While pancakes and waffles are classic at-home breakfast options, French toast doesn't always get the love it deserves. If your every prior attempt at making homemade French toast has resulted in soggy, less-than-ideal slices, then our recipe is here to make your breakfast dreams come true. Crisp and golden on the outside, soft and custardy in the middle, our tried-and-true French toast treats you to decadent brunch perfection in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow all of our top tips below to achieve perfect, game-changing slices:
The best bread for French toast:
Soft enriched bread, such as challah or brioche, makes the best base for French toast. You don’t need to let it sit out overnight to dry out, but make sure to buy a whole (not pre-sliced) loaf so you can slice it yourself.
How to make the best French toast:
The secret to the best French toast comes down to three things: the type of bread, the thickness of the bread, and the time spent in the pan. Keeping reading on for everything you need to know to make perfect (and not soggy) French toast:
— Do I need stale bread for French toast? No, in fact, we don't recommend it—it can make your breakfast taste stale and bland. Buy a fresh, whole loaf for the best-tasting French toast.
— How to prevent soggy French toast. In testing, we found that 1" slices were perfect: thin enough to cook through in the pan, but thick enough to soak up the custard and achieve a beautifully creamy center. Precise timing is also key to achieving the perfect texture on your French toast. Soak the bread for exactly 30 seconds on each side (we know it sounds silly, but set a timer!), then cook for 3 minutes on each side, adjusting the heat as needed to keep the pan at a steady medium heat.
Topping French toast:
Once your slices are ready, feel free to top them however you please! We love to go classic with a pat of butter and maple syrup, but feel free to go crazy with fresh fruit, jam, strawberry compote, or even ricotta.
French toast variations:
Once you get this staple recipe down, your French toast options are endless. For extra special brunches, try our tiramisu-stuffed French toast, French toast casserole, or jelly donut French toast. Looking for a make-ahead dream? Try our overnight French toast.
Make ahead and freezing.
The French toast should be cooked through and ready to eat as soon as it leaves the pan, but if you’re making multiple batches before sitting down to eat, keep the cooked batch in a warm (200°) oven while you finish the rest. This will ensure that every piece stays crisp and warm until you’re ready to eat.
If you’re looking to freeze your French toast, you can arrange the cooked toast in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze until firm. After that, transfer to an airtight container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, you can thaw briefly at room temperature (it shouldn't take long) and reheat briefly in a pan or a low oven.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below.
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- Yields:
- 3 - 6 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Total Time:
- 30 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 536
Ingredients
- 3
large eggs
- 1 c.
whole milk
- 2 Tbsp.
granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp.
pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp.
ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp.
kosher salt
- 6
(1"-thick) slices brioche or challah
- 3 tsp.
unsalted butter, divided, plus more for serving
- 3 tsp.
neutral oil, divided
Pure maple syrup, for serving
Directions
- Step1Preheat oven to 200°. Set a wire rack in a baking sheet; set aside.
- Step2In a large, wide bowl or pie plate, whisk eggs to blend. Whisk in milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- Step3Add 2 bread slices to egg mixture and let soak, partially submerged, until bottom half of bread is saturated, about 30 seconds. Using a fork, flip bread and soak 30 seconds longer.
- Step4Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon oil just until butter starts to bubble. Add soaked bread and cook until golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer French toast to reserved rack and place in oven to stay warm. Repeat with remaining butter, oil, and bread.
- Step5Divide French toast among plates. Serve with more butter and maple syrup alongside.
