French Toast
Thick slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg mixture, then pan-fried in butter until golden and crisp on the outside with a soft, custard-like center. A beloved American breakfast classic ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Make the egg custard.
1.In a mixing bowl, crack 4 eggs and whisk until thoroughly beaten.2.Add milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.3.Whisk until everything is fully combined and the cinnamon is evenly dispersed. - prep · ~4 min
Soak the bread slices.
1.Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish or baking pan.2.Place one slice of bread into the mixture and let it soak for 15-20 seconds per side.3.Lift the bread and let excess drip off before transferring to a plate. Repeat with remaining slices.TIPDon't oversoak — day-old bread holds its structure best. Fresh bread can turn mushy. - fry · ~10 min
Fry the French toast.
1.Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.2.Place 2-3 soaked bread slices in the skillet without overcrowding.3.Cook until golden brown and crisp on the bottom, about 3 minutes.4.Flip carefully with a spatula and cook the second side until golden, another 2-3 minutes.TIPKeep heat at medium — too hot burns the butter and sugars before the custard sets inside. - fry · ~6 min
Repeat with remaining butter and bread.
Wipe the skillet clean between batches if any burnt bits accumulate. Add a fresh pat of butter for each new batch and cook the remaining soaked bread slices until all are golden and cooked through.
- serve
Serve warm with maple syrup.
Plate the French toast slices, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and serve immediately while hot and crisp.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Day-old brioche or challah soaks up custard without turning mushy.
- 2Don't oversoak bread—15–20 seconds per side is enough for custard bread.
- 3Let excess custard drip off before frying to avoid soggy French toast.
- 4Cook over medium heat so the custard sets fully before the outside burns.
- 5Wipe the skillet clean between batches to prevent burnt butter from sticking.
- 6Serve immediately after frying; French toast loses its crispness quickly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lactose-free
Substitute whole milk with oat milk or almond milk and use a plant-based butter alternative. The custard may be slightly less rich, but the texture remains creamy.
high proteinHigh-protein
Use high-protein bread (like sourdough with added seeds) and add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the egg mixture. This boosts satiety and keeps you fuller longer.
veganVegan
Replace eggs with a mixture of 1/2 cup mashed banana or 1/4 cup chickpea flour whisked with 1/3 cup water per 4 eggs. Use plant milk and vegan butter. The result is less custardy but still deliciously golden.
savory French toastSavory French toast
Omit the sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add a pinch of black pepper, smoked paprika, and a splash of soy sauce to the custard. Serve with fried eggs or avocado for a brunch twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Four large eggs provide about 24 grams of high-quality protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full.
Calcium from Milk
Whole milk adds a significant amount of calcium per serving, supporting strong bones and teeth.
Cinnamon May Aid Blood Sugar
Ground cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has been associated with helping to stabilize blood sugar levels when consumed as part of a meal.
Energy from Healthy Carbs
Brioche or challah provides carbohydrates for energy, especially useful for a morning meal.
Frequently asked questions
Sogginess usually happens when you oversoak the bread or use very fresh, soft bread. Stick to day-old thick-cut brioche or challah and limit soaking to 15–20 seconds per side.
