Classic French Toast [25 Minutes] (2024)

Classic French Toast is a beloved breakfast dish that transforms simple bread into a delicious, golden-brown treat. With its crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior, French toast is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special breakfast occasion. Topped with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love classic French toast for its rich, comforting flavors and the ease of preparation. The recipe requires basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen and can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this French toast recipe delivers consistently delicious results that everyone will enjoy.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Use thick bread: Thick slices of sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
• Stale bread works best: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better and holds up well during cooking.
• Don’t over-soak: Soak the bread just until it’s saturated but not falling apart.
• Medium heat: Cook the French toast over medium heat to ensure it cooks through without burning.
• Butter and oil: Use a combination of butter and oil for frying to prevent the butter from burning and to achieve a golden-brown crust.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

• Cinnamon-sugar French toast: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of sugar to the egg mixture for a sweeter, spiced version.
• Stuffed French toast: Spread cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves between two slices of bread before dipping in the egg mixture.
• Vanilla almond: Substitute almond extract for half of the vanilla extract for a nutty flavor.
• Dairy-free option: Use almond milk, soy milk, or another dairy-free alternative in place of regular milk.
• Savory twist: Omit the sugar and vanilla, and add a pinch of salt, pepper, and herbs for a savory version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve classic French toast hot, topped with maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream. Pair it with crispy bacon, sausage, or a side of scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice complements this dish perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in a toaster until heated through.

Recipe FAQs

What toppings go well with French toast? Maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and nuts are all great options.

Can I use regular sliced bread? Yes, but thicker, sturdier bread works best to prevent sogginess.

How do I prevent the French toast from being soggy? Use slightly stale bread, don’t over-soak, and cook over medium heat to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can I make the egg mixture ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Classic French Toast

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

See Also

Great Grandma's Cinnamon Tea Biscuits - Pretty Petunias

A symphony of golden slices dipped in a custard bath, toasted to perfection, and adorned with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Butter or oil for cooking
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare Custard: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
2. Soak Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.
3. Cook on Griddle: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface. Place soaked bread slices on the griddle and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
4. Serve: Transfer the cooked French toast to serving plates. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
5. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Bread selection: Choose thick slices of bread like brioche or challah for best results.

Preheat griddle: Ensure that the griddle or skillet is properly preheated before adding the soaked bread slices.

Custard consistency: Adjust the custard mixture's sweetness and flavor to your preference by adding a bit more cinnamon or vanilla extract.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 457Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 199mgSodium: 428mgCarbohydrates: 68gFiber: 2gSugar: 39gProtein: 14g