Homemade French Toast Recipe

Want to make restaurant-style French toast at home? This foolproof French toast recipe creates perfectly golden, crispy-on-the-outside, custardy-on-the-inside slices that will transform your breakfast game. Whether you're cooking for a quiet weekend morning or feeding a crowd, this classic French toast recipe delivers amazing results every time.

Why This French Toast Recipe Works

There's something magical about biting into a perfectly made slice of French toast. This recipe takes ordinary bread and transforms it into a breakfast masterpiece that's crispy around the edges, tender in the middle, and infused with warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Best of all, you can make it using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

This recipe works beautifully for both intimate breakfast settings and larger gatherings. You can easily scale it up for a crowd or prepare it as a romantic breakfast for two. The versatility doesn't stop there – try it in the air fryer for extra crispiness, bake it in a sheet pan for hands-off cooking, or transform it into fun French toast sticks that kids love.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Homemade Syrup Recipe
• Cooking Methods and Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top Tip
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Homemade French Toast Recipe

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 8 thick slices of day-old bread (artisan bread, brioche, or French bread work best)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter for cooking

For Serving:

• Pure maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Why These Ingredients Matter

The success of your French toast largely depends on your choice of bread. Day-old bread works best because its slightly dried-out texture helps it absorb the custard mixture without falling apart. Artisan bread, brioche, or French bread are ideal choices due to their sturdy structure and ability to hold up during cooking.

Using whole milk or half-and-half creates a richer custard than lower-fat alternatives. The combination of vanilla and cinnamon provides that classic French toast flavor, while a touch of sugar in the custard mixture helps create a beautifully caramelized exterior.

Instructions

Prepare the Custard Mixture

1. In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Make sure there are no streaks of egg white visible in the mixture.

Soak the Bread

1. Place a slice of bread in the custard mixture.
2. Let it soak for 20-30 seconds per side, allowing it to absorb the mixture but not become soggy.
3. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drips.

Cook the French Toast

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Add butter and let it melt until it starts to bubble but doesn't brown.
3. Place 2-3 soaked bread slices in the pan (don't overcrowd).
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Transfer to a warm oven (200°F) while cooking remaining slices.

Homemade Syrup Recipe

While maple syrup is traditional, try this quick homemade syrup for something special:

1. Combine 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup water, and ¼ cup butter in a saucepan
2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes
4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5. Let cool slightly before serving

Cooking Methods and Variations

• Classic Pan Method

The traditional stovetop method described above gives you the most control over achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.

• Baked French Toast

For feeding a crowd:

1. Arrange soaked bread in a buttered 9x13 baking dish
2. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes
3. Flip pieces halfway through for even browning

• Air Fryer French Toast

1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F
2. Cook in single layers for 4-5 minutes per side
3. Perfect for extra crispy results

• Sheet Pan French Toast

1. Arrange pieces on a buttered sheet pan
2. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes
3. Flip halfway through

Equipment

Basic Equipment :

• Large skillet or griddle (12-inch size works best)
• Shallow wide bowl for the custard mixture (pie dish works perfectly)
• Whisk for beating eggs and mixing custard
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack
• Baking sheet (for catching drips and keeping cooked pieces warm)
• Spatula for flipping

Optional but Helpful Tools :

• Electric griddle - Perfect for making multiple slices at once
• Air fryer - For extra crispy results
• 9x13 Baking dish - For baked French toast variations
• Instant-read thermometer - To ensure proper cooking temperature
• Sheet pan - For large batch cooking
• Stand mixer with whisk attachment - For perfectly beaten custard mixture

Equipment Tips

• A heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle provides the most even heating
• Non-stick surfaces make flipping and cleanup easier
• If using a standard skillet, cast iron or stainless steel both work well
• An electric griddle with temperature control helps maintain consistent heat
• A wide, shallow bowl makes dipping bread slices easier than a deep bowl

Storage

• Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Freeze cooked French toast for up to 2 months
• Reheat in a toaster, oven (350°F for 10 minutes), or air fryer (370°F for 3-4 minutes)

FAQ

Whether you're making this French toast recipe for a quiet weekend breakfast or a special brunch gathering, these tips and techniques will help you create perfect results every time. The versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to your preferred cooking method and customize it with your favorite toppings.

Give it a try and discover why this might become your new favorite breakfast recipe!
Check out our Avocado Toast with Poached Egg Recipe for more savoury Toast meal prep ideas for breakfast.

Related

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Pairing

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