Description
This easy French toast recipe creates golden, crispy breakfast perfection using simple ingredients. Perfect for family breakfasts, weekend brunches, or special occasions. The secret is choosing quality bread and mastering the custard-to-bread ratio for restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients
8 thick slices brioche or challah bread, preferably day-old
6 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pure maple syrup for serving
Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Whisk eggs in large shallow bowl until well combined
2. Add milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to eggs
3. Whisk mixture until smooth and well blended
4. Heat cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat
5. Add 1 tablespoon butter to pan and let melt
6. Dip bread slice in custard mixture, allowing 20-30 seconds per side to soak
7. Place soaked bread in hot skillet, cook 2-3 minutes until golden brown
8. Flip carefully with spatula, cook additional 1-2 minutes until golden
9. Transfer to serving plate and keep warm in 200°F oven if making multiple batches
10. Repeat process with remaining bread slices, adding more butter as needed
11. Serve immediately with maple syrup, fresh berries, and powdered sugar
Notes
Use day-old bread for best texture – it absorbs custard without becoming soggy
Don’t oversoak the bread or it will fall apart during cooking
Cook on medium heat to ensure golden exterior and fully cooked interior
Keep finished French toast warm in low oven while preparing remaining slices
For dairy-free version, substitute with almond milk or coconut milk
Recipe can be doubled for larger crowds
Leftover French toast can be stored in refrigerator for 2-3 days
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 342
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 385mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 186mg