Homemade French Toast Recipe

This classic French toast recipe creates golden-brown slices that are crispy on the outside and perfectly custardy inside. Using simple pantry ingredients and day-old bread, you'll master restaurant-style French toast in just 25 minutes. Perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts or special brunches!

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American, French-inspired

Keyword: French Toast

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings:

Calories: 290kcal

Cost: $8-$10

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

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)

Instructions

1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

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

2: Soak the Bread

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

3: Cook the French Toast

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

Notes

Use slightly stale bread - fresh bread can become too soggy
Don't soak the bread too long - 20-30 seconds per side is plenty
Keep cooked pieces warm in a 200°F oven while preparing the rest
Use real vanilla extract for the best flavor
Let the custard-soaked bread rest on a rack briefly before cooking to prevent soggy centers

Nutrition