Simple French Toast Recipe: Fluffy Morning Treat (Print Version)
Make a fluffy, golden Easy French Toast Recipe at home. My simple method turns day-old bread into a delightful breakfast with a hint of cinnamon.
# 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:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
8 slices stale bread (challah or brioche work great, about 3/4-1 inch thick)
02 -
4 large eggs
03 -
1 cup whole milk
→ Flavor Boosters
04 -
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 -
Pinch of ground nutmeg
→ For Pan Frying
08 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
→ Garnish & Toppings
09 -
Warm maple syrup
10 -
Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
11 -
Powdered sugar for dusting
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab a wide, shallow dish – something that your bread slices can lay flat in. Crack your eggs right into it, then add the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Now, whisk it all together like you're trying to win an arm wrestle! You want it totally smooth, no streaks of egg white left behind. This is the heart of your Easy French Toast Recipe, so take a moment to really get it combined. I always take a deep breath here, the smell is just divine already.
02 -
Slice your stale bread into nice, thick pieces, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. If they're too thin, they'll get soggy; too thick, they won't cook through. Lay a few slices into your custard mixture, letting them soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. You want them to absorb the liquid but not become completely saturated and fall apart. My biggest mistake when I started was either not soaking enough, leading to dry spots, or soaking too long, creating a mushy mess. Find that sweet spot!
03 -
Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop in a pat of butter, maybe a tablespoon or so. Let it melt and shimmer, but don't let it brown too much or smoke, or your French toast will taste burnt. If it starts to smoke, your pan is too hot – pull it off the heat for a second and lower the flame. This step is key for that golden, crispy exterior of your Easy French Toast Recipe!
04 -
Once your butter is perfectly melted and shimmering, carefully transfer the soaked bread slices from the custard to the hot pan. Don't overcrowd the pan; give them some space! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they're beautifully golden brown and cooked through. You'll see the edges firm up and the color deepen. I always peek under the first one after a couple of minutes to make sure my heat is just right.
05 -
Now for the satisfying flip! With a wide spatula, confidently flip each slice to cook the other side. Again, about 3-4 minutes until golden. The kitchen should be smelling absolutely incredible at this point; that's when you know you're doing it right. I used to be so scared of messing up the flip, but a quick, confident motion is all it takes. Don't fuss with it too much!
06 -
As each batch of your Easy French Toast Recipe finishes cooking, transfer the slices to a plate. If you're making a big batch, you can keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) while you finish the rest. Pile them high, then drizzle generously with warm maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and scatter those fresh berries over the top. It looks like a fancy diner breakfast, but you made it right here at home!
# Notes:
01 -
Stale bread is key for soaking up the custard without getting soggy.
02 -
Leftovers are best reheated in a toaster oven for crispiness, not the microwave.
03 -
For a dairy-free version, almond or oat milk works great in the custard.
04 -
Always serve with warm maple syrup and fresh berries; it just makes it extra special.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Wide
02 -
shallow dish
03 -
whisk
04 -
large non-stick skillet or griddle
05 -
spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 12g