Name: Best French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into thick slices (¾ to 1 inch thick, preferably day-old or slightly stale); 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream; 4 large eggs; ¼ cup sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Salted butter, for cooking

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Introduction

There’s something timeless and comforting about French toast. Soft, custardy centers wrapped in golden, buttery edges, finished with a drizzle of real maple syrup—it’s a breakfast classic that feels indulgent yet familiar. This recipe will help you perfect the Best French Toast, balancing richness, texture, and flavor for an unforgettable morning treat.

A stack of four thick, golden brown slices of French toast is served on a white plate, each slice showing a slightly crispy texture with syrup dripping down the sides. On top, there is a dollop of whipped cream, a pat of melting butter beneath it, and a drizzle of syrup over both. Around the toast are three fresh strawberries with green leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar covers the toast and plate. The background has a soft, warm glow with a white marbled surface beneath the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into thick slices
2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
4 large eggs
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salted butter, for cooking

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the challah or brioche into thick slices, about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Slightly stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the half-and-half (or heavy cream), eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and fully combined. For the smoothest custard, using a blender or immersion blender is recommended.
Step 3: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, soaking for about 20 seconds on each side. Let the excess custard drip off before cooking.
Step 4: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of salted butter. Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. If the toast browns too quickly, lower the heat.
Step 5: Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, and real maple syrup for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use enriched breads like brioche or challah for a richer, softer interior.
Cook on medium-low heat to allow the custard to set fully without burning the exterior.
Don’t skimp on butter; it adds essential flavor and helps achieve crispy, golden edges.
Soak the bread just right — about 20 seconds per side — to avoid sogginess or dryness.
Try topping variations like fresh strawberries and whipped cream, chocolate shavings with cream, or sweetened ricotta with orange zest and pistachios.
Swap white sugar for light brown sugar in the custard for a caramel note.
Add orange zest to the custard for a bright, citrus twist.

Storage

Once cooked, allow French toast to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or warm gently in a skillet with butter. Avoid microwaving to preserve crispness.

How to Serve

A stack of four thick, golden-brown French toast slices sits in the center of a white plate, each slice toasted with a slightly crispy texture on the edges and a soft, moist interior. Drizzled syrup cascades down the sides of the toast stack, pooling slightly at the base. On top, there is a dollop of whipped cream crowned by a small pat of melting butter and a drizzle of syrup. Three bright red strawberries with green leaves rest around the base of the toast, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, which is also sprinkled over the toast edges and plate rim. The background features a soft-focus, warm light glow on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sandwich bread for French toast?

While you can use sandwich bread, it’s not ideal because it tends to be too thin and soft, which can make the French toast soggy or fall apart. Enriched breads like brioche or challah are preferred for their structure and rich texture.

Why is it important to cook French toast on low heat?

Cooking on medium-low heat ensures the custard inside the bread sets properly without burning the outside. High heat can cause the exterior to brown too quickly while leaving the interior undercooked or soggy.