The Ultimate Guide to the Best French Toast Recipe You’ll Ever Make
French toast is all about achieving the perfect balance: a custardy, soft center with a golden, slightly crisp exterior. Using rich bread like challah or brioche and a well-mixed custard ensures every bite is indulgent. This recipe is simple yet guarantees that restaurant-quality French toast at home.
Ingredients
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1 loaf challah or brioche bread, sliced thick
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2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
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4 large eggs
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1/4 cup sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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Salted butter, for cooking
Instructions
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Prep the Bread:
Slice the bread into thick pieces. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it holds the custard without falling apart. -
Make the Custard:
In a bowl, whisk together the cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. For best results, use a blender or immersion blender to fully incorporate the cinnamon. -
Soak the Bread:
Dip each slice into the custard, letting it soak both sides for about 20 seconds. Lift and allow excess custard to drip off. -
Cook the French Toast:
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of butter.
Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Reduce heat if the exterior browns too quickly to ensure the inside cooks through. -
Serve:
Serve immediately with powdered sugar, extra butter, and real maple syrup.
Notes
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Low and slow: Cooking on medium-low ensures a fully cooked center without burning the outside.
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Extra flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest to the custard for a subtle twist.
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Make ahead: Assemble the custard and bread in advance. Store the soaked bread in the fridge for up to 30 minutes before cooking.