There’s something truly special about waking up to the smell of freshly made French toast wafting through the house. This Classic French Toast Recipe is a delightful way to start your day, bringing a warm and comforting feeling that is simply irresistible. Perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, this recipe balances the sweetness of vanilla and sugar with the warm spice of cinnamon, all enveloped in buttery, crispy bread. Let’s dive into this classic breakfast dish that will surely impress your family and friends!
Top Reasons to Make Classic French Toast Recipe

- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: You can easily tailor the flavors and toppings to suit your taste.
- Feeding a Crowd: This recipe can be easily multiplied to serve a larger group.
- Deliciously Comforting: The combination of flavors and textures makes for a satisfying breakfast experience.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create the perfect French toast, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 large eggs: The foundation of your custard mixture, providing richness and structure.
- 1/2 cup milk (or 2%): Adds creaminess to the mixture, enhancing flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides warm, cozy notes that are essential in French toast.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- 10 pieces of butter bread: Soft and buttery, this bread will soak up the custard beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For cooking, adding richness and a golden-brown crust.
Essential Tools for Success
To make your Classic French Toast Recipe a success, you will need:
- Mixing bowl: For whisking the egg mixture together.
- Whisk: To combine the ingredients smoothly.
- Skillet or griddle: For cooking the French toast evenly.
- Spatula: To flip the toast without breaking it.
- Plate: For serving the finished French toast.
Directions: Classic French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, coating the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Take one piece of butter bread and dip it into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. Make sure it’s well coated but not soggy.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Carefully place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Repeat with the remaining pieces of bread, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the French toast is cooked, serve it warm with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruits, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy your delicious Classic French Toast Recipe!
Customize for Your Needs

There are countless ways to personalize your French toast experience:
- Different Breads: Experiment with challah, brioche, or whole grain bread for varied textures and flavors.
- Add-ins: Consider mixing in chocolate chips, nuts, or even a splash of orange zest for a unique twist.
- Alternative Milks: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with nutmeg or cardamom in addition to or instead of cinnamon.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
For the best results, ensure your bread is slightly stale, as it will absorb the custard mixture better. If your bread is fresh, you might want to let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly before dipping. This Classic French Toast Recipe is best enjoyed right after cooking, but you can keep it warm in a low oven if you’re making a large batch.
Save It for Later
This recipe can easily be saved for future breakfasts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or warm them in a skillet for a few minutes. You can also freeze the cooked French toast for up to a month. Just make sure to separate the slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Top Questions & Answers
Can I make French toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good whisk before using it. You can also cook the French toast in advance and reheat it for a quick breakfast.
What type of bread is best for French toast?
Thick slices of bread, such as challah or brioche, work best for French toast as they soak up the custard without falling apart. However, any bread you enjoy can be used!
Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This will provide a similar binding effect in the custard.
How do I make French toast crispy?
For extra crispy French toast, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the bread. Using a combination of butter and oil can also help achieve that perfect crispiness.
Weekend Projects
If you’re looking for more delicious breakfast ideas, check out these fantastic recipes:
Make It Tonight
When you’re in need of a quick and satisfying dinner option, consider transforming this Classic French Toast Recipe into a savory delight. Simply skip the sugar and vanilla, and add savory seasonings like garlic powder, cheese, or even cooked bacon to the custard mixture. Serve it with a side salad for a delightful twist!
There’s nothing quite like the taste of warm, comforting French toast to brighten your morning. With this Classic French Toast Recipe, you’ll create a breakfast experience that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Whether you enjoy it plain or with all the toppings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this classic treat! Happy cooking!

Classic French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
For the French Toast:
- 10 pieces butter bread
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
Instructions
Directions:
- Step 1: Prepare the Custard MixtureIn a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: Heat the SkilletPlace a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, coating the bottom of the pan.
- Step 3: Dip the BreadTake one piece of butter bread and dip it into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. Make sure it’s well coated but not soggy.
- Step 4: Cook the French ToastCarefully place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Repeat with the remaining pieces of bread, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
- Step 5: Serve and EnjoyOnce all the French toast is cooked, serve it warm with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruits, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet or Griddle
- Spatula
- Plate
Notes
- For the best results, use slightly stale bread to absorb the custard better.
- If fresh, let the bread sit out for a few hours or lightly toast before dipping.
- This recipe is best enjoyed immediately, but you can keep it warm in a low oven if making a large batch.
