Start your morning right with this irresistible French Toast, featuring a luxuriously thick batter and a warm cinnamon-sugar flavor.
Packed with protein from eggs and fiber from hearty bread, it’s a satisfying breakfast that fuels your day.
Quick, easy, and versatile, this recipe is perfect for weekday mornings, weekend brunches, or meal prep for a cozy, nourishing start.
Easy Homemade French Toast
Equipment
- 1 Griddle or Skillet
- 1 Blender or Whisk
- 1 Shallow Dish (for dipping bread)
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk 160 ml
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour 30 g
- ¼ cup granulated sugar 50 g
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 ml
- 8 thick slices bread such as brioche, Texas Toast, or homemade
Instructions
- Preheat Your Cooking Surface: Start by preheating your griddle or skillet over medium heat, aiming for about 350°F (175°C) on a griddle. If using a skillet, let it warm gradually to ensure even cooking. Lightly grease your surface with butter, oil, or nonstick spray. This step ensures your French Toast will cook evenly without sticking or burning.
- Prepare the Batter Base: In a blender, combine 4 large eggs, 2/3 cup of milk, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. The flour helps create a thicker, custard-like batter that gives your French Toast extra fluffiness.
- Alternate Mixing Method (Optional): If you prefer to avoid a blender, use a shallow mixing bowl instead.Start by whisking the flour and eggs together until fully incorporated. Gradually whisk in the milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla. Continue whisking until the batter is silky, uniform, and slightly frothy, ensuring no clumps of flour remain.
- Dip the Bread Thoroughly: Select 8 thick slices of bread, preferably slightly stale or firm for better absorption. One at a time, submerge each slice fully in the batter. Allow it to soak for 10–15 seconds per side, letting the custard penetrate the bread without becoming overly soggy. Lift the slice carefully and let excess batter drip back into the bowl to avoid pooling on the griddle.
- Cook the First Side: Place the dipped bread slices onto the preheated, greased griddle or skillet. Cook on the first side for 2–4 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bread and the heat of your cooking surface. Watch for a golden-brown color forming on the bottom. Avoid moving the bread too soon to prevent tearing.
- Flip and Cook the Second Side: Once the first side has turned golden and firm, gently flip each slice using a spatula. Cook the second side for an additional 2–4 minutes until it matches the golden-brown color of the first side. The bread should feel firm to the touch but still soft and fluffy inside. Adjust the heat slightly if necessary to prevent burning.
- Remove and Rest: Transfer the cooked French Toast slices to a plate lined with parchment or a clean kitchen towel. Allow them to rest for 1–2 minutes to set the custard and avoid sogginess. This also makes them easier to stack or serve without losing their shape.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve your French Toast warm. Top with your choice of maple syrup, a light dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of yogurt. For an extra touch, sprinkle cinnamon or drizzle a little melted butter. Enjoy immediately for the best texture, aroma, and flavor.
- Optional Make-Ahead Tips: If preparing ahead, you can make the batter 1–2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, stir gently to recombine any settled ingredients. This saves time for busy mornings while still producing a rich, custardy French Toast.
- Freezing Leftovers (Optional): Allow any leftover French Toast to cool completely before storing. Place slices in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet, toaster, or microwave until warm and slightly crisp on the outside, retaining the fluffy interior.
Notes
- Bread Choice Matters: Thick slices like brioche, Texas Toast, or artisanal bread work best. Slightly stale bread absorbs the batter better without falling apart.
- Flour for Extra Fluff: Adding flour to the batter creates a thicker custard that yields soft, fluffy, and golden French Toast.
- Milk Options: Whole milk provides a creamier texture, but skim, almond, oat, or soy milk works perfectly for dairy-free versions.
- Cooking Temperature: Medium heat ensures even browning without burning. Adjust slightly depending on your stove or griddle.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Batter can be prepped 1–2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making busy mornings effortless.
- Freezing Tips: Fully cooled French Toast slices freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or toaster for a fresh taste.
Chef’s Secrets To Perfect Toast
Creating restaurant-quality French Toast starts with the batter and bread.
Use thick-cut or slightly stale bread, as it soaks the custard evenly without collapsing.
Blending the batter instead of whisking by hand gives a smoother, lump-free consistency and ensures every slice is tender.
Don’t rush the cooking process; medium heat produces a golden crust while keeping the center soft.
A light dusting of cinnamon, sugar, or a splash of vanilla elevates the flavor subtly without overpowering the natural richness of the eggs and milk.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
French Toast is a versatile canvas for toppings and accompaniments.
Classic options include maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar.
Fresh berries, banana slices, or a dollop of yogurt add brightness and texture.
For indulgence, consider a smear of nut butter or chocolate spread, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
Pair with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast or brunch experience.
For a balanced meal, serve alongside a portion of protein like scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt.
Storage Tips For Best Freshness
If not serving immediately, allow French Toast slices to cool completely before storing.
In the refrigerator, place slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat slices in a skillet or toaster to maintain crisp edges, or use the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Always avoid covering warm slices tightly, as condensation can make the crust soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well, but choose a thicker slice to absorb the custard without falling apart. Slightly stale gluten-free bread gives the best results.
2. What’s the secret to extra fluffy French Toast?,
The addition of flour in the batter is key. It thickens the custard, creating a soft, pillowy interior while the exterior becomes golden and slightly crisp.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap regular milk with almond, oat, or soy milk. For added richness, you can also include a splash of coconut cream.
4. How do I prevent French Toast from being soggy?
Use slightly stale bread and allow it to soak in the batter briefly, about 10–15 seconds per side. Cook over medium heat without overcrowding the pan.
5. Can I prepare French Toast ahead of time?
Yes, both the batter and cooked slices can be made ahead. Store batter in the fridge for 1–2 days. Cooked slices can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months for quick reheating.
