This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make French toast that’s golden on the outside and soft, custardy on the inside—this is it. This simple method uses pantry staples and comes together in minutes for the perfect cozy breakfast.
Looking for more simple breakfast recipes? You need to try our Vegan Banana Muffins as well as our Potato Chive Egg Bites and our Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos!
In this post…
The most delicious french toast you’ll have at home!
Of ALL the recipes that I have made in my adult life, this homemade French Toast recipe is easily in our top 5! Typically we go with this basic recipe but I’ve made it all: Stuffed French Toast, French Toast Sticks, even more viral Vegan French toast! Needless to say, we’re a big french toast family :)
Once you get the hang of making it, it’ll be something you want on a weekly basis! Well, maybe not weekly, but we do have it quite often when we want a simple but slightly indulgent breakfast on the weekend. I hope you enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s ready in under 20 minutes!
- Simple, foolproof method (great for beginners) for the perfect french toast!
- The texture is PERFECT: crisp edges + soft center
- Uses basic pantry ingredients
- Easy to customize with different breads and toppings
Ingredients needed
The ingredients for this easy french toast recipe are listed fully down in the recipe card but let’s briefly go over the pantry staples needed including a few substitutions you can make as desired!
- Eggs. The base of the custard that gives French toast its rich texture
- Milk. Adds creaminess; whole milk is ideal but any milk works. Use almond milk or other plant-based milk for a dairy free option.
- Ground cinnamon. Adds warmth and classic flavor
- Nutmeg. Optional but adds subtle depth that I LOVE!
- Vanilla extract. Brings everything together with a hint of sweetness
- Salt. Just a pinch of salt balances the flavors
- Day old bread. Thick slices of bread work best Challah is my personal favorite but brioche, Texas toast, or sourdough are also great! More details below.
- Cooking spray or butter. Prevents sticking and helps create yummy golden edges!
- Optional toppings. Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and whipped cream
How to make this classic french toast recipe
Just a reminder that you can find the FULL written recipe down in the recipe card, but I want to quickly go over how to make them with visuals for you :)
- Whisk together eggs and spices. In a wide set medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and spices. I’ve found that this helps to better evenly distribute the cinnamon and nutmeg so that they don’t all just get stuck on the side of the bowl.
- Whisk in eggs and vanilla. Add in the milk, vanilla, and salt to the egg mixture and whisk again to fully combine.
- Soak the bread. Dip the bread slices into the custard mixture and let it soak for just about 3 seconds per side. You don’t want it to be TOO wet.
- Cook the French toast. Place the soaked toast pieces directly onto a pre-heated large skillet or griddle over medium high heat
that has been brushed with butter (or sprayed with oil). Let each piece cook for about 4 minutes per side or until they’re a nice golden brown color. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.
Recipe Tips
- Use slightly stale hearty bread so it soaks up the custard without getting soggy
- Don’t over-soak! Just a few seconds per side is enough or else you’ll end up with soggy french toast!
- Cook over medium heat so the inside cooks through without burning the outside
- For extra richness, swap part of the milk for heavy cream
- Add a little sugar or brown sugar to the custard if you want sweeter French toast. I personally like to just add the sweetness later with drizzle of maple syrup!
What is the Best type of bread for French Toast?
The best bread for French toast is thick-cut, slightly stale bread that can soak up the custard without falling apart. You want something sturdy with a soft interior so you get that perfect contrast of crispy edges and a custardy center. Let’s go over the options:
Top Bread Choices for French Toast
- Challah. Slightly sweet, rich, and fluffy. This is one of the BEST options and gives you that classic, bakery-style French toast we all love!
- Brioche. Similar to challah but even richer and more buttery. It makes extra soft, indulgent French toast. This is my go to second option when I can’t find good Challah.
- Texas Toast. Thick-cut white bread that’s sturdy and easy to find. Great for a classic, budget-friendly option!
- Sourdough. Adds a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness really nicely. It also holds up well when soaked!
- French Bread (Baguette slices). Chewier and more structured, giving you a slightly firmer texture.
Bread to Avoid
- Thin white sandwich bread (too flimsy and turns soggy fast)
- Very fresh, soft bread (doesn’t hold its structure well)
Frequently Asked Questions
Use thick, slightly stale bread and avoid soaking it too long. Also make sure your pan is hot enough before cooking – this is key!
Yes! You can substitute with non-dairy milk or even a splash of water in a pinch.
It’s often from using thin bread or not enough egg in your mixture. Thick slices and a proper custard ratio make all the difference!
Easy French Toast
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk, or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 8 thickly cut slices of bread, I used challah
- cooking spray
- optional for topping: syrup, powdered sugar, fruit
Instructions
- In a large shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk lightly until fully combined.
- Over medium heat, spray a large skillet or griddle with cooking spray.
- Place the slices of bread in the egg mixture and let soak on each side for about 3 seconds. Cook the bread in the skillet for ~4 minutes on each side or until a nice golden brown.
- Once done, top with syrup, fruit, and a dusting of powdered sugar and ENJOY!!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Came out amazing!
Can we use peppermint extract instead?
yes! I’ve never tried it but that would be so good I think!
I love this recipe! Going to use it now!
http://www.hungryoungwoman.com
That’s the thnnkiig of a creative mind
Just to say, purple is my favorite color :-) . Your french toast looks sooo good and delicious! I love your pictures, they’re bright, sunny and cheerful. My husband makes french toast for me and I love it, but not as much as scones, waffles and pancakes (so I guess they’re #4 on my list :-) ). Great fan of organic, classic maple syrup, over here, too.
I’ve only recently discovered how much BETTER organic maple syrup is! I grew up on the cheap syrup stuff and didn’t even know how bad it is until recently!
In awe of that anrwes! Really cool!
Ok, now I really want to see a picture of your door. Purple actually sounds like a fun color :)
And yeah, I have a can of a nice green paint that is supposed to go on the walls of our bedroom just sitting in the garage waiting to be used. But our bedroom is still bright blue… So annoying!
This french toast looks AMAZING. French toast is probably #3 on my list of favorite breakfasts ever (following cinnamon rolls and breakfast burritos) but we don’t have it often enough!
I would probably put French toast as my #3 as well behind waffles and cinnamon rolls :D