French toast is a classic breakfast favorite that is easy to make and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a special brunch, this simple French toast recipe will help you create the perfect golden-brown slices every time.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about making French toast, from choosing the best bread for French toast to creating the ideal French toast batter recipe. You’ll also find tips on how to avoid common mistakes and answers to frequently asked questions.
Let’s dive into this easy French toast recipe and make your mornings even more delightful!
What Is French Toast?
French toast, also known as "eggy bread," is a dish made by dipping bread slices into a mixture of eggs, milk, and spices, then frying them until golden brown. It’s a classic dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings like syrup, fruit, powdered sugar, or even whipped cream.
This homemade French toast recipe is simple, quick, and requires just a few pantry staples.
French Toast Ingredients
To make the best French toast recipe, you’ll need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 4 slices of French toast bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup of whole milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Butter for frying
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
- ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (for a slightly sweet batter)
- A pinch of salt
These simple ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy French toast batter that gives each slice the perfect texture.
How to Make French Toast: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the French Toast Batter
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar. This French toast mixture should be smooth and well-combined to coat the bread evenly.
Step 2: Dip the Bread
Choose thick-cut French toast bread like brioche or challah. Dip each slice into the French toast batter, ensuring both sides are coated but not overly soaked.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan.
- Place the soaked bread slices in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your homemade French toast warm with your favorite toppings. Classic choices include maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries.
Best Bread for French Toast
The type of bread you use plays a big role in making the best French toast recipe. Here are some great choices:
- Brioche – Soft, slightly sweet, and rich, brioche absorbs the batter well.
- Challah – Slightly eggy and fluffy, challah gives a perfect texture.
- Texas Toast – Thick and sturdy, great for a basic French toast recipe.
- French Bread – Crusty on the outside, soft inside, ideal for a chewier texture.
Avoid thin or very soft breads, as they may become too soggy.
French Toast Recipe for 1: Single-Serving French Toast
Want to enjoy French toast for 1? Here’s a smaller version:
Ingredients:
- 1 slice of bread
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup of milk
- ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Butter for cooking
Follow the same dipping and cooking process for a quick, delicious breakfast just for you!
French Toast Recipe for 2: Perfect for Couples
If you’re making French toast for 2, simply double the single-serving recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup of milk
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- Butter for cooking
This makes a cozy breakfast for two without any waste.
Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, try this cinnamon French toast recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Simply whisk everything together and follow the standard cooking steps.
French Toast Casserole: A Make-Ahead Version
If you’re serving a crowd, try a French toast casserole. This version lets you prepare everything the night before and bake it in the morning.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- ½ cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Butter for greasing the pan
Instructions:
- Grease a baking dish and add the bread cubes.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour over the bread.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
This is a perfect make-ahead French toast mix for special occasions.
French Toast Sticks (Like Sonic French Toast Sticks)
If you love Sonic French toast sticks, you can easily make them at home!
Instructions:
- Cut thick slices of bread into sticks.
- Dip into the French toast batter recipe.
- Fry until golden brown.
- Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
Kids love these bite-sized, dunkable treats!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using the Wrong Bread
Thin or overly soft bread can become too soggy. Choose a sturdy, thick-cut bread.
2. Soaking Too Long
Letting the bread sit in the French toast mixture too long makes it too wet and mushy. Dip quickly!
3. Cooking on Too High Heat
High heat burns the outside before the inside is cooked. Stick to medium heat.
4. Not Whisking the Batter Well
Make sure the eggs and milk are fully combined for a smooth, even batter.
FAQs
What is the most common mistake in making French toast?
The most common mistake is soaking the bread for too long, which makes it soggy. Use thick bread and dip it quickly to prevent this.
What is the ratio of milk to eggs for French toast?
The best ratio is ¼ cup of milk per egg. This keeps the texture creamy without making the bread too wet.
Now that you know how to make the best homemade French toast, it’s time to get cooking! Try different variations and enjoy this easy French toast recipe for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.