Easy French Toast Recipe

Introduction

French toast is a beloved breakfast classic that’s both simple and indulgent. This easy recipe produces golden, custardy slices perfect for a cozy morning or special occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp warm honey
• 1 lb bread such as Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast (about 8–10 slices, 3/4” thick)
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the bread about 3/4” thick and, if time allows, place the slices on a wire rack for 1–2 hours to dry out slightly. Preheat your oven to 275˚F.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, milk, salt, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and warm honey until fully blended and the honey has dissolved. Pour this mixture into a casserole dish or container large enough to fit 4 slices of bread at once.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.
4. Step 4: Dip 4 slices of bread into the egg mixture, soaking each side for 30–40 seconds depending on thickness. Let the excess drip off, then place the slices in the hot skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked slices to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven at 275˚F. Repeat dipping and cooking the remaining bread, adding the remaining butter as needed. Once all slices are cooked, keep them in the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes to allow the custard center to fully set before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Using challah or brioche bread adds extra richness and a tender crumb.
• Allowing the bread to dry out slightly helps it absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest to the custard mixture for extra flavor.
• Serve with fresh berries, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicious finish.

Storage

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to preserve crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use day-old bread for French toast?

Yes, day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart or becoming soggy.

How can I keep French toast warm if making for a crowd?

Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and keep them warm in an oven set to 275˚F while you finish cooking the rest. This helps the custard set and keeps the toast crisp.

Easy French Toast Recipe

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4.8 from 136 reviews

This easy French Toast recipe features thick slices of Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and honey. The bread is pan-sautéed until golden brown and finished in the oven to ensure a perfectly set custard center. It’s a warm, comforting breakfast treat with a balance of sweet and aromatic flavors.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 1-2 hours optional bread drying
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including bread drying)
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Egg Mixture

• 6 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp warm honey

Bread and Cooking

• 1 lb bread such as Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast (about 8–10 slices, 3/4” thick)
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Prepare Bread: Slice your bread about 3/4″ thick, then arrange the slices on a wire rack and let them dry out slightly for 1-2 hours if possible. This helps the bread soak up the egg mixture better. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 275˚F to keep the cooked toast warm later.
2. Make Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, whole milk, salt, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and warm honey until fully blended and the honey has dissolved. Pour this mixture into a casserole dish or shallow pan that can hold multiple bread slices for dipping.
3. Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter, ensuring the pan is hot enough for sautéing but not burning the butter.
4. Soak and Sauté Bread: Dip 4 pieces of bread at a time into the egg mixture, soaking each side for 30-40 seconds depending on thickness. Let any excess drip back into the dish before transferring the bread to the hot skillet. Sauté each slice for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Keep Warm in Oven: Transfer the sautéed toast to a baking sheet and place it in the preheated oven at 275˚F to keep warm. Repeat the soaking and sautéing process with remaining bread, adding more butter to the pan as needed. After all slices are cooked, leave them in the oven an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the custard inside to fully set before serving warm.

Notes

• Drying out the bread beforehand helps prevent sogginess and improves soaking.
• Using thicker bread slices like Challah or Brioche gives a rich, custardy interior and a crispy outer crust.
• If you don’t have whole milk, 2% milk works as a substitute but whole milk yields creamier results.
• Adjust soaking time based on bread thickness—thicker slices may need longer soaking to absorb the custard fully.
• Keep the skillet at medium-low heat to avoid burning the butter or the bread crust.
• Keeping cooked toast warm in the oven ensures serving all slices hot and with a perfect center.

Keywords: French Toast, Breakfast, Easy French Toast, Custard Toast, Brunch Recipe, Challah French Toast, Brioche French Toast