If you’re craving a breakfast classic that’s both comforting and simple to whip up, this Easy French Toast Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It combines rich eggs, fragrant cinnamon, and just a touch of honey to create a custardy, golden brown delight that’s crisp on the outside and irresistibly soft inside. Whether you prefer challah, brioche, or Texas toast, this recipe celebrates the very best of French toast—perfect for lazy weekend mornings or anytime you want a special start to your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients are the heart and soul of this Easy French Toast Recipe, each bringing its own magic to the final dish—from the creamy custard that soaks into the bread to the buttery finish that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- 6 large eggs: Provide the rich base that binds and adds protein to the custard soak.
- 2 large egg yolks: Give extra creaminess and a beautiful golden color to the egg mixture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and softens the bread while balancing the egg richness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, fragrant warmth that elevates the custard soak.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Provides that classic French toast aroma and a touch of spice.
- 1 Tbsp warm honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the crust caramelize nicely.
- 1 lb bread such as Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast (~8-10 slices, 3/4” thick): The fluffier and sturdier, the better for soaking up all that custard.
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter: For sauteing the toast and giving that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Easy French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by slicing your bread into about 3/4-inch thick pieces. If you have the luxury of extra time, place these slices on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours so they dry out just a bit. This drying step is a game-changer—it helps the bread absorb the custard without falling apart. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 275˚F to keep your cooked toast warm and perfectly tender.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the eggs, egg yolks, whole milk, salt, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and warm honey. Whisk thoroughly until everything is evenly blended and the honey dissolves completely into the mixture. Pour this delicious custard into a shallow casserole dish that fits about four slices of bread or enough to dip your bread comfortably.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Melt Butter
Place your skillet over medium-low heat and melt in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This gentle heating ensures the toast cooks evenly, achieving that perfect balance between crisp outside and soft inside without burning the butter.
Step 4: Soak and Saute the Bread
Dip 4 slices of bread into your custard mixture, letting each side soak for 30 to 40 seconds depending on the thickness and density of your bread. Allow the excess egg mixture to drip back into the dish before placing the soaked slices carefully in the skillet. Saute for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until each piece turns a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 5: Keep Warm and Finish Cooking in Oven
Transfer the browned slices to a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated 275˚F oven to stay warm. Repeat the soaking and sauteing process with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed. Once all slices are cooked, leave them in the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to allow the custard center to set fully, which makes every bite luscious and custardy.
How to Serve Easy French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Top your French toast with fresh berries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup for classic charm. Whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts add texture and decadence, making every forkful a delight.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast that balances the dish beautifully. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt can introduce brightness and freshness, rounding out your breakfast plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate the experience by stacking the slices in a neat pile and securing them with a skewer topped with a maraschino cherry or a cinnamon stick. For an elegant brunch, serve your Easy French Toast Recipe with a small side of compote or infused syrups, like blueberry or lavender, to impress guests effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover French toast slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the crisp exterior and custardy center, so you can enjoy them again without sacrificing quality.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This method prevents sticking and lets you thaw single portions as needed for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350˚F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving, which can make the toast soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use regular white bread for this Easy French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While breads like challah or brioche give a richer, fluffier texture, a sturdy white sandwich bread will still soak up the custard beautifully and taste great.
Why is it important to dry the bread before soaking?
Drying the bread slightly helps it absorb the custard without becoming mushy, and it also creates a better texture after cooking—a fantastic balance between custardy and crisp.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter or oil for sauteing to keep the recipe friendly for dairy-sensitive diets.
How do I know when the custard center is fully set?
Leaving the French toast in the warm oven after sauteing lets the custard finish cooking gently. The toasts will feel firm but tender, without any jiggly spots in the center.
Is this Easy French Toast Recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely. The recipe yields nearly 10 slices, which is perfect for sharing. You can easily double or triple the ingredients and keep finished slices warm in the oven until everyone is ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
If you want a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy French Toast Recipe is the answer. It’s straightforward, incredibly satisfying, and flexible enough to adapt to your favorite breads or toppings. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it disappear bite by bite with plenty of smiles around the table.
Print
Easy French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9-10 slices of French Toast
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy French Toast recipe delivers a beautifully custardy inside with a golden, buttery crust, perfect for a comforting brunch or breakfast. Using thick slices of Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast soaked in a rich egg-milk mixture flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and honey, then sautéed to a perfect golden brown and kept warm in the oven, this recipe creates a delightful balance of texture and flavor that pairs well with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp warm honey
Bread and Cooking
- 1 lb bread such as Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast (about 8–10 slices, 3/4” thick)
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Slice your bread into about 3/4 inch thick slices and, if time allows, arrange them on a wire rack to dry out slightly for 1-2 hours. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 275˚F to keep the French toast warm later.
- Make the custard mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 6 eggs, 2 egg yolks, 1 cup milk, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon warm honey until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish that fits about 4 pieces of bread or as many as your skillet can handle.
- Heat your skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to prepare for cooking the bread slices.
- Soak and sauté bread: Dip 4 slices of bread into the egg custard one at a time, soaking each side for 30-40 seconds depending on thickness. Let the bread drip excess custard back into the dish, then place the slices carefully into the skillet. Sauté each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
- Keep warm and finish: Transfer the cooked French toast slices to a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven at 275˚F to keep warm. Repeat the dipping and sautéing process with remaining bread, adding butter to the skillet as needed. Once all slices are cooked, leave them in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the custard center to fully set. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Drying the bread before soaking helps prevent sogginess and allows better custard absorption.
- Using thick, sturdy bread like Challah or Brioche provides the best texture and flavor.
- The warm honey blends smoothly in the custard, adding subtle sweetness without granulation.
- Cooking over medium-low heat ensures even browning without burning the butter.
- Keeping finished French toast warm in a low oven helps set the custard and keeps it ready to serve.
- Adjust soaking time based on bread thickness to avoid oversaturation.
