There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm, buttery French toast floating through my kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning. This classic French toast recipe takes a delightful twist that I guarantee will change your mind about how to prepare this beloved breakfast staple. With a few simple ingredients you might already have on hand and a surprising addition in the batter, you’ll create a dish that’s perfectly crispy on the outside while soft and custardy inside. Prepare yourself to discover why this is the best French toast recipe you’ve ever encountered, because once you try it, you’ll never look back!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this mouthwatering breakfast in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The unique ingredients create a rich and delightful taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Whether it’s a family brunch or a holiday gathering, this recipe is a hit!
- Versatile Options: Add your favorite toppings or syrups to make each serving your own.
Ingredients
This French toast recipe utilizes a delicious combination of ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large eggs for binding and richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted, for a rich and flavorful batter.
- Whole milk to make the toast custardy and moist.
- Vanilla extract adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Sugar to sweeten things up just right.
- Salt to bring out the flavors.
- Flour for that wonderful, fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg to make it fragrant and cozy.
- Your choice of bread – Brioche, Challah, or even Texas Toast will work wonders.
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the pintable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now let’s get cooking! Making the best French toast is easier than you might think – just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be amazed at the outcome!
- In a baking dish or pie plate, start by beating one large egg until nicely blended. This will form the base of our rich batter.
- Whisk in the melted unsalted butter until combined. The melted butter adds a luscious quality to every bite.
- Slowly, pour in the whole milk and add the vanilla extract while whisking to bring everything together into a smooth mixture.
- Next, sprinkle in the sugar, salt, flour, and optional spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Keep whisking until the batter is completely smooth with no lumps – we want it to be silky!
- Now it’s time to soak your bread. I love using Brioche because it soaks up the batter beautifully. Dip each slice in the batter for about 15-20 seconds on each side. Make sure they’re well-coated!
- Preheat an electric griddle or skillet over medium heat. I like to generously spread a layer of butter on the bottom. The hint of butter adds a rich taste that complements the French toast beautifully.
- Once the griddle is hot, it’s showtime! Cook each slice for about 1 minute on one side, or until it becomes golden brown. Once flipped, cook the other side for an equal amount of time.
Don’t worry if your French toast looks a little uneven – that’s the beauty of homemade!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- For even more flavor, try using half-and-half instead of milk for a creamier texture.
- Let the batter sit for a few minutes after mixing. This allows the flour to hydrate fully, leading to better results!
- Preheat your griddle before adding the bread. This ensures an evenly cooked toast without sogginess.
- Use a combination of spices if you like experimenting! A hint of cardamom or even pumpkin spice can elevate your French toast to the next level.
How to Serve
When it comes to serving your beautifully golden French toast, the possibilities are endless! Drizzle your favorite buttermilk syrup over the top for that sweet touch, or try fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. You could also add a side of crispy bacon or sausage for some added protein and savory goodness.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings each time you make this classic dish. It makes every breakfast a new adventure!
Make Ahead and Storage
Making French toast ahead of time can be super convenient. You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover the dish to prevent it from absorbing any odors.
If you have leftovers, simply let the French toast cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can easily be reheated in a toaster or a warm skillet! For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices between layers of parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat in a skillet or oven until warm through – it’s just as good as fresh!
Sharing this classic French toast recipe with loved ones brings joy to my mornings, and I hope it does the same for you. Get ready to indulge in the best French toast you’ve ever tasted!
How to Make the BEST French Toast
Equipment
- Electric Griddle
Ingredients
- 1 Egg, large
- 2 Tablespoons Butter, unsalted, melted
- ¾ Cup Milk, whole
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ⅓ Cup Flour
- 1 Dash Cinnamon (optional)
- 1 Dash Nutmeg (optional)
- 1 Loaf Brioche or Challah Bread (Texas Toast can be used too)
Instructions
- Beat the egg in a baking dish or pie plate.
- Whisk in melted butter, then slowly add the milk and vanilla, whisking to combine.
- Add sugar, salt, flour, and spices (if using), whisking until smooth.
- Soak each side of the bread in the batter for about 15-20 seconds.
- Heat the griddle and spread butter on the bottom. Cook bread for about 1 minute until golden, flip, and cook the other side until golden.
- Serve with buttermilk syrup or your favorite syrup!