How To Make French Toast (Easy, Homemade, Simple, Classic Recipe)

Golden, buttery French toast is one of the easiest ways to make a morning feel a little more special.

I first learned how to make French toast in my grandmother’s kitchen. I was maybe ten, standing on a step stool in my ruffled pajamas, holding the biggest egg whisk you ever did see. She’d let day-old white bread soak up a sweet, cinnamon-spiked custard, then drop it into her cast iron skillet with a loud sizzle.

I remember the way it smelled more than anything. Warm vanilla, toasted edges, a hint of nutmeg in the air.

Her secret was simple: a splash of evaporated milk and just a touch of vanilla bean paste, which I still use to this day. That tiny change is what gives my homemade French toast a deeper, richer flavor.

It’s subtle, but it makes a difference.

Why This French Toast Recipe Works

French toast is popular for a reason. It’s easy to make, feels indulgent without much fuss, and turns simple pantry staples into something downright delicious. Most of us grew up with some version of it. Maybe with Texas toast or sandwich bread. Maybe topped with powdered sugar or drowned in syrup. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.

The difference between an okay French toast and a great one comes down to a few details. The custard ratio, the type of bread, and the way you soak and cook it all make a big impact. This recipe takes the classic version we all know and gives it a subtle boost with vanilla bean paste instead of extract. That extra layer of flavor makes each bite feel more elevated without adding any difficulty.

It’s also easy to customize. You can swap in different milks, use whatever bread you have on hand, and dress it up with toppings. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a whole crew on a Saturday morning, this easy homemade French toast recipe gets the job done right.

Ingredients For This Easy Homemade French Toast Recipe

You don’t need much to make great French toast, but a few ingredient upgrades go a long way. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Thick-sliced bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
• Large eggs (3)
• Whole milk or half-and-half (3/4 cup)
• Vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon). This is the twist that makes the flavor pop
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
• Salt (a pinch)
• Butter (for greasing the pan)

Brioche and challah are rich, slightly sweet breads that soak up the custard without falling apart. If you’re using regular sandwich bread, make sure it’s a little stale or lightly toasted first. The custard soaks in better that way and keeps the toast from getting soggy.

Vanilla bean paste is thicker and more aromatic than regular extract. You’ll see those tiny vanilla specks in the custard and taste the deeper flavor right away. If you don’t have any, vanilla extract still works. Just use a little more to balance it out.

Step-by-Step Instructions For How To Make French Toast

Follow these simple steps to get golden, fluffy slices every time:

1. Prep your bread: Slice your bread into 3/4 to 1-inch thick pieces. If it’s fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly. Day-old bread works best because it holds its shape when soaked.
2. Make the custard: In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
3. Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard, letting it soak for about 20 to 30 seconds per side. Make sure it’s fully coated but not falling apart.
4. Heat your pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and let it melt and sizzle.
5. Cook the toast: Add the soaked slices to the skillet, working in batches if needed. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
6. Serve hot: Serve right away with your favorite toppings. Or keep warm in a low oven if you’re cooking for a group.

A cast iron skillet gives you the best texture. Crispy edges and a soft, custardy middle. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the slices will steam instead of brown. If you want to make them extra special, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on one side before flipping to create a lightly caramelized crust.

My Simple, Easy, Homemade, Classic French Toast Recipe

Yield: 6 slices

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This classic French toast recipe is rich, golden, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla bean paste. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for weekend brunch or a cozy breakfast at home. Use brioche or challah for the best texture and flavor.

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Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-sliced bread (brioche, challah, or French bread)
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Butter, for greasing the pan

Instructions

1. Slice bread into 3/4 to 1-inch thick slices. If using fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours or toast lightly so it’s slightly stale.
2. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, soaking for 20–30 seconds per side until fully coated.
4. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter.
5. Cook bread slices in the skillet for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, or keep warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

Notes

Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without getting soggy. If using fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly.

Vanilla bean paste adds a deeper flavor and those signature specks, but vanilla extract works just fine in a pinch.

For a crispier finish, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on one side before flipping to caramelize the edges.

How to Serve French Toast

There are so many ways to dress up French toast, from the classic to the creative. I usually go for a mix of fruit and something sweet. Maybe a drizzle of maple syrup with fresh strawberries or whipped cream and pecans. But there are no rules here.

You can keep things simple for a weekday breakfast or make it brunch-worthy with toppings like:

• Fresh berries and powdered sugar
• Sliced bananas and honey
• Mascarpone cheese with a dollop of jam
• Brûléed banana slices (just sprinkle sugar and torch it)
• Toasted coconut and lime zest
• A light dusting of cinnamon sugar

If you’re hosting, arrange the slices on a big platter and let guests add their own toppings. It’s also great with a side of crispy bacon, sausage links, or even a savory egg bake. A mimosa or hot coffee on the side pairs beautifully.

How To Store & Reheat French Toast

Leftover French toast keeps well if you store it right. I like to make extra on purpose, especially if we have busy mornings coming up.

To store:

• Let the French toast cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container or wrap in foil.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Toaster or toaster oven: Best for getting the edges crispy again.
• Skillet: Heat with a touch of butter on medium heat until warm.

If reheating from frozen, just pop it in the oven or toaster without thawing first. I don’t recommend microwaving. It tends to make the bread rubbery instead of crisp.

You can also cut leftover slices into sticks for quick French toast dippers. They’re great for kids or for freezing in batches.

Substitutions & Variations For French Toast

This recipe is a great base to play with. Whether you’re trying to make it dairy-free or looking for seasonal flavor twists, there’s plenty of room to experiment.

For dietary swaps:

• Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of dairy.
• Replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg mixture for an egg-free version.
• Use gluten-free sandwich bread or gluten-free brioche.

For flavor variations:

• Add pumpkin pie spice for a fall spin.
• Swap vanilla for almond extract.
• Add orange zest or lemon zest to the custard for a citrusy touch.

For different breads:

• Try croissants for an extra decadent version.
• Use sourdough for a tangy, rustic French toast.
• Hawaiian rolls make a great sweet version.

Once you’ve made the base recipe a few times, you’ll start to find your own favorite twists. It’s a dish that invites creativity.

FAQs About This French Toast Recipe

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

What’s the best bread to use for French toast?
Brioche, challah, and thick-sliced French bread are my top picks. They’re rich, slightly sweet, and hold their shape well when soaked in custard. If you’re using regular sandwich bread, let it go stale or toast it lightly so it doesn’t fall apart.

Can I make French toast without eggs or milk?
Yes, though the texture will be a bit different. For an egg-free version, use a flax egg or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). For dairy-free, use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. You may need to adjust the soak time since these versions absorb differently.

Why is my French toast soggy in the middle?
Soggy French toast usually means the bread was too fresh, too thin, or soaked for too long. Use thick, slightly stale bread and soak just until the custard has absorbed. Make sure your skillet is hot enough to sear the outside quickly.

Can I prepare French toast the night before?
You can. Just soak the bread, layer it in a buttered baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it as a casserole at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until golden and set. It’s a good make-ahead option for holidays or guests.

What can I use instead of syrup for French toast?
Try honey, agave, or fruit compote. Nut butters, yogurt, whipped cream, and jam also make great toppings. If you want something fancier, brûlée banana slices or make a quick berry sauce with frozen fruit and a bit of sugar.

Try These Recipes Next

If you enjoyed this homemade French toast recipe, here are a few more cozy breakfast favorites from the blog:

• Croissant French Toast Casserole with Blueberries and Cream Cheese – A hearty, berry-studded casserole made with cubed croissants and cream cheese. It bakes up golden and full of flavor.
• Overnight Chocolate Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole – Rich and indulgent, this casserole layers bread with chocolate chips and pecans, soaking overnight before baking into a decadent breakfast treat.
• Brown Sugar French Toast – A simple twist on classic French toast with brown sugar added to the custard for extra sweetness and caramel flavor.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to pour that extra cup of coffee while it sizzles on the skillet!