French toast is the kind of breakfast you crave when you wake up late on a lazy Saturday, or when you want to impress someone (maybe just your hungry self) with not much more than bread and eggs. Seriously, who hasn’t dreamed of having a go-to french toast recipe that’s quick, delicious, and doesn’t demand weird fancy ingredients? We’ve all had those limp, soggy versions that just make your whole day a little less sunny. If you’re here to find out how to make the best french toast from scratch, including which bread actually matters, some killer toppings, and ideas to jazz it up—stick with me. By the way, if you love everyday breakfast wins, check out these homemade pancake tricks and waffle tips. 
How to Make French Toast:
So, let’s get rolling. My first-ever attempt at french toast involved a cracked egg shell in the batter (don’t ask), and it turned out… interesting. Anyway! The heart of this thing is really simple—eggs, milk, bread, and a pinch of magic (okay, vanilla and maybe a hint of cinnamon if you want to feel fancy). Grab a shallow dish, whisk your eggs until they stop looking stubbornly stringy, and pour in milk. Whole milk’s my favorite, but I’ve totally used oat milk in a pinch. Add a dash of vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Dip your bread (not too long please, or it’ll go limp), then fry in a pan with a bit of butter.
Big tip? Keep the pan not-too-hot. Seriously. I’ve blackened more than one slice before learning that lesson. Medium-low is your friend here. Let it sizzle until it’s golden and slightly crispy at the edges. That’s when you know you’ve nailed it. Want to feel like you’re at a five-star restaurant? Dust with powdered sugar right at the end.
“This is hands-down the best french toast I’ve ever made! My kids actually cheered—they’d never done that before for breakfast.” — Leah K.
Best Bread for French Toast
Let’s get loud about bread. All bread is not created equal—at least not for french toast. Remember the time I tried using plain old supermarket white bread? Let’s just say… sog city. If you want that perfect crispy-outside, creamy-inside bite, go for breads that can soak up the custard but hold their own. Brioche is my all-time fave. So soft, so rich. Challah’s a close second, and Texas toast works if you want something sturdy and classic. If you’re lucky enough to have day-old bread (just a little stale), use that—it soaks up the custard like a champ. Home-baked bread gives you personality, but store-bought works in a pinch too. Wondering about whole wheat? Honestly, I find it sometimes a bit earthy, but if that’s your jam, go for it.
Honestly, the trick is just avoiding the wafer-thin stuff. Thicker slices mean better french toast and less sadness if you mess up the flip. Promise. 
French Toast Additions
Here’s where things get wild, if you wanna stray from the beaten path. Growing up, my mom always threw a pinch of nutmeg in (wasn’t sure as a kid, but now I’m hooked). Add orange zest for that fancy brunch-vibe. Or, slip in a spoonful of pumpkin puree for autumn coziness. Chocolate chips? Yes, you can! You could even sneak in a dash of rum extract if you’re having grown-ups over. There’s seriously no right answer here. Just try not to crowd the party too much, or flavors get muddled. I tried adding strawberries into the egg mixture once, but it turned a bit purple. Tasted good though! If you wanna change the custard, swap milk for half and half or even coconut milk for something unexpected. Don’t be afraid to experiment—it’s not a science test, it’s breakfast.
Sometimes, someone asks me: “What about salt?” Oh, totally. A small pinch brings everything together. Never skip it. 
Best Toppings for French Toast
Hands down, this is the fun part, especially if you have kids or picky eaters around. Let’s keep it simple—just a few ideas to take your french toast over the top:
- Maple syrup. The classic. Warm it a little first, trust me.
- Fresh fruit—bananas, strawberries, or berries if you’re feeling fancy.
- Whipped cream (no shame in the canned stuff).
- Nutella or peanut butter for an extra-rich treat.
I’ve even drizzled a little honey and sprinkled granola, which makes it kinda healthy, right? Oh, don’t forget a dusting of powdered sugar if you wanna feel extra. Toppings let everyone at the table make their plate their own—that’s half the fun!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Planning ahead? You can totally prep your french toast the night before. Soak your bread in the custard, line up slices on a tray, and stash in the fridge covered overnight. Next morning, perfection is just a quick sizzle away. Freezing works, too—cool leftover slices, then pack them in layers with parchment between so they don’t stick. They come back to life with a short toast in the oven or a pop in the toaster. Fridge leftovers will last a couple days; freezer ones up to two months. It’s like having breakfast gold just waiting to happen. Sunday’s batch can be Tuesday’s breakfast rescue. I once made a double batch on a whim—my future self was so grateful. And you’ll wonder why you ever bought frozen ones at the store.
Got a big brunch coming up? Stack ’em in a warm oven, loosely covered, until you’re ready to serve. Perfect way to keep them crispy—not soggy. Breakfast win, guaranteed.
Common Questions
How do I keep my french toast from turning out soggy?
Don’t let your bread sit in the egg mix too long. Thick, slightly-old bread absorbs just enough.
Can I make french toast dairy-free?
Yes! Use non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat. Butter alternatives work, too.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover french toast?
Pop slices in the toaster or oven. That brings back the crunch, way better than the microwave.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Sure thing! Just check it’s thick-cut and not too crumbly.
How do I make the recipe for a crowd?
Soak slices ahead, then bake them all together on a sheet tray. Super easy, less mess.
Give Your Morning a Boost With Irresistibly Delicious French Toast
So, there you go. With the right bread, a solid egg mixture, and just a little bit of daring, you’ll have the kind of french toast that could make you skip brunch out for good. Don’t be afraid to try new mixes and toppings—use what you’ve got and trust your taste buds. If you want more ideas, I love checking resources like The Best French Toast Recipe or the Fluffy French Toast Recipe for extra twists. Got kiddos or young guests coming over? Peek at French Toast: Kids School Uniforms for family breakfast ideas. And for a no-fuss approach, you’ll find inspiration in the Easy French Toast Recipe. Give it a try, make it your own, and get ready for some high-fives around the table. Happy flipping!
French Toast
Ingredients
Method
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add butter to coat the pan.
- Dip a slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring it is coated but not soaked through.
- Place the dipped bread onto the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
- Dust cooked French toast with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup and fresh fruit on the side.
