French toast is a breakfast classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re preparing a special brunch or craving a comforting weekend meal, this Best French Toast Recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Made with thick slices of challah or brioche bread soaked in a rich custard, then cooked to perfection with crispy edges and a tender center, it’s an irresistible treat.

This recipe elevates French toast to new heights, with a rich combination of flavors that will leave you coming back for more. Perfect for a cozy family breakfast or a weekend brunch gathering, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French toast recipe offers a perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, custardy center. The use of challah or brioche bread makes it richer and more flavorful than regular bread, while the custard mixture made of half-and-half, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla adds warmth and sweetness. With easy-to-follow steps and a little bit of patience, you can create the best French toast that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 loaf Challah or Brioche Bread (cut into thick slices)

• 2 cups Half-n-Half or Heavy Cream

• 4 large Eggs

• 1/4 cup Sugar

• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

• Salted Butter (for cooking)

Directions

1. Start by slicing your challah or brioche bread into thick slices. If possible, use stale, day-old bread as it’s sturdier and can absorb more of the custard mixture.

2. Prepare the custard by whisking together the half-and-half (or heavy cream), eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. For an extra smooth texture, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to ensure the cinnamon fully blends into the mixture.

3. Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are fully soaked for about 20 seconds. Allow excess custard to drain off the bread.

4. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of butter. The butter is key to achieving a golden brown, crispy exterior.

5. Cook each slice of French toast for about 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. If the exterior is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to low.

6. Serve immediately with powdered sugar, a pat of salted butter, and real maple syrup for a perfect finish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

1. Maple Syrup + Butter: Classic and comforting, with a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

2. Strawberries + Cream: Top with fresh strawberries and homemade sweet whipped cream for a fruity twist.

3. Chocolate + Cream: Dark chocolate shavings paired with whipped cream will satisfy any chocolate lover.

4. Ricotta + Pistachio + Orange: A sophisticated topping of sweetened ricotta cream, fresh orange zest, and pistachios (you can even add chocolate shavings for extra indulgence).

5. Mascarpone + Berries: Top with sweetened mascarpone and fresh berries or a berry syrup for a light, creamy alternative.

Storage/Reheating

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a skillet over medium heat to bring back the crispiness, or pop them in the microwave if you’re in a rush. For extra crunch, consider reheating in the oven or a toaster oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make French toast without cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream with milk for a lighter version. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Day-old bread absorbs the custard mixture better without falling apart. However, if fresh bread is all you have, just make sure to soak it for a little longer.

How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?

Make sure to dip the bread into the custard just enough to soak it, but don’t leave it in too long. Also, cooking it on medium-low heat ensures the custard inside is fully cooked without the exterior becoming soggy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread to make this recipe gluten-free.

What other bread can I use besides challah or brioche?

While challah or brioche are the best options for their soft, fluffy texture, you can also use French bread, sourdough, or any thick-cut bread that can hold up to the custard mixture.

How do I make French toast extra crispy?

To make your French toast extra crispy, make sure your pan is well-heated, and use enough butter. Cooking over medium-low heat helps prevent the bread from burning before it gets crispy.

Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good whisk before using.

Can I freeze French toast?

Yes, you can freeze cooked French toast. Once it has cooled completely, place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to an airtight container. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or oven.

Can I add spices to the custard mixture?

Absolutely! You can experiment with spices like nutmeg, cloves, or even a dash of cardamom for extra flavor. Just be careful not to overpower the cinnamon.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the eggs with a flax egg or another egg substitute and using almond milk or coconut milk in place of the cream. Vegan butter can replace the regular butter for cooking.

Conclusion

This Best French Toast Recipe is a delightful twist on a breakfast classic. With a rich, custardy interior and a perfectly crisped exterior, it’s a treat that can be customized with any topping you like. Whether you’re sticking with traditional maple syrup and butter or experimenting with whipped cream and fresh fruit, this French toast is sure to become a family favorite. Easy, versatile, and delicious—what more could you ask for in a breakfast?