Description
Discover the Best French Toast Recipe that delivers perfectly crispy, golden edges with soft, creamy, custard-like centers. This classic breakfast uses enriched bread, a rich cream-based custard, and a low and slow cooking technique to create an indulgent yet balanced dish. Ideal for weekend brunch or a cozy morning, this recipe ensures restaurant-quality French toast with tips on bread choice, soaking, cooking, and topping variations.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into thick slices (¾ to 1 inch thick, preferably day-old or slightly stale)
Custard
- 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Cooking
- Salted butter, for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the challah or brioche bread into thick slices, ideally ¾ to 1 inch thick. Use slightly stale or day-old bread to ensure it absorbs the custard well without falling apart.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together half-and-half or heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth. For an extra smooth custard and to evenly disperse cinnamon, use a blender or immersion blender.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture, soaking for about 20 seconds per side. Let excess custard drip off before cooking to avoid sogginess.
- Cook Low and Slow: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of salted butter. Place the soaked bread slices into the pan and cook for 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. If browning happens too quickly, lower the heat to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the French toast hot from the skillet with butter, powdered sugar, and real maple syrup. Enjoy while fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use enriched bread like brioche or challah for a richer, softer interior that holds custard well.
- Cook on medium-low heat for even cooking; high heat burns the outside and leaves the inside raw.
- Don’t skimp on butter—it enhances flavor and creates beautifully crisp, golden edges.
- Soak the bread fully but avoid oversoaking to prevent collapse; about 20 seconds per side is ideal.
- Serve French toast immediately for optimal texture and taste, as it loses crispness when cooled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: French toast, best French toast recipe, breakfast, brioche French toast, challah French toast, custard soaked bread, easy French toast, brunch recipe
