot, greased griddle or large skillet and cook each side for a few minutes until it turns golden brown.
Serve: Enjoy this simple French toast warm, paired with homemade syrup and a side of fresh berries.
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Nutrition Facts
8 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories219
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
11g
17%
- Saturated Fat 5.2g 25%
- Trans Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 129mg 43%
- Sodium 237mg 10%
- Potassium 96mg 3%
- Total Carbohydrate
23g
8%
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g 4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 7.3g 15%
- Vitamin C 10%
- Iron 1.7%
- Vitamin D 0.7%
- Vitamin B6 5%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.