Classic French Toast Recipe: Weekend Brunch Delight (Print Version)

Master the classic French Toast Recipe for fluffy, golden slices. My family's simple method makes brunch special, even with kitchen mishaps.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - Day-old Challah or Brioche (about 1 inch thick slices)
02 - 4 Large Eggs
03 - 1 cup Whole Milk (or half-and-half)

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
05 - 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
06 - 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar

→ Cooking Essentials

07 - 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for cooking)

→ Finishing Touches

08 - Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
09 - Maple Syrup (real, please!)
10 - Fresh Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab a wide, shallow dish – something your bread slices can comfortably lay flat in. Whisk together your eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, and a tiny bit of sugar. Really get in there with that whisk until everything is beautifully combined and a little frothy. I always take a moment to smell that sweet, eggy mixture; it’s the unofficial start of a good morning. This is where the magic of our French Toast Recipe begins!
02 - Now, for the bread. Slice your challah or brioche about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Not too thin, or it'll fall apart; not too thick, or it won't cook through. Lay each slice into your egg mixture, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. Don't rush this part, but don't let it get soggy either! I've definitely under-soaked before, resulting in dry centers, and over-soaked, turning it into a sad, mushy mess. Find that sweet spot for a truly fluffy French Toast Recipe.
03 - Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a knob of unsalted butter and let it melt and sizzle, coating the pan. Once the butter is foamy, carefully place your soaked bread slices into the pan. Don't overcrowd the pan; give them some space to breathe and brown properly. You'll start to hear that lovely sizzle and smell the butter and cinnamon mingling – that's when you know you're doing it right.
04 - Let the French toast cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it's beautifully golden brown and cooked through. You're looking for that perfect caramelization on the outside. Peek under a corner with your spatula to check the color. When it's ready, give it a confident flip! This step always feels like a small victory to me. I've had a few clumsy flips that ended with French toast on the counter, but hey, that's part of the fun of cooking this French Toast Recipe at home.
05 - As each batch finishes, transfer the cooked French toast to a baking sheet and keep it warm in a preheated oven set to a low temperature (around 200°F / 95°C). This is my secret to serving everyone hot French toast at the same time, especially if you're making a big batch for a crowd. No one likes cold breakfast, right? This simple trick ensures every slice of our French Toast Recipe stays perfectly cozy.
06 - Once all your French toast is cooked, it's time for the best part! Arrange the golden slices on plates. Give them a generous dusting of powdered sugar – it just makes them look so inviting. Then, drizzle with plenty of real maple syrup and scatter those fresh berries on top. Every bite should be a delightful mix of sweet, soft, and slightly tart. Enjoy this simple pleasure, you've earned it!

# Notes:

01 - Always use day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread gets too soggy.
02 - For easy reheating, stack cooled slices with parchment paper in between before storing.
03 - No challah? Sturdy white bread or Texas toast works well, just adjust soaking time a little.
04 - A tiny pinch of salt in the batter surprisingly boosts all the sweet flavors!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large shallow dish
02 - whisk
03 - non-stick skillet or griddle
04 - spatulas
05 - baking sheet (for keeping warm)

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 12g

Back