Get ready to wake up your senses and transform your breakfast routine with the Best French Toast Ever! Perfectly golden, custardy in the center, and crisp at the edges, this simple dish takes the morning classic and elevates it to irresistible heights. Brioche or challah bread soaks up a rich mixture of eggs, milk, cream, and vanilla, before sizzling in butter until beautifully browned. Paired with a drizzle of maple syrup and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, every bite is pure comfort—and you’ll soon see why this recipe truly lives up to its name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best French Toast Ever begins with a few familiar ingredients, each one chosen to give you a dreamily soft interior and a luscious, caramelized exterior. These pantry staples work in harmony for an unbeatable flavor and texture you’ll crave.
- 4 large eggs: The backbone of the custard, eggs provide structure, richness, and help create that classic creamy bite.
- 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk balances the custard base with just enough fat, ensuring the toast turns out moist but not soggy.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: A splash of cream heightens decadence and produces the softest, most luxurious texture.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps create a golden, caramelized exterior.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Brown sugar deepens the flavor with a gentle hint of molasses.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla brings out all the warm, cozy notes and ties the custard together.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon infuses the batter with a fragrant spice, making each bite irresistible.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt sharpens the sweet flavors and balances the overall taste.
- 8 slices of thick-cut brioche or challah bread: Using thick, slightly stale bread ensures a crisp exterior and soft center without getting soggy.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the pan): Butter gives the toast its golden color and rich flavor, while also preventing sticking.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving: These classic toppings finish the Best French Toast Ever with a sweet, polished touch.
How to Make Best French Toast Ever
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
Grab your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. This luscious custard is the secret to the Best French Toast Ever, infusing every slice of bread with deep, cozy flavors.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Set out your thick-cut brioche or challah slices. Dip each piece into the custard, coating both sides fully. Allow each slice to soak for about 10 seconds—enough time to absorb goodness without getting soggy. This step is crucial for ensuring the creamy inside you expect from the Best French Toast Ever.
Step 3: Heat the Pan and Melt Butter
Place a large skillet or griddle on medium heat. Melt a tablespoon of unsalted butter, swirling it around so the surface is fully greased. The gentle sizzle and aroma will let you know it’s ready for your soon-to-be golden toasts.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Carefully lay the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they develop a gorgeous golden color and crisp, slightly caramelized edge. Add more butter between batches to keep things luscious. Watch closely—the Best French Toast Ever is all about that perfect, just-right color!
Step 5: Serve Hot and Fresh
Serve your French toast immediately, while it’s at peak perfection. Stack the slices, drizzle with plenty of maple syrup, and dust generously with powdered sugar for the ultimate experience.
How to Serve Best French Toast Ever
Garnishes
The classic route is always a winner—think a cascade of maple syrup, a flourish of powdered sugar, and a pat of melting butter. For extra color and freshness, toss on berries, sliced bananas, or toasted nuts. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar will seal the deal for the Best French Toast Ever!
Side Dishes
Balance out your breakfast with crisp bacon, sizzling sausage, or a refreshing fruit salad. If you’re feeling fancy, a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a citrusy fruit compote adds a lovely tang, making this meal worthy of even the coziest brunch gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Best French Toast Ever into a showstopper by slicing each piece diagonally and stacking them artfully on a platter. Drizzle with flavored syrups (think salted caramel or berry coulis) for a modern twist, or serve with a trio of dips such as vanilla yogurt, fruit preserves, and chocolate sauce for the ultimate “build-your-own” brunch bar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover slices keep well! Let them cool, then stack with parchment between each slice and place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, the Best French Toast Ever is just a quick reheat away from breakfast bliss.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze your cooked French toast. Arrange the cooled slices in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just imagine a lazy weekend made easier with the Best French Toast Ever waiting in your freezer!
Reheating
Reheat gently in a toaster, skillet, or even the oven until warmed through and edges are crisp again—don’t forget to add a tiny dab of butter. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the texture a bit rubbery rather than the soft-meets-crisp magic of freshly made Best French Toast Ever.
FAQs
What’s the best bread to use for French toast?
Brioche and challah are top choices for the Best French Toast Ever because they’re rich yet sturdy, absorb the custard beautifully, and deliver a pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth bite every time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute almond, oat, or soy milk for the whole milk and cream, and use your favorite dairy-free butter for frying. You’ll still get all the flavor and the signature texture of the Best French Toast Ever.
Why use both granulated and brown sugar?
This combination gives your French toast the best of both worlds: granulated sugar creates sweetness and caramelization, while brown sugar brings a touch of complexity and warmth, making this truly the Best French Toast Ever.
How do I keep my French toast from getting soggy?
Use slightly stale, thick-cut bread and avoid oversoaking—about 10 seconds per slice is plenty. That way, the center is creamy but not mushy, delivering that perfect bite every time you make the Best French Toast Ever.
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
You sure can! Mix up the egg custard the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. In the morning, just dip and cook your bread for a virtually effortless Best French Toast Ever experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sitting down to a classic plate of the Best French Toast Ever, whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to a decadent weekend breakfast. Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every warm, syrup-soaked bite!
Print
Best French Toast Ever Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with this recipe for the Best French Toast Ever. Rich, custardy slices of brioche or challah bread are cooked to golden perfection and served with maple syrup and powdered sugar. It’s a classic morning favorite that’s sure to please!
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 slices of thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the pan)
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, dip bread slices into the egg mixture, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Plate the French toast and serve hot with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and desired toppings.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old bread.
- Enhance flavor by sprinkling cinnamon sugar on the cooking toast.
- Recipe adaptable for dairy-free alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
