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The Absolute Best Classic French Toast Recipe

Three slices of golden brown, stuffed french toast piled on a white plate and dusted heavily with powdered sugar.
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Follow this foolproof guide to make classic French toast with perfectly crispy edges and a rich, custardy center every time. This recipe is ideal for a special weekend breakfast or easy brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 thick slices of bread (Challah or Brioche work best)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare your custard base: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
  2. Prepare your bread: If your bread is fresh, let the slices sit out for a few hours to dry slightly. Stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
  3. Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 15 to 20 seconds per side. You want the bread saturated but not falling apart.
  4. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add half of the butter and let it melt until it foams slightly. Cooking low and slow helps achieve a custardy center.
  5. Cook the toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
  6. Keep warm: Transfer cooked French toast slices to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the remaining slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup and powdered sugar.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use bread that is one day old. This prevents the center from becoming too mushy.
  • If you prefer a richer custard, substitute half-and-half for the milk.
  • To achieve the perfect crispy edges, make sure your pan temperature is medium-low. High heat burns the outside before the inside sets.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/best-classic-french-toast-recipe-tips/