Learn how to make French toast perfectly every time! Custardy, lightly sweet, and golden brown, it's a delicious breakfast or brunch.
This classic French toast recipe is one of my favorite things to make for brunch. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a holiday or a regular old lazy weekend morning: just thinking about French toast makes my stomach start growling. What could be more crave-worthy than thick slices of bread with custardy middles, crisp edges, and a mound of fresh fruit on top?
This French toast recipe is delightfully quick and easy, so Jack and I make it whenever we have day-old bread in the house. Still, it has the flavor of a special occasion treat. The eggs make it nice and rich, and cinnamon and cardamom fill it with warm, spiced flavor. Top it with a drizzle of maple syrup and whatever fresh fruit happens to be in season. Then, dig in!
French Toast Ingredients
If you’re learning how to make French toast for the first time, you’ll be shocked by how simple it is! To start, you’ll need these basic ingredients:
- Eggs and milk – They create the custardy batter. Feel free to use whatever type of milk you keep on hand. Regular whole milk or a dairy-free milk like almond milk or oat milk would be great.
- Ground cinnamon and cardamom – They add warm, spiced flavor. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract would be a great addition too!
- A pinch of sea salt – It accents the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Good bread – Thick-sliced, day-old bread is best! The stale bread soaks up the egg mixture like a sponge, yielding really flavorful French toast. See the callout below for my favorite types.
- Maple syrup – For serving.
- And butter – For the pan. Coconut oil works too!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
What is the best bread for French toast?
The best breads for French toast are ones that are a) flavorful and b) sturdy enough to stand up to the custardy batter. I recommend using any of these types:
- Challah
- Brioche
- Ciabatta
- Sourdough
- French bread
For the best results, avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread. It quickly becomes soggy!
How to Make French Toast
My method for how to make French toast is simple! Here’s how it goes:
First, make the custard. In a large bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and spices with a pinch of salt.
Next, dip the bread. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are fully coated.
Then, set the bread aside in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet while you preheat a nonstick pan or griddle. This moment gives the batter a chance to soak all the way through each slice!
Finally, cook the slices for 1 to 3 minutes per side over medium-low heat. They’re ready when they’re nicely golden brown on both sides.
Top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup, and enjoy! Yep, it’s that easy.
Recipe Tips
- Give the custard time to soak in. No one likes to cut into a slice of French toast and find that it’s just plain bread inside! After you dip the bread slices in the egg mixture, set them aside for a few minutes while you preheat your pan. This small step gives the custard a little more time to hydrate the bread, so it’s soft and spiced the whole way through.
- Work in batches if necessary. Depending on the size of your skillet or griddle, you’ll likely need to cook this French toast in batches. To keep early batches warm while you cook the rest, place them on a baking sheet and tent them with foil. Hold in a 200°F oven until you’re ready to serve.
- Don’t skip the toppings. Maple syrup is a must, but no need to stop there! Top slices with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries or even homemade blueberry compote. They would also be wonderful with peanut butter, honey butter, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How to Store French Toast
Allow leftover French toast to cool to room temperature. Then, seal it in an airtight container or bag.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster or microwave.
- Or stash it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds!
More Favorite Brunch Recipes
If you love this recipe, try one of these delicious brunch dishes next:
- French Toast Casserole
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Baked Oatmeal
- How to Make a Frittata
- Breakfast Casserole
- Banana Pancakes
- Homemade Waffles
- Or any of these 51 Best Brunch Recipes!
French Toast
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
- Pinch of sea salt
- 8 (1-inch-thick) slices bread
- Butter, for the pan
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture and set the soaked bread aside on a large tray or plate.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush with butter. Add the bread slices and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to low as needed to cook thoroughly without burning. Serve with maple syrup.
Hello, I have tried this. It is superb. The process you have described seemed so easy. Thanks a lot.
Mom made it! Loved it! I added a few thin slices of Land O Lakes – Unsalted Butter on top, poured some Aunt Jemima- Original Syrup, & slices of Banana down the middle. Made it extra bomb (;
Could you break up the bread into chunks, pour the egg mixture over it, and bake it in the oven for around 20 minutes or so??
Hi Michele, I haven’t tested that with this exact recipe but here’s a link to my French Toast Bake: https://www.loveandlemons.com/french-toast-bake/
Thanks so much!
Great Breakfast – I opted for the Apple Topping that you suggested.
How adorable! There is a little crescent moon in your coffee cup.
I really appreciate that you can make this recipe dairy-free. Thank you!
YUM – this looks so good! I absolutely love french toast with this type of bread, but my sister does not… But maybe I will make it anyways! Thanks for sharing!
-Jenna ♥
Stay in touch? The Chic Cupcake
love this adaption with almond milk, and other flavors, thank you
This sounds absolutely scrumptious. I love the idea of cinnamon and cardamom to spice it up. I would add a couple of scoops of protein powder to the custard just because I can’t afford to have a mostly carb breakfast (I am trying to avoid becoming diabetic). Definitely want to try this, and am hoping I can find the right bread, which is not easy in my city.
I’ve always thought of French Toast as a really fancy breakfast and I’d never contemplated making it at home before reading this recipe. I’ve never heard of Challah bread before either, but I’ll see what I can find in my local town.
Emily | Snippets of Emily’s Life xx
Hi Emily,
Challah is a bread made with eggs which Jewish people enjoy. You ought to be able to find it in grocery stores or any store which sells kosher food.