This Best French Toast Recipe is a breakfast favorite! Soft bread soaked in a delicious egg mixture makes every bite fluffy and tasty. Topped with syrup or fresh fruit, yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Large eggs are key for a rich custard. If you’re vegan or allergic, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or a store-bought egg replacer to get a similar texture.
Milk: Whole milk gives the best creaminess. You can swap it with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free option. Each variant adds its unique flavor which can be a fun twist!
Bread: Thick bread like brioche or challah is ideal because it soaks up the egg mix without falling apart. If you want a lighter option, whole grain bread or even bagels can work, but the texture will be different.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances flavor. For variety, try nutmeg or pumpkin spice to give it a seasonal touch. Just half a teaspoon can change up the taste!
Maple Syrup: While maple syrup is a classic choice, honey or agave syrup works just as well. For a fruity option, try drizzling with berry syrup.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked French Toast?
The trick to great French toast is all about soaking and cooking. Make sure to fully immerse the bread in the egg mixture without letting it sit too long, or it’ll get too soggy. Here’s how to nail it:
- Whisk the egg mixture well for an even blend of flavors.
- Dip each slice, coating both sides, but let excess drip off before cooking.
- Use medium heat. Too hot will burn the outside before the inside cooks.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; this helps achieve a nice golden brown.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time—2-3 minutes per side usually works well.
Your first couple of pieces might not be perfect, but that’s just part of learning! Enjoy the process and have a delicious breakfast ahead!
Best French Toast Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Cooking:
- 8 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah preferred)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Optional: powdered sugar and fresh berries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious French toast recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. So, in about 30-35 minutes, you can enjoy a warm, fluffy breakfast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is mixed well. This will be your flavorful soaking mixture.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take each slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure both sides are coated nicely, but let the excess mixture drip off before moving to the next slice. This way, the bread won’t be too soggy!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Next, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt until it’s bubbling. The butter gives a lovely flavor to the French toast!
4. Cook the French Toast:
Now, place 2-4 slices of the soaked bread into the skillet (the number will depend on how big your skillet is). Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. If the butter wears out, feel free to add a bit more for the next batch!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once all the slices are cooked, serve them hot. Drizzle with maple syrup and, if you’d like, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top. Fresh berries make a lovely garnish too. Enjoy your tasty French toast!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but the texture will still be delicious. Use the same amount as specified in the recipe.
What Bread Works Best for French Toast?
While brioche and challah are fantastic choices due to their thickness and sweetness, you can also use sourdough, Texas toast, or even stale bread. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the egg mixture without falling apart!
Can I Make the Egg Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the egg mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good whisk before using, as some of the ingredients may settle.
How to Reheat Leftover French Toast?
To reheat, simply place the slices in a toaster, toaster oven, or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds, but they may lose some texture. Serve with more syrup for an extra treat!
