French toast is a timeless breakfast favorite cherished for its warm, soft center and golden crisp edges. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that satisfies whether enjoyed plain or topped with something sweet or savory.
The beauty of French toast lies in its versatility. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday breakfast or an indulgent weekend brunch, French toast always hits the mark. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and family-friendly.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make French toast from scratch, with detailed instructions, creative variations, pro tips for success, and answers to common questions to help you master this beloved dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a basic but delicious French toast, gather the following ingredients:
- Thick slices of bread (day-old is best; brioche, challah, or Texas toast recommended)
- 2 to 3 large eggs
- ½ cup of milk (whole milk preferred, but almond or oat milk also work)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- Butter or oil (for greasing the pan)
Optional toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits (berries, banana slices), whipped cream, honey, jam, chocolate chips, or nuts.
These ingredients form the foundation of a perfect French toast. You can easily adjust quantities based on how many servings you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Egg Mixture
- Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl or pie dish.
- Add milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Whisk until everything is well blended.
Prepare Your Cooking Surface
- Place a skillet, griddle, or non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of butter or oil and allow it to melt, coating the surface evenly.
Dip the Bread
- Take one slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture.
- Let each side soak for a few seconds—enough to absorb the mixture but not too long that it becomes soggy.
Cook the French Toast
- Place the soaked bread slice onto the hot skillet.
- Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Flip and repeat for the other side.
- Continue with the remaining slices.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately while warm.
- Add your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fruit, or whipped cream.
Flavorful Variations to Try
French toast is highly customizable. Here are a few variations to enhance or change the flavor profile:
Stuffed French Toast
- Sandwich cream cheese, jam, Nutella, or peanut butter between two slices of bread before dipping.
- Cook as usual for a gooey, rich twist.
Savory French Toast
- Skip the cinnamon and vanilla.
- Add herbs, black pepper, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture.
- Serve with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or crispy bacon.
Brioche or Challah French Toast
- Use rich, egg-based breads like brioche or challah for a more decadent and tender bite.
- These types of bread hold the egg mixture well and offer luxurious texture.
Vegan French Toast
- Replace eggs with mashed bananas or a flaxseed-water mixture.
- Use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
- Add a dash of turmeric for a golden hue and warm spices like nutmeg for flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas to elevate your French toast presentation and flavor:
- Fruit Explosion: Top with a mix of berries, banana slices, and a drizzle of honey.
- Crispy Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pecans, or granola for added texture.
- Dessert Style: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or chocolate drizzle.
- Brunch Board: Arrange alongside eggs, sausage, bacon, and fresh juice for a complete meal.
Expert Tips for the Perfect French Toast
Use these proven tips to ensure success every time you make French toast:
- Use slightly stale bread: Fresh bread soaks up too much liquid and falls apart. Day-old bread provides better structure and texture.
- Let the bread soak briefly: Dip for just a few seconds on each side. Letting it soak too long can make it soggy.
- Cook on medium heat: This ensures the inside cooks through without burning the outside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to allow each slice to brown evenly.
- Wipe the skillet between batches: Remove burnt bits or excess butter for a clean surface every time.
- Use clarified butter or oil if preferred: Regular butter can burn; ghee or oil has a higher smoke point.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
French toast can be made ahead and stored for convenience. Here’s how:
- To refrigerate: Let slices cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Wrap cooked slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven.
- To reheat: Toast or warm in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- Overnight French Toast: For a hands-off option, prep a baked French toast casserole by soaking slices overnight and baking in the morning.
Conclusion
French toast is a beloved breakfast staple that combines ease, flavor, and versatility into one satisfying dish. With a few pantry staples and simple cooking steps, anyone can master the art of making it.
Whether you’re sticking to the classic version or exploring sweet, savory, or stuffed alternatives, there’s always a way to make French toast uniquely yours. It’s a meal that encourages creativity and brings comfort to every bite.
From cozy mornings at home to celebratory brunches with friends, French toast remains a reliable and delicious option for any occasion. Try out a few different toppings or mix-ins, and find the combination that speaks to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of bread to make French toast?
Yes! While thick, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or French bread work best, you can use almost any type. Even whole grain or gluten-free options can work well.
How can I make French toast ahead of time?
Prepare the egg mixture and soak the bread slices, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, cook the slices fresh, or bake them all together as a casserole.
Can I freeze leftover French toast?
Absolutely. Let the slices cool, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick and delicious breakfast anytime.
What are some creative toppings for French toast?
Go beyond syrup with toppings like berries, bananas, caramel sauce, whipped cream, yogurt, granola, or even crumbled bacon.
Why is my French toast soggy?
Sogginess often results from soaking the bread too long or using bread that’s too soft or fresh. Use stale, thick-cut bread and don’t let it soak more than a few seconds.
Is it okay to cook French toast in oil instead of butter?
Yes. Oil has a higher smoke point than butter and can help avoid burning. For the best of both worlds, use a mix of butter and oil.