Description
This Perfect French Toast recipe transforms thick-cut bread like brioche or challah into a golden, custardy breakfast treat. With a rich mixture of eggs, whole milk, and cream flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, each slice is cooked on the stovetop until perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a classic and comforting start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a shallow mixing bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet or griddle on medium heat and add a small amount of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and coat the surface evenly to prevent sticking.
- Dip the bread slices: One at a time, dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, soaking both sides for a few seconds. Be careful not to soak too long to avoid soggy bread. Let the excess drip off before cooking.
- Cook the bread: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat if needed to prevent burning.
- Repeat and keep warm: Repeat the dipping and cooking process for the remaining slices, adding more butter to the skillet as required. To keep cooked slices warm, place them in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm topped with optional maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries according to preference.
Notes
- Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better and holds together without becoming mushy.
- For added flavor, try adding a splash of orange zest or a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture.
- Keep finished French toast warm in a low oven set to 200°F while you finish cooking the rest of the batch.
