You’ll Love This Challah French Toast Recipe With A Zesty Twist

Challah French toast is the ultimate weekend treat when you want something cozy, rich, and a little extra special.

The first time I had challah French toast, I wasn’t in some fancy brunch spot. I was in my cousin’s kitchen during a Hanukkah visit, still in pajamas, drinking coffee out of a chipped mug with snowmen on it.

She sliced up a golden loaf of challah she’d baked the night before, soaked it in a vanilla custard, then fried it in a buttered cast iron skillet until each piece had a crisp, caramelized edge. She served it with orange zest whipped cream and warm maple syrup. I took one bite and thought, this is French toast, but done right.

Since then, challah has been my go-to bread for French toast, and I’ve added a few touches to make the flavor pop even more.

My “twist” is adding a little orange zest in the custard, a pinch of nutmeg, and finishing the slices with a swipe of cinnamon maple butter. It turns a simple breakfast into something worth sitting down for.

Whether you’re serving family, holiday guests, or just yourself on a slow Sunday morning, this recipe brings a little extra joy to the table.

Why This Challah French Toast Recipe Works

Challah French toast stands out because of the bread itself. Challah is made with eggs and just a touch of sweetness, giving it a soft, fluffy interior and a tender crust. When sliced thick and soaked in a rich custard, it holds up beautifully in the pan without getting soggy or falling apart.

That richness means every bite tastes more decadent, even if you’re using simple ingredients. Challah is also braided, which gives the slices beautiful curves and texture. Those nooks and crannies catch the custard and turn golden in the skillet, adding flavor and color.

My version works especially well because I use orange zest in the custard for a subtle brightness. It complements the richness of the eggs and milk and cuts through the sweetness just enough. A little nutmeg warms it all up, and if you finish it with a pat of cinnamon maple butter, you’ve got something that feels a little fancy without being fussy.

This recipe is reliable for everyday use but special enough for holidays or brunch with company. It’s comforting, familiar, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Ingredients For Challah French Toast

You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something delicious. The quality of each item matters more than quantity here, especially the bread and dairy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 loaf challah bread, sliced 3/4 inch thick (day-old is best)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk or half and half
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Zest of one orange (optional, but recommended)
• Pinch of salt
• Butter, for cooking

Optional toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon maple butter
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh berries

If you can, pick up your challah from a bakery or make it at home. Grocery store versions work in a pinch, but the richer and more golden the bread, the better your French toast will turn out. Day-old challah is perfect because it soaks up custard without breaking apart.

The orange zest is my twist here. It adds a brightness that lifts the whole dish and pairs beautifully with maple syrup. Don’t skip the pinch of salt, either. It helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavor in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Challah French Toast

1. Slice the bread. Cut your challah into 3/4 inch thick slices. If it’s very fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry a bit. This helps it absorb more custard.
2. Make the custard. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and salt until smooth and well combined.
3. Soak the slices. Lay a few pieces of bread in a shallow dish and pour the custard mixture over them. Let them soak for about 30 to 60 seconds per side. Don’t let them get too soggy or they’ll be hard to flip.
4. Heat the skillet. Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a generous pat of butter.
5. Cook the French toast. Add soaked slices to the hot skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. If working in batches, keep finished slices warm in a 200°F oven.
6. Serve warm. Top with maple syrup, cinnamon maple butter, or your favorite toppings. Garnish with extra orange zest or fresh fruit if desired.

A nonstick or well seasoned cast iron pan works best. Avoid crowding the pan so each slice gets evenly browned. If you’re cooking for a group, you can keep everything warm in the oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.

Recipe For Challah French Toast With A Zesty Twist

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

This challah French toast is thick-cut, rich, and golden brown with a hint of orange zest and warm spices. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or holiday brunch, it’s crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and full of flavor in every bite.

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Ingredients

• 1 loaf challah bread, sliced ¾ inch thick (day-old preferred)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Butter, for cooking

Instructions

1. Slice the bread. Cut challah into ¾ inch thick slices. If it’s very fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly.
2. Make the custard. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and salt until smooth.
3. Soak the bread. Place slices in a shallow dish and pour custard over them. Let soak for 30 to 60 seconds per side.
4. Preheat the skillet. Warm a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
5. Cook the French toast. Cook slices 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
6. Serve. Top with syrup, cinnamon maple butter, or desired toppings. Garnish with berries or powdered sugar.

Notes

Day-old challah works best because it absorbs custard without falling apart.

Orange zest adds brightness, but lemon zest or almond extract are good substitutes.

To keep slices warm for guests, place on a wire rack in a 200°F oven.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge up to 4 days or frozen up to 2 months.

Reheat in a toaster for best texture.

How To Serve Challah French Toast

Challah French toast is versatile and crowd pleasing. You can dress it up or keep it simple, depending on the occasion. I usually serve it with warm maple syrup and a side of bacon or sausage. For something lighter, try Greek yogurt and berries.

If you’re hosting brunch, consider making a toppings bar so everyone can customize their plate. Some ideas include:

• Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
• Sliced bananas or strawberries
• Toasted pecans or walnuts
• Berry compote
• Chocolate chips or cinnamon sugar

A toppings bar makes it fun for kids and adults alike. Arrange everything on a tray or large cutting board and set the French toast slices on a platter nearby. Add a pitcher of coffee or mimosas, and you’ve got a brunch setup ready to go.

For individual servings, stack 2 to 3 slices on a plate and finish with your favorite toppings. Dust with powdered sugar for a little flair and serve with a fork and knife. This one deserves to be savored slowly.

How To Store & Reheat Challah French Toast

If you find yourself with leftovers (and that’s a big if), challah French toast stores surprisingly well. I usually make a double batch and save some for weekday breakfasts.

To store:

• Let slices cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container or wrap in foil.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freeze slices individually in wax paper, then place in a zip top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Toaster or toaster oven: Best for crispy edges. Toast on medium until warmed through.
• Skillet: Heat a bit of butter in a pan and cook each side until heated.
• Microwave: Quick and easy, but you’ll lose the crisp texture. Heat in 20 second intervals.

I usually pop mine in the toaster and smear a little butter on top while it’s still hot. It tastes just as good on a Tuesday morning as it did fresh on Sunday.

Substitutions & Variations For Challah French Toast

Challah is the star here, but you can absolutely adapt this recipe depending on what you have or your dietary needs.

• Bread options: Brioche or thick Texas toast work well. Croissants will give you a buttery, flaky version. Sourdough adds a slight tang that contrasts nicely with the sweet custard.
• Dairy free: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil. You can also use dairy free whipped topping for serving.
• Egg free: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or mashed banana in place of eggs. It will change the texture, but still works in a pinch.
• No orange zest? Try lemon zest, a splash of almond extract, or skip it entirely for a more traditional flavor.
• Add ins: Mix things up with chocolate chips, sliced bananas, fresh berries, or a splash of bourbon or spiced rum in the custard. Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the custard for extra caramel notes.
• Savory version: Skip the sugar, zest, and cinnamon, and add chopped herbs, grated cheese, or even cooked crumbled bacon to the custard. Serve with avocado or a poached egg on top.
• Casserole style: Layer everything in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Great for feeding a crowd. You can also prep it the night before and refrigerate overnight for an easy morning bake.

There’s plenty of room to get creative with this recipe. Whether you’re making it gluten free, vegan, or adding seasonal fruits, challah French toast is a solid foundation for just about any breakfast craving.

FAQs About Challah French Toast

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this challah French toast recipe.

What makes challah bread better for French toast than regular bread?

Challah is made with eggs and has a soft, tender texture that absorbs custard beautifully without falling apart. Its slightly sweet flavor also pairs well with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream. When fried, it develops a lovely golden crust that plain sandwich bread just can’t match.

Should I use fresh or stale challah for French toast?

Slightly stale challah is ideal. When it’s a day or two old, it’s a bit drier and absorbs the custard without getting mushy. If you only have fresh challah, you can slice it and leave it out on the counter for an hour or two before using.

Can I bake challah French toast instead of frying it?

Yes. Arrange the soaked slices in a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops are golden. It’s a great method when cooking for a group.

What’s the best way to keep French toast warm for guests?

Preheat your oven to 200°F and place a wire rack over a baking sheet. As you finish each batch of French toast, set the slices on the rack in the oven. This keeps them warm and crisp until you’re ready to serve.

How do I make this French toast recipe extra special for holidays?

Try adding a pinch of cardamom or clove to the custard, or topping the finished toast with a dollop of mascarpone and cranberry compote. A drizzle of bourbon maple syrup also adds a festive touch.

Try These Recipes Next

Looking for more cozy breakfast ideas? Here are a few other French toast favorites to try:

• Croissant French Toast Casserole
• Stuffed French Toast Recipe
• Brioche French Toast

No matter how you customize it, challah French toast is one of those recipes that brings people to the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to personalize. Try it once, and it might just become your go to breakfast too.