French Toast Recipe

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French toast is one of those delightful breakfast dishes that brings a smile to your face and warmth to your belly.

With its golden-brown exterior, soft and custardy inside, and endless possibilities for toppings, it’s hard to resist this classic breakfast treat.

Whether you’re serving it on a weekend brunch or as an any-day morning meal, this French toast recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This French toast recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying.

The combination of eggs and half-and-half creates a rich custard that envelops the bread perfectly, leading to a beautifully crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

The touch of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the sweetness, while the vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma that fills your kitchen.

Using brioche bread gives it that extra indulgence, making each bite feel special.

Plus, it’s straightforward enough for beginners but still allows for fun variations to keep things exciting.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) half-and-half single cream (or milk/heavy cream)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar or honey
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sautéing the toast
• 8 thick slices of brioche bread, sliced ¾ inch thick (1 pound or 450g in total)

How To Make French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the custard mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, light brown sugar (or honey), and salt until well combined.

This mixture is what will soak into the bread, so make sure it’s smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Soak the bread

Take each slice of brioche bread and dip it into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.

You want the bread to absorb some of the custard but not become overly saturated.

Let any excess drip off before placing it on a plate.

Step 3: Heat the skillet

In a large skillet or griddle, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Once the butter is melted and bubbly, it’s time to start cooking the French toast.

Step 4: Cook the French toast

Carefully place the soaked bread slices into the skillet in a single layer.

Avoid overcrowding, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.

Cook each slice for about 3–4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes on the other side.

Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.

Step 5: Repeat

Once the first batch is done, transfer the French toast to a warm plate, and repeat the process with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Keep them warm in an oven set to low heat if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the French toast warm, with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Enjoy every delicious bite!

Expert Tips

• For extra flavor, let the soaked bread sit for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the custard to soak in even more.
• Use stale brioche bread or day-old bread for optimal absorption without falling apart.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the half-and-half with almond milk or coconut milk.
• Add a pinch of salt to the batter to elevate the flavors even further.

Variations and Customizations

• Try adding orange zest to the custard mixture for a citrusy twist.
• Incorporate chocolate chips or berries into the mixture, or sprinkle them on top while cooking.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as challah, sourdough, or whole grain.
• Serve with toppings like yogurt, honey, nut butter, or even a savory twist with avocado and poached eggs for a brunch twist.

How to Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover French toast (which is rare, but it can happen), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat the slices in the toaster or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

This will help retain the crispy exterior, making your breakfast just as delicious as the first time around.

FAQ

Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator.

Just give it a good whisk before you soak the bread the next morning.

What’s the best bread to use for French toast?

While brioche is a favorite for its richness and sweetness, other types of bread like challah, sourdough, or even bagels can also make delicious French toast.

Choose a bread that can hold up to soaking without falling apart.

Can I freeze leftover French toast?

Yes, you can freeze French toast slices.

Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a freezer bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy, toast them directly from the freezer or reheat in the oven.

How can I make French toast healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using whole-grain bread, reducing the sugar, and adding fruit toppings instead of syrup.

You can also use egg whites or a lower-fat milk alternative if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Conclusion

This French toast recipe is truly a breakfast classic that you can whip up in no time, yet it feels indulgent enough for special occasions.

Whether you stick to the original recipe or make your own variations and toppings, you’re sure to impress family and friends alike.

So grab your ingredients, turn on that skillet, and get ready to enjoy a plateful of this deliciousness! Enjoy every buttery, cinnamon-spiced bite and make memories around the breakfast table.

Happy cooking!