Classic French Toast: A Simple and Delicious Breakfast Delight

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 8 slices of thick-cut bread
  • Butter for frying
  • Maple syrup for serving
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  2. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
  3. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface.
  4. Add the dipped bread slices to the skillet or griddle, cooking until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Repeat the process for the remaining bread slices, adding more butter as needed.
  6. Serve the French toast warm, topped with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use brioche or challah bread instead of regular thick-cut bread for a richer flavor.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for a hint of spice.
  • Swap the milk for buttermilk or almond milk for a different taste and texture.
  • Replace the sugar with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness.
  • Top the French toast with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
  • Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the egg mixture for a chocolatey twist.
  • Make it savory by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the egg mixture and serving with bacon or sausage.
  • For a vegan option, use plant-based milk (such as soy or oat milk) and replace the eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce.
  • Create a stuffed French toast by spreading cream cheese or Nutella between two slices of bread before dipping and cooking.
  • Experiment with different toppings like caramel sauce, fruit compote, or whipped cream.

Recipe overview

This classic French Toast recipe is a delightful way to start your day, offering a beautiful blend of sweet and savory flavors. It includes rich, thick-cut bread slices dipped in an egg mixture infused with vanilla and cinnamon, then fried to a golden perfection. Topped with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, this French Toast is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll appreciate the simplicity and delicious results of this timeless recipe.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer. However, keep in mind that thick-cut bread works best for French toast as it holds up well to the egg mixture and cooking process.
  2. Can I use a non-dairy milk substitute? Absolutely! You can substitute regular milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk alternative of your choice.
  3. Can I skip the sugar? Yes, you can omit the sugar if you prefer a less sweet French toast. However, keep in mind that the sugar adds a nice touch of sweetness to the dish.
  4. Can I make French toast ahead of time? While French toast is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare a large batch and keep it warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C) for a short period of time before serving.
  5. Can I freeze leftover French toast? Yes, you can freeze leftover French toast. Allow it to cool completely, then place the slices in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply toast in a toaster or bake in the oven until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the egg mixture.
  • Whisk - Used to beat together the ingredients in the mixing bowl.
  • Skillet or Griddle - A large cooking surface for frying the French toast slices.
  • Spatula - Used to flip the French toast slices while cooking.
  • Butter Knife - For spreading butter on the skillet or griddle.
  • Serving Platter - A dish or platter for arranging and serving the cooked French toast.
  • Maple Syrup Dispenser - A container for holding and pouring maple syrup onto the French toast.
  • Powdered Sugar Shaker - Optional, used for dusting powdered sugar on top of the French toast.

Origin stories

French Toast, known as "pain perdu" meaning "lost bread" in France, has humble origins. As a way to make use of stale bread, people would soak it in a mixture of eggs and milk then fry it, essentially breathing new life into something that would otherwise have been discarded. This practice dates back to medieval times and has since become a beloved comfort food in many cultures. Interestingly though, it's not French at all, but was named such by an innkeeper in 18th-century America, Joseph French. He named his version of the dish after himself, but grammatically, it should really be called "French's toast".

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.