The 30 Best French Toast Recipes You Can Make At Home
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of golden, buttery French toast sizzling in a skillet.
French toast has always held a special place in my kitchen. Whether it’s a quiet Saturday morning with just me and a cup of coffee or a full house during the holidays, it always feels like the right choice. Over the years, I’ve tinkered with so many versions, and I’ve rounded up 30 of the best French toast recipes here on This Gal Cooks.
These aren’t just your average slices either. We’re talking everything from cinnamon and brioche to coconut macadamia casseroles and savory twists with apple butter.
If you’ve got bread and eggs, I’ve got a recipe for you.
Simple, Classic French Toast Recipes
These recipes are dependable, comforting, and taste like childhood breakfasts or your favorite corner diner. Whether you want to keep things basic or you’re looking for a small twist like coffee creamer or cinnamon glaze, this is the place to start.
1. Easy, Homemade, Simple, Classic Recipe
This is the gold standard for French toast. It uses just a few pantry staples (eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon) to create a custard that soaks beautifully into slices of thick bread. The result is that classic golden crust and soft, pillowy center that brings back memories of childhood breakfasts and weekend brunches. It’s fast, reliable, and endlessly customizable.
Try the classic French toast recipe here.
2. Cozy Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Recipe
This version layers in cozy spice with every bite. Using cinnamon swirl bread takes the flavor up a notch, and when dipped into a rich vanilla custard, it becomes something truly special. The cinnamon ribbons caramelize slightly on the skillet, giving you little bursts of sweetness and spice. It’s one of those recipes that feels comforting no matter what season it is.
Get the cinnamon swirl recipe here.
3. Brown Sugar French Toast
Brown sugar melts into the custard and adds a caramel-like depth that elevates this version beyond the usual. It browns up beautifully in the pan and gives your French toast that toasty, almost butterscotch flavor. It’s rich without being too sweet and works great with a pat of butter and just a drizzle of maple syrup.
Make brown sugar French toast.
4. Coffee Creamer French Toast
When you’re out of milk, don’t panic. This recipe uses flavored coffee creamer to build a sweet and creamy custard base. You can use vanilla, hazelnut, or even something seasonal to create fun new variations. It’s surprisingly rich and gives each slice a velvety finish with built-in flavor.
5. Air Fryer French Toast Recipe
This one is for those mornings when you want French toast without flipping at the stove. The air fryer gets the outside crisp and golden while keeping the center soft and fluffy. It’s fast, efficient, and great if you’re cooking for one or two without making a mess.
See how to make it in the air fryer.
6. IHOP French Toast (Copycat Recipe)
If you’ve ever ordered French toast at IHOP and wished you could make it at home, this is the recipe you need. It’s soft, eggy, and pan-fried to golden brown perfection. Topped with powdered sugar and warm syrup, it tastes just like the one from the restaurant.
7. Cracker Barrel French Toast with Cinnamon Roll Glaze
This recipe is my Southern comfort go-to. It takes fluffy French toast and adds a rich cinnamon roll glaze that melts into every bite. It’s sweet, sticky, and completely indulgent, like having dessert for breakfast, but in the best way possible.
Try the Cracker Barrel-style version.
8. French Toast Sticks Recipe
These are always a hit with kids and adults alike. You can freeze them for easy breakfasts or serve them with a side of warm syrup for dipping. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and totally snackable. Perfect for busy mornings or breakfast on the go.
Make a batch of French toast sticks.
Change The Bread Please
Swapping out the bread is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your French toast. These recipes explore rich, fluffy, or chewy breads that each bring their own texture and flavor to the plate.
9. The Best Brioche French Toast Recipe
This French toast is everything I want on a lazy Sunday morning. Brioche is rich and eggy, which means it soaks up the custard without falling apart and gives each bite that soft, cake-like interior. Pan-fried to golden perfection, it turns crisp on the outside and stays creamy in the middle. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm maple syrup, and you’ve got yourself something special.
10. Challah French Toast Recipe With A Zesty Twist
This challah French toast is all about texture and balance. The bread itself is soft and airy with a slight chew, making it perfect for soaking up custard. The zesty twist comes from a bit of citrus zest mixed into the batter, which brightens every bite and adds a refreshing lift to the richness. It’s my pick when I want something familiar but just a little extra.
Make this challah French toast.
11. Crispy Sourdough French Toast Recipe With A Bourbon Twist
Sourdough makes a bold base for French toast. Its tangy flavor adds depth, while its sturdy texture gets deliciously crispy around the edges. The bourbon twist in this recipe gives it warmth and a little something special for grown-up palates. It’s just the thing when I’m in the mood for something hearty with a kick.
Get the sourdough recipe here.
12. Coconut-Macadamia Crunch Hawaiian Roll French Toast
If breakfast ever felt like a tropical vacation, this would be it. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are dipped in custard, then crusted with toasted coconut and macadamia nuts for a crispy, golden coating. Each bite is creamy and crunchy, with a subtle island flavor that makes this French toast feel like something you’d get at a resort brunch.
Try the Hawaiian roll version.
13. Everything Bagel French Toast Recipe
This one flips the script and leans fully into savory. Everything bagels get dipped in a savory custard and pan-fried until golden. The seasoning blend of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds adds bold flavor, and it’s even better with melted cheese or a spread of apple butter on top. Great for brunch lovers who aren’t big on sweet stuff.
Make savory bagel French toast.
14. Croissant French Toast Recipe
Croissants make the richest, flakiest French toast you’ll ever taste. Their buttery layers soak up custard quickly and crisp up with golden edges that almost melt in your mouth. It’s simple, elegant, and feels just fancy enough to serve for guests (or to treat yourself).
Try the croissant French toast.
15. Croissant French Toast Casserole with Blueberries and Cream Cheese
This baked version takes all the goodness of croissant French toast and turns it into a brunch-worthy casserole. You get layers of flaky croissant pieces baked in custard, dotted with cream cheese and bursting blueberries. It’s rich, creamy, slightly tangy, and perfect for feeding a crowd with very little fuss.
Nutrition-Focused Recipes
These recipes are for those mornings when you want something a little lighter or need to work around dietary restrictions. You won’t miss the eggs, milk, or gluten one bit.
16. Gluten-Free French Toast Recipe
This gluten-free recipe proves you don’t need wheat to enjoy perfectly tender, golden French toast. It starts with a good-quality gluten-free bread that holds up well to the custard. The result is soft on the inside, crisp around the edges, and every bit as satisfying as the traditional version. Great for weekend brunches or weekday mornings when you want something comforting without the gluten.
17. Eggless French Toast with Coconut Cream & Toasted Sesame Seeds
This egg-free version brings the richness of traditional French toast thanks to full-fat coconut cream. The addition of toasted sesame seeds adds texture and a nutty finish that makes each bite memorable. Whether you’re avoiding eggs or just want something different, this recipe delivers on flavor and visual appeal.
18. French Toast Without Milk
Dairy-free never tasted so creamy. This version replaces milk with coconut cream, giving it a silky texture and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with syrup or fruit. It’s ideal for those with lactose intolerance or anyone who loves the flavor of coconut.
Make this no-milk French toast.
19. Vegan French Toast Recipe
No eggs, no dairy, and no problem. This plant-based French toast is just as golden and delicious as the classic. It uses non-dairy milk and a clever mix of ingredients to create a custard that crisps up perfectly in the skillet. Whether you’re vegan or just experimenting, this one’s worth trying.
20. Protein-Packed French Toast That Actually Tastes Good
This version sneaks in extra protein without compromising on flavor. It’s lightly sweetened, warmly spiced, and perfect for those mornings when you want fuel that satisfies. Pair it with fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast that feels indulgent but works hard for you.
Try the protein-packed recipe.
21. Healthy French Toast Recipe With Chai Spice
This recipe blends the cozy flavor of chai spice with a lighter approach to French toast. It’s made with wholesome ingredients but still comes out crisp, custardy, and full of warmth. Perfect for those mornings when you want something special but not overly sweet.
Get the healthy chai-spiced recipe.
Indulgent French Toast Recipes
These recipes are meant to impress. We’re talking custards, crumbles, caramel drizzles, and holiday flavors that go way beyond your basic syrup.
22. Overnight Chocolate Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole
This decadent casserole brings together all the flavors of a Southern holiday dessert in breakfast form. Rich chocolate and toasted pecans are layered into a buttery French bread base, then soaked overnight in a creamy custard. In the morning, it bakes up gooey in the middle with a golden, crispy top. It’s perfect for Christmas morning or any brunch where you want to impress.
Make the chocolate pecan casserole.
23. The Best Baked French Toast Recipe (Pre-Prep)
This recipe is a time-saver and a crowd-pleaser. Everything is prepped the night before: slices of bread layered into a dish, custard poured over, then it all chills overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven. It bakes up tender inside with a slightly crisp top, and the cinnamon makes it smell like a bakery while it cooks.
24. Pumpkin French Toast With Spiced Pecan Crumble
This autumn-inspired recipe is loaded with warm spices and topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan crumble. It’s cozy, a little decadent, and exactly what you want on a cool fall morning. The pumpkin custard keeps the toast moist, and the topping adds texture in every bite.
Get the pumpkin French toast recipe.
25. Spiced Rum Caramel Eggnog French Toast
Eggnog, spiced rum, and caramel make this French toast feel like Christmas in every bite. It’s rich, sweet, and tastes like holiday cheer. The custard is thick and creamy, and the caramel drizzle adds that final festive touch. A must-make for December mornings.
26. Bananas Foster French Toast With Bourbon Caramel Dust
This is one of those showstopper recipes that’s actually easy to make. Caramelized bananas and a bourbon-spiked sauce turn French toast into something decadent and dramatic. It’s buttery, sweet, and just a little bit boozy, perfect for special brunches.
Make the Bananas Foster version.
27. Cardamom Crème Brûlée French Toast
This one’s all about luxury. The custard is infused with floral cardamom, then the finished toast is broiled or torched for a crackly, caramelized top. It’s rich, aromatic, and absolutely stunning on a brunch table.
28. Cinnamon Roll French Toast
This mash-up is as indulgent as it sounds. Soft bread soaks in a sweet cinnamon-spiced custard, then gets baked or pan-fried until golden. Topped with a drizzle of icing, it tastes just like a fresh cinnamon roll but comes together faster.
29. Cream Cheese & Jelly Stuffed French Toast
This one’s a little nostalgic, a little luxurious. Thick slices of bread are filled with tangy cream cheese and sweet jelly, then dipped in custard and griddled until golden. It’s like a grown-up PB&J breakfast sandwich, and it’s always a hit.
Make the stuffed French toast.
30. Savory French Toast With Smoked Gouda & Apple Butter
This recipe is a beautiful balance of smoky, cheesy, and sweet. The smoked gouda melts into the custard-soaked bread, while the apple butter adds a silky, sweet layer on top. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just right for those who prefer a savory breakfast with a hint of sweetness.
Try the savory apple butter version.
Which One’s Going on Your Brunch Table?
With 30 of the best French toast recipes right here, it’s just a matter of what you’re craving. Something simple and buttery? Or a creamy custard casserole that tastes like dessert? Either way, I hope this roundup helps you find your new favorite.
Bookmark this post, pin it for later, or share it with a friend who loves breakfast as much as I do. And if you try one of these, let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram. I’d love to see what you cook up.