How To Make French Toast
This easy French toast is the kind of breakfast that makes a Saturday morning feel special. Thick slices of bread soak up a vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg custard, then get pan-fried until they’re golden and crisp on the outside and soft and custardy in the middle. All you need are a few simple ingredients, and breakfast is on the table in minutes.
How to Make It Southern French Toast
The recipe itself is classic French toast. What makes it Southern is how you top it and what you serve alongside it. Here are some of my favorite ways to give it a little Southern flair:
- Toasted pecans: Sprinkle warm, buttery pecans over the top for crunch. My Oven-Roasted Salted Pecans are perfect here.
- Cane syrup or sorghum: Skip the maple and drizzle on cane syrup or sorghum syrup, two old-fashioned Southern sweeteners with a deep, rich, molasses-like flavor.
- Fried apples: Spoon on warm, cinnamon-spiced Easy Fried Apples for a cozy fall breakfast.
- Fresh peaches: In the summer, top it with sliced fresh peaches and a dollop of whipped cream.
- A side of bacon or sausage: Because every Southern breakfast needs something salty to go with the sweet.
Want to make it festive? Swap the milk for my Homemade Eggnog Coffee Creamer for a holiday twist.
A Little French Toast History
Have you ever wondered where French toast came from? The dish we know as French toast, or pain perdu in France, has been around for centuries. In fact, it can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire.
The English name “French toast” dates back to 17th-century England. The French name, pain perdu, means “lost bread.” It got that name because cooks used stale bread that would otherwise be thrown away.
Ingredients
To make basic French toast, you need the following ingredients:
- bread – While you can use any bread to make French toast, using thick bread like brioche is optimal. French bread, naturally, works really well for making French toast.
- milk or cream
- eggs
- vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- oil (for pan frying)
How To Make French Toast
- Heat a skillet over medium to medium-high heat with a small layer of oil. If you have a non-stick skillet, use it. They work best when making French toast.
- Whisk together eggs, milk (or half and half or eggnog creamer), vanilla, and spices until well combined.
- When the skillet is ready, dip the bread slices in the custard mixture. Allow the slices to soak it up, but do not leave them in long.
Remove them and allow the excess mixture to drip off.
- Lightly spray griddle with non-stick cooking spray or lightly coat with oil.
- Place the slices onto the prepared pan or griddle and cook until they are golden brown.
- Flip and repeat on the other side.
- Remove the slices once they are golden brown and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, you’ll definitely want to try a few more of my morning must-makes. My Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are soft, gooey, and bakery-worthy, while my Blueberry Coffee Cake brings a burst of fruity sweetness to the table. For an easy make-ahead option, my Easy French Toast Casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd. And if you’re craving something savory, my Sausage Gravy is pure Southern comfort on a biscuit.
French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. (If using a griddle, set it to 400 degrees.)
- Combine eggs, milk or half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Dip slices of bread into liquid mixture. Remove and allow excess liquid to drain.
- Lightly spray griddle with non-stick spray or lightly coat with oil.
- Place the slices in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip bread and repeat on other side.
- Remove from heat and place on plate lined with paper towels.
- Top with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Tips for the Best French Toast
- Use day-old bread. If you bake your own bread, wait a day or two before using it for French toast. Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Slice it thick. Cut French bread ½ to 1 inch thick. Cut brioche at least ½ inch thick so it can hold the custard. Thinner slices usually don’t hold up when you flip them.
- Be patient before flipping. Let the bread develop a nice brown color first. There’s a slight learning curve, so just be patient.
- Get the heat right. I find medium-high heat works best. When I’m making a big batch, I sometimes lower the heat after the first few slices.
- Keep the pan well oiled. Even with a nonstick skillet, oil gives French toast just the right amount of crispness. You may need to add more as you go.
Can you freeze French toast?
Absolutely. French toast freezes well for up to 2 months. Let the slices cool (I like to drain any extra oil on paper towels first), then place them in a zip-top freezer bag with parchment paper between the slices so they don’t stick together. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the toaster or toaster oven to reheat.
Dessert Variation
Top French toast with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a cherry on top. Or serve it with strawberries and cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook French toast on each side?
Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes over medium to medium-high heat, until it’s golden brown.
What’s the best bread for French toast?
Thick bread like brioche or French bread works best. Day-old bread holds up better than fresh bread.
Why is my French toast soggy in the middle?
The bread probably soaked too long, or the pan wasn’t hot enough. Dip the bread quickly, let the extra custard drip off, and make sure your skillet is hot before you add the slices.
Can I make French toast ahead of time?
Yes! Freeze cooked French toast for up to 2 months and reheat it in the toaster. For a make-ahead breakfast for a crowd, try my Easy French Toast Casserole.
Last Bite
Love this easy French toast? Save it to Pinterest so you can whip it up again for your next weekend breakfast or brunch! If you make it, leave a comment or tag me. I’d love to know your favorite topping combo. Whether you drizzle it with maple syrup, pile on fresh berries, or serve it alongside my Easy French Toast Casserole for a brunch spread, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Just what I needed to make my toast have more flavor, it was great! Thank you! :))
This looks amazing!
the French toast looks so yummy…..I’m hungry!
Looks delicious! We ate that ice cream stuffed brioche in November – SO good.