Thank you so much for being here — I’m genuinely thrilled to share my go-to Classic French Toast Recipe with you. Right after the title, let me just say: this is the French toast I grew up loving — crispy on the edges, pillowy-soft inside, and kissed with cinnamon and vanilla in every bite. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a special brunch, this recipe delivers every single time.

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What Is Classic French Toast?

French toast is the ultimate comfort breakfast — slices of bread soaked in a rich, eggy custard and pan-fried until golden brown. It’s incredibly simple, endlessly adaptable, and the perfect blank canvas for all your favorite toppings. Whether you serve it with syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Simple ingredients you already have on hand
Crisp outside, fluffy inside — perfection in texture
Quick to make — ready in 20 minutes or less
Great for using up day-old bread
Customizable with endless toppings and flavors!

What Does It Taste Like?

This classic version is lightly sweet, warmly spiced with cinnamon, and infused with vanilla. The edges are golden and slightly crisp, while the center stays custardy and soft. Each bite is comforting, cozy, and just right.

Ingredients for Classic French Toast

6 slices thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast are best)
3 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk
1½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp sugar (optional, for a little sweetness)
Pinch of salt
Butter or oil for frying

Optional Toppings:

Maple syrup
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries or bananas
Whipped cream
Nutella or peanut butter
Toasted nuts or granola for crunch

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Skillet or griddle
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Shallow dish or pie plate (for dipping bread)

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

Dairy-free? Use almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Egg-free? Try a flax egg or commercial egg replacer, though texture will vary.
Add orange zest or nutmeg for a twist.
Want it richer? Swap half the milk for heavy cream.

How to Make Classic French Toast

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Whisk the custard:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until well blended.
Preheat your pan:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter or a light drizzle of oil.
Dip the bread:
Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish. Dip each slice of bread in the mixture for about 5–10 seconds per side (don’t oversoak!).
Cook the toast:
Place soaked bread on the hot skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with syrup, pile on the fruit — or do it all!

What to Serve with Classic French Toast

Crispy bacon or sausage for a savory balance
Scrambled eggs or omelet for extra protein
Greek yogurt and fruit for a light side
Coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice to round out the meal

Tips for the Best French Toast

Use slightly stale bread. Fresh bread gets too soggy — day-old slices soak up just enough custard without falling apart.
Cut bread thick. Aim for ¾–1 inch thick slices for a perfect custard-to-crisp ratio.
Don’t oversoak! Just a few seconds per side is all it takes.
Wipe the pan between batches. Prevents burnt bits from sticking to the next round.
Keep warm in the oven. Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Keeps well for up to 2 months!
To reheat: Toast in the oven or pop in the toaster for crispy edges — avoid the microwave unless you’re okay with softer texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular sandwich bread?

Yes! Just be gentle when dipping, and avoid soaking too long — thinner bread can fall apart more easily.

What’s the best bread for French toast?

Brioche and challah are favorites for their rich flavor and soft texture. Texas toast and sourdough also work beautifully.

Can I make French toast ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook and refrigerate or freeze the slices, then reheat as needed. It’s great for meal prep or busy mornings!

Is French toast supposed to be soggy?

Nope! The inside should be soft and custardy, but not wet or raw. If it’s too soggy, try reducing the soaking time or cooking a bit longer.

Let’s Recap the Magic ✨

This Classic French Toast Recipe is the breakfast equivalent of a warm hug — simple, satisfying, and endlessly delicious. With its golden exterior, fluffy center, and cozy cinnamon-vanilla flavor, it’s a timeless dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re treating yourself to a quiet morning or feeding a hungry brunch crowd, this one always hits the spot.

Looking for more breakfast favorites? You’ll love:

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles
Baked Blueberry Oatmeal Cups

Share the Love!

💬 Did you make this French toast? Leave a comment and tell me how it went — I love hearing from you!

📸 Tag your French toast photos on Pinterest with #mmmrecipes — your creations brighten my day!

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – based on 6 slices):

Calories: ~180
Carbs: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g