There’s something just so comforting about homemade French toast, isn’t there? It’s one of those breakfast dishes that feels fancy, but it’s actually super easy to whip up. In my house, French toast has saved us on more than a few busy mornings. With three kids running around, sometimes we just need something quick, but still feels like a treat. French toast is the answer every time. I’ve made it for Saturday brunch, quick weekday breakfasts, even those chaotic mornings when everyone’s late—French toast always delivers!
And my kids love it. Each one has their own way they like it, too. My oldest loves hers with a ton of powdered sugar and strawberries. My son? He’s all about the syrup and bananas. And the youngest? She’s a cinnamon girl all the way. It’s funny how a simple dish like this can bring everyone together at the table, no matter how crazy the day is.
What is French Toast?
French toast is basically slices of bread dipped in an egg mixture, then cooked until golden and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. It’s been around forever, too—like, literally, people have been making versions of French toast since ancient Rome. How cool is that? These days, it’s loved all over the world, and there are so many ways to make it your own.
One of the best things about French toast is how versatile it is. You can use any bread you have—white, whole grain, sourdough, even leftover brioche if you’re feeling fancy. And the toppings? The sky’s the limit! Whether you’re into maple syrup, fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even something savory like cheese, French toast can be customized to fit whatever mood or craving you’re in. That’s why it’s so popular, I think—it can be sweet, savory, simple, or dressed up. It’s really up to you!
Related: Avocado Toast Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (white, whole grain, or your favorite)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind works—dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm, cozy touch)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, if you like it a bit sweeter)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil (for cooking)
Optional toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit (like strawberries or bananas)
- Whipped cream
Step-by-Step Guide to Making French Toast
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
Alright, let’s start by gathering everything you’ll need. You’ll want your basic ingredients—bread, eggs, and milk—but I like to add a little extra flavor. So, grab some vanilla extract if you have it (trust me, it makes a difference!), cinnamon for that warm spice, and maybe a tablespoon of sugar if you like it a little sweet. Oh, and don’t forget the butter for cooking! You can get creative and add a pinch of nutmeg too if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Now, let’s make that batter. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk ‘em up. Pour in the milk and keep whisking until it’s all smooth. If you’re using vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, or nutmeg, now’s the time to add it to the mixture. It should look like a creamy, slightly frothy blend. Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be perfect! My kids love to help with this part, even though we sometimes end up with a little mess on the counter (but hey, that’s part of the fun).
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Choosing the right bread makes a big difference! Thick-cut bread, like brioche or challah, is the best, but honestly, whatever you have will work. I’ve even used slightly stale bread when I’m trying to avoid waste, and it turns out great. The key here is not to soak the bread too long. Just dip each slice into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated on both sides. A few seconds should do it! You don’t want the bread to be too soggy or it won’t cook properly.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat up a pan or griddle on medium heat and toss in a little butter (or oil if you prefer). Once the butter melts and starts to bubble, it’s time to cook. Lay the dipped bread slices in the pan and cook them until they’re golden brown on each side. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side, but keep an eye on them—every stove is different. You want that perfect crispy outside while keeping it soft inside. My kids love watching the bread transform into French toast—it’s like magic!
Step 5: Serve Your French Toast
Serve your French toast hot, right out of the pan. We like to set up a little “topping bar” at the table with syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, and sometimes whipped cream (because, why not?). Everyone gets to choose their favorites. It’s those little things that make breakfast feel like an event at our house, even on the busiest mornings.
Tips for the Perfect French Toast
Choosing the Right Bread:
Thick-cut bread like brioche, challah, or sourdough is ideal. The thicker slices soak up just the right amount of egg mixture without getting too soggy. If the bread is a day or two old, even better! Slightly stale bread holds up much better during cooking.
Making It Extra Fluffy:
Want your French toast to be fluffy and light? Try adding a splash of cream instead of milk or whisking the eggs until they’re nice and frothy. It gives the toast a bit more volume.
Avoiding Soggy French Toast:
The key to avoiding soggy French toast is not letting the bread sit too long in the batter. Just a quick dip on each side and straight to the pan. Also, make sure your pan is hot enough before you add the bread—it should sizzle a little when the toast hits the butter!
Common French Toast Variations
Stuffed French Toast:
Feeling adventurous? Try stuffing your French toast! Spread some cream cheese or Nutella between two slices of bread, dip them in the batter, and cook as usual. It’s like a little surprise with every bite.
Savory French Toast:
Who says French toast has to be sweet? Try making a savory version by skipping the sugar and vanilla and adding some herbs and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. It pairs perfectly with a side of bacon or veggies.
Baked French Toast:
If you’re feeding a crowd, baked French toast is a lifesaver. You can prep everything the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning. It’s basically a French toast casserole and makes mornings so much easier—perfect for family brunches!
And there you have it! Whether you’re making it for a quick breakfast, a lazy weekend brunch, or a special occasion, French toast is a dish that never disappoints.
FAQs
Can I make French toast with any type of bread?
Absolutely! While thick-cut breads like brioche, challah, and sourdough are ideal because they soak up the batter well, you can use any bread you have on hand. Even slightly stale bread works great—it actually holds up better during cooking!
How do I keep my French toast from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy French toast, make sure you don’t soak the bread too long in the egg mixture. Just a quick dip on both sides will do the trick. Also, ensure your pan is hot before you add the bread. The sizzle when it hits the pan helps create that perfect crispy outside.
Can I make French toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can make French toast ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the toaster or oven to keep it nice and crispy. If you’re planning ahead for a crowd, baked French toast is a great option too.
Can I make a dairy-free version of French toast?
Definitely! You can substitute regular milk with any plant-based milk, like almond, oat, or soy milk. You can also use a dairy-free butter or oil for cooking.
What toppings go best with French toast?
The options are endless! Classic toppings include maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. If you want something indulgent, whipped cream or Nutella are great choices. You can also try savory toppings like cheese or bacon if you prefer a less sweet version.
Can I freeze French toast?
Yes, French toast freezes really well! After cooking, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the toaster or oven. Perfect for busy mornings!
Recipe Card for Easy French Toast
French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread white, whole grain, or brioche
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk dairy or plant-based
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon optional
- 1 tbsp sugar optional
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Optional Toppings: Maple syrup Powdered sugar, Fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, etc.)
Instructions
- 1. Gather Ingredients: Grab all your ingredients. If you like extra flavor, add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar.
- 2. Prepare the Batter: Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl until smooth.
- 3. Dip the Bread: Quickly dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Don’t soak too long to avoid sogginess!
- 4. Cook the French Toast: Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Cook each slice of bread for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- 5. Serve: Serve hot and top with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.
