Whip up the perfect French Toast with eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and butter. Crispy, golden, and ready in 30 minutes for the ultimate breakfast treat.
Okay, let’s talk French toast. You know how some breakfasts feel more like a chore than a treat? (I’m looking at you, cereal.) French toast is the opposite. It’s indulgent, comforting, and just a little fancy without being pretentious.
I still remember the first time I tried to make it. I was maybe 12, home alone on a summer morning, and thought I was a culinary genius. I found a loaf of bread, a carton of eggs, and vaguely remembered my mom saying, “Dip it, fry it, and you’ve got French toast.” Spoiler: I burned it to a crisp. My entire kitchen smelled like regret.
Years later, I finally cracked the code. The secret? A custardy soak and patience. (Who knew flipping too soon was a rookie mistake?) Now, it’s my go-to breakfast for lazy weekends or when I want the house to smell like a cozy café. And honestly, it’s so forgiving. If a tween me could almost pull it off, you can too.
Why You’ll Love This French Toast Recipe?
Here’s the deal: this French toast is crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside. It’s sweet enough to feel like a treat but not so sweet it can’t pair with bacon. (Balance, right?) The best part? You probably already have the ingredients—eggs, milk, bread. It’s like breakfast magic waiting in your fridge. Plus, it takes 30 minutes tops. Who’s got time for complicated in the morning? Not me.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break it down. These aren’t just ingredients—they’re the building blocks of breakfast greatness.
- Eggs: The base for that custardy soak. Fresh eggs make all the difference. (Ever cracked one with a bright orange yolk? Chef’s kiss.)
- Milk: Full-fat is where it’s at, but hey, almond milk works if that’s your thing. I’ve even used half-and-half in a pinch. It was decadent—like dessert for breakfast.
- Sugar: Optional, but I always add a pinch. Life’s too short to skip sweetness.
- Cinnamon: This is where the magic happens. It’s warm, cozy, and smells like everything good about fall.
- Vanilla Essence: Just a dash turns the whole thing from “meh” to “wow.” Seriously, don’t skip it.
- Bread: Day-old bread is best. Brioche, challah, or even sourdough if you’re feeling fancy. If all you’ve got is sandwich bread, that works too.
- Butter: For frying, flavor, and those crispy edges. Margarine doesn’t cut it, trust me.
Pro Tip: If your bread is too fresh, pop it in the toaster for a bit before dipping. Stale-ish bread soaks better and holds up during frying.
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How To Make French Toast?
- Mix Your Magic Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 eggs and 1 cup of milk. Want extra flavor? Toss in 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla. It’ll smell so good, you might be tempted to drink it. (Don’t. Trust me.) - Heat the Pan
Melt a pat of butter—about ½ teaspoon—in a frying pan over medium heat. If it’s sizzling but not smoking, you’re golden. Literally. - Dip and Soak
Take two slices of bread and dunk them in your custard mix. Let them hang out for 30 seconds on each side. You want them soaked but not falling apart. - Cook Like a Pro
Place the bread in your pan and cook for about 5 minutes per side. Medium to medium-low heat is your friend here—too hot, and you’ll burn it; too low, and you’ll get soggy toast. Flip gently. We’re making breakfast, not wrestling pancakes. - Check and Serve
Press the center lightly with a spatula. If it springs back, you’re good to go. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of butter, or, if you’re feeling extra, a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage Options:
Leftovers? (Does that even happen with French toast?) If by some miracle you have extra, stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to keep that crispiness intact. For longer storage, freeze individual slices with
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Let’s shake things up:
- Bread: Use brioche, challah, or sourdough for a gourmet twist. Even banana bread works if you’re feeling wild.
- Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk are all great dairy-free options.
- Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Pair with avocado or a fried egg.
- Spices: Nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice can give it seasonal vibes.
What to Serve with French Toast?
French toast is basically a blank canvas. Here’s how to dress it up:
- Fruit: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or caramelized apples.
- Protein: Crispy bacon, sausage links, or even smoked salmon for a savory vibe.
- Toppings: Maple syrup, whipped cream, Nutella, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Go crazy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make French toast ahead of time?
Totally. You can refrigerate or freeze it, then reheat when you’re ready. Just don’t microwave—it turns the toast into a soggy mess.
What’s the best bread for French toast?
Brioche and challah are my top picks for their richness. But day-old sandwich bread works too. It’s all about soaking up that custard without falling apart.
Can I skip the sugar or cinnamon?
Of course! The recipe is super flexible. Go savory or swap in your favorite spices. It’s your breakfast—own it.
French toast isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. It’s the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, the crispy edges, and the soft, custardy center. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that loaf of bread and let’s make some breakfast magic. And hey, let me know how it turns out—I’m dying to hear if you put your own twist on it!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Eggs
- 1 Cup Milk
- 2 teaspoons Sugar optional
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon optional
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence optional
- 8 Slices Bread
- Butter for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl combine 3 eggs and 1 cup of milk. If you prefer you can include 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Next, heat a frying pan over medium heat and add half a teaspoon of butter.
- Take two slices of bread. Dip them into the egg mixture for 30 seconds, on each side.
- Now place the bread slices in the pan. Cook them for 5 minutes on each side over medium to medium-low heat. Keep an eye, on them to avoid burning.
- To check if the toast is done gently press its center. If it springs back it means it's cooked through. Repeat this process with the remaining slices of bread.
- Finally, serve your French Toast with some maple syrup. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!