French Toast Recipe

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of French toast sizzling on the skillet—it’s a breakfast that promises a cozy, indulgent start to your day with just the right dash of nostalgia and sweetness.

There is nothing better than commencing my day with French toast. French toast starts with a blend of 4 large eggs, a dash of vanilla extract, and a touch of cinnamon, and from there, it becomes a base for any number of flavorful variations.

Whole milk and brioche give me a breakfast that is impossibly tasty and packed with nutritional goodness.

French Toast Recipe Ingredients

• Eggs: Rich in protein, they provide structure to the dish.
• Whole Milk: Provides creaminess and adds richness to the custard.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses a sweet, aromatic flavor into the dish.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness, enhancing the bread’s flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Offers a warm and spicy depth to the taste.
• Bread: Serves as the base; soaks up the custard wonderfully.
• Butter: Used for cooking, it adds richness and a golden finish.
• Maple Syrup: Complements with sweet, natural flavor for serving.

French Toast Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 slices of bread (brioche, challah, or white bread works well)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Optional: powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream for garnish

How to Make this French Toast Recipe

1. In a shallow bowl or baking dish, blend the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until completely mixed and smooth.

2. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, letting it melt and cover the surface.

3. Each slice of bread should be dipped into the egg mixture. Both sides must be soaked, but the bread should not be overly saturated.

4. Place the soaked bread slices in the hot skillet in a single layer; do not crowd. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and just crisp at the edges.

5. While the French toast is cooking, make sure the butter in the pan is sufficient to keep the cooking surface non-stick and to provide tasty richness in the final dish.

6. Move the prepared French toast slices to a plate that is warm and cover them loosely with some foil so they stay warm. A friendly tip: I like to put the cooked French toast in a pan that is on low heat, to keep them warm as I prepare all the servings. Foil will also do the trick!

7. Dip and cook the other bread slices the same way, using more butter in the skillet as needed.

8. Once all the slices of French toast are ready, place them onto serving plates.

9. Serve the French toast with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and enjoy it warm.

10. If you want to take things a step further, dust with powdered sugar, add a few fresh berries on top, or smear some whipped cream on them—and then go ahead and indulge yourself. They’re not just good for breakfast; I could eat these any time of day. They’re that good.

French Toast Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Shallow bowl or baking dish
2. Whisk or fork
3. Nonstick skillet or griddle
4. Spatula
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Plate for keeping prepared French toast warm
7. Foil for covering
8. Serving plates

Optional:
– Sifter or shaker for powdered sugar
– Serving dish for berries and whipped cream

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of milk?A: Yes, you can substitute whole milk with any milk you prefer, such as 2%, almond, or soy milk; though they won’t change the flavor or texture much, it will be a slight change.
• Q: What kind of bread is best for French toast?A: Due to their rich texture, brioche and challah are popular selections. However, any stale or sturdy white bread will work well.
• Q: How can I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?A: Make sure the bread is not too thin and let it soak just until saturated, without falling apart. Thick slices of stale bread can also help.
• Q: Is it necessary to add sugar to the egg mixture?While it is fine to leave it out, sugar adds a lovely sweetness to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount to taste or leave it out if you prefer your dish unsweetened.
• Q: Can I make French toast ahead of time?A: You can keep cooked French toast warm in a low oven or reheat it in either the oven or on a skillet when it’s time to serve. So, yes, you can keep it warm or reheat it.
• Q: What are some good toppings for French toast?A: Classic maple syrup works well, but feel free to use powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a spread of nut butter.
• Q: Is it possible to freeze French toast?A: Yes, you can freeze cooked French toast. First, lay the slices on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer until the slices are frozen. Then, transfer the slices to a zip-top bag. To reheat, use a toaster or an oven.

French Toast Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Almond milk, soy milk, or any other milk alternative can take the place of whole milk for a dairy-free option.
Vanilla extract: Substitute almond extract to create a different flavor profile.
Sugar, in granulated form: An equal substitution of honey or maple syrup can be made for a natural sweetener.
Cinnamon in its ground state: Swap out nutmeg for a distinct spiciness.
Brioche, challah, or white bread: Use whole-grain bread for a healthier alternative; sourdough offers a tangy twist.

Pro Tips

1. Bread Thickness Matters Use slices of bread that are about 3/4 to 1 inch thick for the best texture. Thicker slices will absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy, resulting in a perfectly soft and fluffy interior.

2. Stale Bread is Ideal Slightly stale bread works best for French toast, as it will soak up the egg mixture without becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, try leaving it uncovered for a few hours or lightly toasting it to dry it out before dipping.

3. Rest After Dipping After soaking the bread in the egg mixture, let it rest for about a minute on a rack. This helps any excess liquid to drip off and allows for even absorption, resulting in more evenly cooked French toast.

4. Temperature Control Keep an eye on your skillet’s heat level. Medium-low is often better than medium-high, as it allows the bread to cook through without burning the outside. Adjust the temperature as needed to achieve a golden brown finish without scorching.

5. Flavor Enhancements Add a pinch of nutmeg or a drop of almond extract to the egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor. These subtle additions can complement the existing cinnamon and vanilla notes beautifully.