If you’re searching for the best French toast that’s crispy on the outside, dreamily custardy in the middle, and full of warm flavor, your quest stops here! This classic recipe will quickly earn a spot among your favorite breakfasts—especially with its irresistible cinnamon-scented aroma and luscious drizzle of maple syrup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: Fragrant cinnamon and a hint of orange take the custard to new heights, infusing every bite of The Best French Toast with cozy warmth.
- Perfectly Custardy Center: Using thick, slightly stale bread gives you a tender middle that soaks up the egg mixture without turning soggy.
- Simple Ingredients, Show-Stopping Results: With pantry staples and a few optional upgrades, you’ll have a breakfast that feels special any day of the week.
- Super Versatile: This recipe is easy to adapt for different tastes, toppings, and occasions—it’s impossible to get bored!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few kitchen staples to make The Best French Toast, but don’t underestimate their magic! Each ingredient plays a key role in creating French toast that’s golden, flavorful, and deliciously fluffy in the middle.
- Eggs: The backbone of your custard; they create structure and give French toast its signature richness.
- Milk: Adds just the right amount of creaminess, blending perfectly with eggs for a silky batter.
- Cinnamon: Invites warmth and aroma—don’t skip it, it’s the heart of classic French toast flavor.
- Thick Slices of Day-Old Bread: Slightly dry bread means maximum custard absorption without falling apart; brioche or challah is fantastic, but any hearty loaf will work!
- Butter (or Vegetable Oil): For that golden, crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth finish—there’s nothing quite like butter for frying here.
- Maple Syrup: The sweet, sticky finishing touch that soaks right into those warm slices.
- Optional—Freshly Grated Orange Zest: Adds brightness and a hint of citrus for a modern twist on The Best French Toast.
- Optional—Triple Sec: This orange liqueur gives a grown-up depth of flavor, but you can leave it out for a kid-friendly version.
- Optional—Fresh Berries: For a burst of color and fresh sweetness that instantly makes breakfast feel like a celebration.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe? You can make it totally your own! Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or simply in the mood for something a little different, The Best French Toast can be adjusted in countless delicious ways.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like oat, almond, or coconut) and use oil instead of butter for a totally dairy-free dish.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Use a gluten-free loaf or slices of sturdy gluten-free bread and follow the recipe as written.
- Stuffed French Toast: Spread one slice with sweetened cream cheese or Nutella, sandwich with another, and cook as directed—hello, brunch centerpiece!
- Savory Twist: Omit the cinnamon and orange, then whisk in a touch of fresh herbs and grated cheese for a gorgeous, savory French toast you can serve for lunch or dinner.
How to Make The Best French Toast
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Crack your eggs into a medium bowl, add the milk and cinnamon, and give everything a good whisk until beautifully blended. If you want a hint of citrus brightness or a subtle orange liqueur aroma, now is the time to whisk in the orange zest and triple sec. Pour the custard into a shallow dish wide enough to fit the bread slices comfortably.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Lay your thick, slightly stale bread into the custard, pressing down gently so each side soaks up just enough of that eggy goodness. Give each slice a little time—about 20-30 seconds per side—so it’s saturated but not falling apart. The goal is a pillowy center, never a soggy mess.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat a generous pat of butter (or a splash of oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the soaked bread, letting each side fry until gorgeously golden and slightly crispy—usually 2-3 minutes per side. Resist the urge to crowd the pan for the best results!
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Transfer your French toast to a warm plate, pile it high, and adorn with more butter, a generous pour of maple syrup, and fresh berries if you’re feeling fancy. Gather everyone around—it’s time to experience The Best French Toast in all its glory!
Pro Tips for Making The Best French Toast
- Bread Matters Most: Choose thick slices of slightly stale bread—day-old brioche or challah will soak up the custard and hold their shape for that perfect creamy center.
- Whisk for Velvet: Make sure to whisk your egg mixture thoroughly until it’s completely uniform; little streaks of egg can lead to uneven texture in your final toast.
- Mind the Heat: Medium-high heat is your friend—too hot and the outside will burn before the center cooks; too low and you’ll miss out on deep golden color.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give each slice room to fry; this ensures crispy edges and even browning every single time.
How to Serve The Best French Toast
Garnishes
The Best French Toast truly shines with the right garnishes! Classic pats of salted butter and a drizzle of real maple syrup are a must, but don’t stop there—shower your toast with powdered sugar, scatter on fresh berries, or even add a dollop of whipped cream for a brunch-worthy finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve The Best French Toast alongside crisp bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast. For a lighter touch, pair with a tangy fruit salad, thick Greek yogurt, or a simple smoothie. The balance of flavors will make your breakfast feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation: try stacking slices into a dazzling tower, cutting them into “sticks” for dipping (kids love this!), or arranging them on a serving platter with bowls of toppings for guests to build their own masterpieces. Bonus points for a dusting of cinnamon or a sprig of fresh mint!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra slices (lucky you!), store cooled French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Layer parchment between the slices to keep them from sticking together, so you can easily grab what you need.
Freezing
The Best French Toast freezes beautifully! Arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zipper bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and make weekday breakfasts feel extra special.
Reheating
Reheat your French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 8 minutes) for crisp edges. In a pinch, use the microwave, but just know the texture will be softer—not a dealbreaker when you’re in a hurry!
FAQs
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Can I use any type of bread for French toast?
Technically yes, but for The Best French Toast, you’ll get the best results with thick, hearty slices—think brioche, challah, or country bread. Day-old bread absorbs the custard beautifully without falling apart.
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How do I keep my French toast from getting soggy?
Use slightly stale bread, soak each slice just until saturated (not drenched), and always fry over medium-high heat until the outside is golden and crisp. These tips will help you achieve that perfect creamy—but never soggy—center.
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Can I make The Best French Toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! French toast is perfect for make-ahead breakfasts. Cook as directed, let cool, then refrigerate or freeze. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for the best texture.
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What are the best toppings for this recipe?
Classic maple syrup and butter are always a hit, but don’t hesitate to pile on fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts. The Best French Toast loves to play dress-up!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try The Best French Toast and experience just how magical a simple breakfast can be. Gather your loved ones, give yourself permission to add those indulgent toppings, and savor every bite of this classic made at home. Happy breakfasting, friends!
Print
The Best French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast comfort food with this recipe for the best French toast. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, this French toast is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest (optional)
- 1/4 cup triple sec (optional)
French Toast:
- 8 thick slices 2-day-old bread (slightly stale)
- Butter or vegetable oil for frying
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries for topping
Instructions
- Make the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Add orange zest and/or triple sec if desired. Whisk until well blended.
- Soak the bread slices: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak.
- Fry the French toast: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook bread slices until golden brown on each side.
- Serve: Enjoy hot French toast with butter, maple syrup, and fresh berries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: 59g
- Saturated Fat: Not provided
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: Not provided
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: Not provided
