French toast recipe

French Toast recipe is a classic breakfast dish enjoyed for generations. Made with simple ingredients like bread, eggs, and milk, French Toast is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you prefer a classic version with maple syrup and fresh fruit or a more creative twist with stuffed bread or unique toppings, French Toast is a comforting and satisfying breakfast that is perfect for any occasion.

In this article, we will explore the ingredients needed to make French Toast, different preparation techniques, and tips for making the perfect French Toast every time.

French Toast Recipe Ingredients

Every home cook has their own twist on basic French toast, but most variations contain the following ingredients:

White Bread

Thick-cut bread is the base for all French toast. Sturdy, dense, slightly stale slices absorb the custard-like egg mixture better than thin, airy ones.

Eggs

When it comes to French toast, eggs are essential. The proteins solidify once heated, binding the batter together and ensuring a rich texture. The fat, meanwhile, adds extra creaminess.

Milk

Milk adds the necessary moisture, and the fat gives the batter extra richness. This recipe calls for whole milk because it creates the ideal texture.

The milk thins out the egg mixture, making it easier to soak the bread. Whole or any of your alternative favourite milk is the best choice to produce the creamiest consistency, but you can use any type you prefer. ( full-fat varieties are the best choice)

Read: From Scratch: How to Make Buttermilk with Only Two Ingredients”

Vanilla and cinnamon

The best French toast is warm, cosy, aromatic, and sweet. The cinnamon and vanilla in this recipe are optional, but we recommend using them. Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy flavour to the French toast, while the vanilla gives a sweet taste to the French toast.

Salt

Don’t skip the salt! Just a pinch won’t affect the flavour. Salt helps break down the eggs, incorporate them into the batter, and prevents egg chunks in the finished product.

Butter

Butter greases the pan so the French Toast doesn’t stick. The best French toast is made with butter. If your French toast tends to burn, try frying the batter-soaked bread with butter and oil.

Easy French Toast Recipe

What Ingredients do we need for French Toast Recipe

2 large eggs
80ml whole milk
40ml double cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
4 thick slices of brioche
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp butter
icing sugar and fresh berries, to serve (optional)

Instructions On How To Make French Toast

Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Lay the brioche slices in a single layer in a shallow dish and pour the egg mixture.
Allow to soak for 2-3 mins, then carefully turn over and soak for 2 mins more.
Heat 1 tbsp of the vegetable oil and butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat until foaming. Carefully lift 2 slices of the soaked brioche from the dish and add to the frying pan.
Fry for 3 mins on each side, until golden and crisp, then place on a wire rack over a baking tray in a warm oven while you repeat with the remaining slices.
Serve dusted in icing sugar and scattered with fresh berries, if you like.

Related: Tomato Paste Substitute

Brioche French Toast Recipe

Ingredients for Brioche French Toast Recipe

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons butter
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 slices challah, brioche, or white bread
1/2 cup maple syrup, warmed

Instructions on How to Make Brioche French Toast

Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar in a small bowl and set aside briefly.
In a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk the cinnamon mixture, eggs, milk, and vanilla and pour into a shallow container like a pie plate. Dip bread in egg mixture.
Fry slices until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side. Serve with syrup.

Eggless French Toast Recipe

Ingredients for Eggless French Toast Recipe

½ cup milk, regular or dairy free
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cinnamon, optional
2 slices thick white bread
2 tablespoons butter or a vegan alternative for grilling
½ cup sliced strawberries
Maple syrup for serving
Powdered sugar, optional

Instructions on how to make Eggless French Toast Recipe

Combine the milk, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Whisk until everything is combined and the cornstarch is dissolved.
Heat a large, nonstick pan over medium heat.
Place one slice of bread into the milk mixture long enough to soak the side, then flip the bread and allow it to soak for 3 seconds.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan and place 2 slices of bread into the centre of the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
Flip the French toast pieces using a spatula and brown the other side for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining bread slice and butter.
Once cooked, top the slices with strawberries, syrup, and powdered sugar.

Tips for the Best French Toast

Now that you’ve got all these delicious toppings, here are some extra tips you can follow for an excellent French toast.

1. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the batter.

You can incorporate many other flavours, or even better French toast. Try cinnamon, coffee, cocoa powder, or even salt and pepper.

2. Try crusting your French toast with chopped nuts.

This is a great way to add texture and ensure an even crunch with every bite. Depending on your other toppings, you can add pistachios, almonds, or walnuts.

3. Get creative.

Your French toast doesn’t need to look plain. There are many ways you can dress it up. Instead of cooking it in a pan, try baking them in a muffin tray to make cute little French toast bowls! You can also try French toast roll-ups, which I like to do for my cinnamon and cream cheese glaze toppings.

French Toast Toppings

French Toast can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste preferences. Here are some classic and creative French Toast topping ideas:

1. Maple Syrup

French toast with syrup topping — French toast recipe with peanut butter and syrup

The classic French Toast topping, maple syrup, adds a sweet and rich flavour. And there are other types you can try. Chocolate, caramel, buttermilk, or lemon curd are all great options. And you can also have honey as a healthy variant for syrup.

2. Fresh Fruit

French toast with fruits toppings — French toast sprinkled with cinnamon and fresh fruits

French toast does not get any more refreshing than adding fresh fruits to enjoy your breakfast. If you want to explore, mix and match the fruits until you get your desired flavour.

3. Nutella

You can’t go wrong with Nutella. Even a picky eater won’t say no. It’s easy and delicious. Add chopped hazelnuts or cacao nibs for some crunch!

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamons make everything taste better. There’s an aroma that comes with it that won’t let you resist having some sprinkled on your French toast. Sprinkling just some ground cinnamon over your French toast is a great way to add flavour.

5. Mozzarella and Honey

Mozzarella and honey, just like Bonnie and Clyde. They fit perfectly on your French toast. The subtly sweet and mildly savoury flavour combo compliments each other so well. You can try other savoury flavours, like brie or Camembert, and even add some sliced almonds. A mouthwatering breakfast is at your door!

6. Avocado

French toast with avocado toppings — French toast served with egg, avocado and tomatos

This is a healthy little spin on your egg-full French toast. And you can even add some parmesan for more flavour. Go ahead and slice some up and layer them neatly on top of your French toast for a delicious and Instagram-worthy breakfast.

7. Eggs

French toast with egg toppings — French toast served with egg

For some good protein in the morning, have some eggs with your French toast! You can either make some scrambled with some cheese or make your egg sunny side up. And maybe even bacon bits. You can also do a fried egg. Crispy on the side is recommended! A simple and easy topping for a great breakfast!

8. Coconut Flakes

Incorporating a tropical theme into your breakfast makes everything better altogether. Add some coconut flakes to your French toast. The coconut flavour is subtle, so you might want to add other fruits to match your toast flavour. You should try it in your next toast breakfast.

French Toast Variations

There are many variations to the basic French Toast recipe, which can add different flavours and textures to this classic breakfast dish.

Here are some popular variations to try:

1. Mozzarella Stuffed French Toast

This savoury mozzarella-stuffed French toast is perfect for those without a sweet tooth. Remove the crust from two slices of white bread and make a sandwich with freshly grated hard mozzarella.

Press the edges with a fork to seal and soak in an egg mixture. Fry in butter until the outside is golden brown and the mozzarella is melted. Serve with chilli sauce for a spicy kick.

2. Baked French Toast Casserole

Arrange bread slices in a baking dish, pour the egg mixture over the bread, and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator. Bake it in the morning for a delicious and easy breakfast casserole.

Related: How to make Oobleck

3. Mushroom bacon and tomato French Toast

Channel the flavours of a full English with this hearty mushroom, bacon & tomato French toast. Top with crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, chutney, and chestnut mushrooms. Use a thick, hand-sliced loaf, or if using pre-sliced bread, soak it for half the time stated in the method.

4. Cinnamon Raisin French Toast

Cinnamon raisin toast — Baked Cinnamon Raisin

Add raisins and a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for a warm and comforting flavour.

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5. Ricotta Strawberry French toast

This vibrant ricotta strawberry French toast is full of flavour. Fry slices of eggy bread and smother with ricotta cheese. Drizzle with runny honey, fresh strawberries, mint, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

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6. Challah French Toast

Challah bread is a rich, eggy bread perfect for French Toast. Use it to add a unique and delicious flavour to your breakfast.

7. Vegan French Toast

Ditch dairy and eggs with this easy vegan French toast. Combine oat milk with a couple of tablespoons of gram flour and ground almonds for a thick liquid mixture. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and golden caster sugar for sweetness. Fry the soaked bread until golden brown and serve with a maple blueberry compote.

8. Croissant French Toast

Substitute croissants for bread slices for a buttery and flaky French Toast.

Croissant french toast with fruits toppings — Croissant French toast bake

9. Coconut French Toast

Add coconut milk to the egg mixture and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

Related: Milkshake Recipe

Conclusion

In conclusion, French Toast is a delicious and versatile breakfast dish that can be customized to your liking. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a warm, comforting breakfast perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion.

Whether you prefer classic toppings like maple syrup and fresh fruit or more creative variations like stuffed French Toast or coconut French Toast, there are endless possibilities to make this dish your own.

By using different types of bread, adding unique ingredients to the egg mixture, and trying out different cooking techniques, you can create a French Toast that is both delicious and unique. So next time you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying breakfast, try French Toast and enjoy this classic dish’s comfort and warmth.

FAQS on French Toast Recipe

What is the most common mistake in making French toast?

Adding too much dairy and sugar to the custard
Not mixing the custard thoroughly
Not choosing the right bread

What is French toast usually made of?

French toast is sliced bread soaked in beaten eggs and often milk or cream, then pan-fried.

What can I use instead of milk for French toast?

Instead of using dairy milk, heavy cream, almond milk, soy milk, powdered milk, or any other milk substitute can be used (hint: Light coconut milk would taste great).

Is French toast the same as eggy bread?

Eggy Bread tends to be savoury and French Toast is sweet. For Eggy Bread, think bacon or a fried egg as the filling, whilst French Toast tends to be berries with maple syrup or honey

Easy French Toast Recipe to Try Out