If there’s one breakfast treat I come back to over and over, it’s Classic French Toast. It’s just unbeatable: a golden, crisp outside giving way to soft, custardy slices inside, kissed with fragrant vanilla and cinnamon. Every bite brings back memories of lazy weekend mornings and kitchen aromas that can make anyone’s day a little brighter. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get a dish that feels both nostalgic and decadent—no fancy equipment or expert skills needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic French Toast is all about simplicity, so every ingredient genuinely pulls its weight in flavor, texture, or appearance. Gather these basics and let each shine in the finished dish!
- Thick bread slices: Choose sturdy, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for richer flavor and a perfect custardy interior.
- Eggs: Three eggs create that classic custard base, adding essential richness and helping the toast set during cooking.
- Milk: Three-quarters of a cup adds moisture and ensures the mixture soaks beautifully into every bite of bread.
- Vanilla: One teaspoon of vanilla transforms the batter, perfuming your Classic French Toast with warmth and sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Just half a teaspoon delivers that cozy, aromatic lift every memorable French toast needs.
- Butter for cooking: Cooking in butter guarantees golden, crisp-edged slices with a mild, nutty undertone.
How to Make Classic French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by grabbing a wide, shallow bowl—something large enough for easy dipping. Crack in the eggs, add the milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, and whisk everything together until completely smooth. This rich, scented mixture is what makes Classic French Toast so tender and full of flavor.
Step 2: Dip the Bread
Now for the fun part! Take each bread slice and dip it into your custard, letting it soak just long enough to absorb a generous coating without getting soggy. Be gentle—thick slices are best so they hold their shape while soaking up all that goodness.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Set a skillet over medium heat and add a healthy pat of butter. Once the butter melts and starts to sizzle, lay in your soaked bread slices. Cook until the bottoms are deeply golden, then flip and let the other side toast up just as beautifully. This step is where Classic French Toast transforms into a breakfast masterpiece, with crisp, buttery exteriors and creamy interiors.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Transfer each finished slice onto a plate, piping hot from the pan. The aromas of vanilla and cinnamon will tempt you right away! Now’s the time to add your personal touch—see the next section for all the best serving ideas.
How to Serve Classic French Toast
Garnishes
Classic French Toast just begs for a shower of toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm maple syrup takes things up a notch. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or plump blueberries adds a juicy pop of color and flavor, while a dollop of whipped cream can make your breakfast feel truly special. For extra crunch, scatter over some toasted nuts or even a sprinkle of granola!
Side Dishes
Pair your Classic French Toast with crisp bacon or sausage links for a hearty, balanced plate. A side of scrambled eggs adds even more protein, and a bowl of fresh fruit salad keeps things light. Don’t forget your favorite coffee or a tall glass of fresh orange juice to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or simply treat yourself? Try stacking slices into a tower, layering with whipped cream or yogurt and fresh berries. Or cut the toast diagonally for beautiful triangles, fanning them on a platter and finishing with a light honey drizzle. For a brunch buffet, set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own Classic French Toast masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra slices, let them cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerated, Classic French Toast keeps well for up to two days—a real lifesaver on busy mornings!
Freezing
To freeze, lay cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they don’t stick together. When craving strikes, you can just grab a few slices for a quick, satisfying breakfast any day of the week.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until hot and crisp—about 5 to 7 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose a bit of that signature crispy edge. Either way, your Classic French Toast will taste nearly as good as fresh from the skillet!
FAQs
What’s the best bread to use for Classic French Toast?
Brioche, challah, or thick-cut sourdough work wonders since they soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart. Day-old bread holds its shape especially well and gives that delightful creamy-leathery texture inside.
Can I make Classic French Toast dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the milk for your favorite plant-based alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk, and cook with a dairy-free butter or oil. The results are delicious and still perfectly rich.
Why is my French toast soggy?
Over-soaking the bread or using bread that’s too thin can lead to soggy slices. Stick with thick, sturdy bread, and dunk just long enough to coat the slice, not turn it to mush.
Is it possible to make Classic French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the custard mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just dip and cook your bread as usual—a great time-saver for busy days.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins to the batter?
Certainly! Feel free to stir in a little orange zest, a pinch of nutmeg, or swap vanilla for almond extract. Even a splash of bourbon can elevate Classic French Toast for an extra-special brunch.
Final Thoughts
Classic French Toast always has a spot at the breakfast table for good reason—it’s simple, comforting, and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re making a quick weekday treat or a lavish weekend brunch, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and watch it become a classic in your own kitchen too!
Print
Classic French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 3-4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, fluffy French toast made with thick bread slices, eggs, milk, and vanilla — the timeless breakfast favorite.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 6 slices thick bread
Egg Mixture:
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Others:
- Butter for cooking
Instructions
- Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon: In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Dip bread slices until coated: Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture until fully coated.
- Cook on buttered skillet until golden on both sides: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add butter, and cook the bread slices until golden on both sides.
- Serve with syrup or powdered sugar: Serve the French toast with your choice of syrup or powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 5m
- Cook Time: 10m
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: French
