This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Oh Sweet Basil may receive compensation when you click on links to such products.
This classic easy French toast recipe is the simple, cozy breakfast everyone loves. Golden on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, it’s a timeless recipe that never fails.
If you’ve been wondering how to make French toast that’s perfectly crisp on the outside and soft in the center, this is it. We even have a secret ingredient in the batter!
Easy French Toast Recipe
When I was about seven or eight, my uncle came to visit — my dad’s cool brother with the convertible we all loved riding in. One morning my mom made French toast, and I watched in disbelief as Uncle Richard skipped the maple syrup, grabbed the homemade raspberry syrup, and then piled on the powdered sugar. Mom didn’t say a word.
So, naturally, I followed his lead. I stretched my skinny little arm across the table, grabbed the powdered sugar, and absolutely covered my French toast. It was amazing.
These days I just add a light dusting, but it still makes me laugh how much other people shape our food habits. Years later, I was at a friend’s house when his mom offered me French toast… with cheese.
Cheese?! On French toast?! My brain said no — cheese belongs in eggs or on breakfast sandwiches, not soaking in custard. But of course I tried it, and one bite completely won me over. It didn’t make sense, but it was delicious.
I never did figure out exactly how she made it, but I’ll tell you this—that moment kicked off my lifelong love of sweet and salty flavors.
French Toast Ingredients
It is likely that you have all the ingredients you need to make this classic french toast recipe in your fridge already, including that surprise ingredient. This recipe is simple, here is what you will need:
- Egg: The base of the custard. Eggs give French toast structure, richness, and that classic soft, custardy center.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps thin the custard so it soaks evenly into the bread. The fat in whole milk also contributes to a richer flavor and creamier texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warm, aromatic flavor that makes the custard taste more dessert-like and cozy.
- Cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and subtle spice, giving the French toast a classic, comforting flavor.
- Nutmeg (optional): A small amount adds depth and a slightly sweet, nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and vanilla.
- Granulated Sugar: Lightly sweetens the custard and helps the French toast caramelize to a golden-brown finish in the pan.
- All-Purpose Flour: The surprise ingredient! Helps thicken the custard slightly so it clings to the bread, giving the French toast its signature crisp edges and soft center.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the custard, preventing it from tasting flat.
Simple, right?! I love a recipe I can make with a moment’s notice and not have to worry about having all the ingredients! I’d definitely make a side of delicious crispy bacon to go with it!
How to Make French Toast (Step-by-Step)
Here are the basics steps to learning how to make french toast. Trust us, it’s easy!
- Whisk: Whisk until completely smooth with no lumps.
- Pour: Pour the batter into a shallow dish like a casserole dish or a pie plate. It allows the bread to get coated easily.
- Preheat: Preheat a griddle over medium heat.
- Prep: Butter the griddle before cooking your first round of bread.
- Coat the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the batter one at a time and allow the bread to soak in the batter for 15-20 second on each side.
- Cook: Cook about 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Serve with syrup, fresh berries and powdered sugar!
👉 French toast is done when it’s golden brown on the outside and reaches a custardy, set center.
French Toast FAQs
You could use a decent white sandwich bread, and this will be delicious. But if you really want to do it right, go with brioche or challah. Texas toast will also work great too!
If you’re a sourdough bread fan, it is also a great option! The contrasting tang of sourdough is a yummy flavor twist!
The surprising ingredient I mentioned earlier is flour. Adding flour to the batter thickens it just slightly so you won’t even notice it, but it keeps the French toast from being just fried egg on bread. It makes a perfectly crispy crust on the bread.
This homemade french toast recipe can easily be made dairy-free be substituting the milk with either coconut milk or almond milk. The batter will be a little different consistency, but it will still be super tasty! Then coat the griddle with something other than butter — coconut oil or a cooking spray works great.
Cook the french toast as directed in the instructions and then store it on a baking sheet in the oven that is set to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. That will keep it nice and warm until you are ready to serve it.
Common French Toast Mistakes
- Skipping the preheat → leads to pale, soggy toast
- Soaking too long → bread falls apart
- Not whisking batter well → uneven coating
- Cooking on heat that’s too high → burnt outside, raw inside
Tips for the Best French Toast Recipe
- Let the bread soak in the batter for 10–15 seconds per side so the center turns soft and custardy without getting soggy.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg are optional, but highly recommended for that classic cozy French toast flavor.
- Before cooking, make sure your griddle or skillet is fully preheated. A hot pan gives French toast that perfectly golden brown crust instead of a pale, soft exterior.
Our Favorite French Toast Toppings
There are so many ways to dress up a stack of simple french toast. Homemade syrups, diced fruit, powdered sugar, you name it! Here are some of our favorite french toast toppings besides plain maple syrup and butter:
Syrups
Other Toppings
- Peanut Butter
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Coconut Flakes
- Chopped Nuts like Pecans or Walnuts
- Fresh Fruit like Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Sliced Bananas, etc.
- Cinnamon Sugar
Make Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Make Ahead: French toast can be completely made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen and then reheated. If you want the French toast to be made fresh, you can make the batter up to 2 days ahead of time and then dip and cook the French toast hot and fresh.
Storing: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4-5 days. French toast also freezes extremely well! To freeze French toast, cook it as directed and then allow it to cool completely on a wire cooling rack.
Once it has cooled, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can stack a few layers of French toast on top of each other as long as you separate each layer with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet into the freezer until the French toast is solid. Store it in freezer bags for up to 1 – 2 months.
Reheating: There are three ways to reheat French toast. They all work great. It just depends on how much time you have.
- Microwave: zap them in the microwave for about a minute, the outside won’t be crispy.
- Toaster: pop them in a toaster just like a piece of toast, the outside gets nice and toasty again.
- Oven: place the French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them up in the oven at 300 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
If you’ve been searching for how to make French toast that’s actually worth waking up for, this is the one. It’s simple, reliable, and turns out perfectly golden and custardy every time. Add your favorite syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and maybe a side of crispy bacon and breakfast is done.
More Sweet BREAKFAST RECIPES You’re Sure to Love:
Watch the Video Below to See All the Steps…
