French Toast: Simple, Golden & Fluffy (Print Version)
Craving an Easy French Toast Recipe for Breakfast? Get my simple, personal method for golden, fluffy slices. Perfect for slow mornings or quick treats.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Bread & Dairy Base
01 -
Thick-cut bread (like brioche or challah)
02 -
Large eggs
03 -
Whole milk (or half-and-half)
→ Flavor Boosters
04 -
Granulated sugar
05 -
Ground cinnamon
06 -
Vanilla extract
→ Cooking & Finishing
07 -
Unsalted butter
08 -
Pure maple syrup
→ Optional Enhancements
09 -
Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
10 -
Powdered sugar
11 -
Whipped cream
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, first things first! Grab a shallow dish or a pie plate – something wide enough to dunk your bread. In it, whisk together your eggs, whole milk (or half-and-half, if you're feeling fancy), granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and that lovely vanilla extract. Really get in there and whisk until it's all smooth and no streaks of egg yolk are hanging around. This is where the magic starts to form, where you begin to smell that sweet, spicy promise of breakfast. I always give it an extra minute of whisking, just to be sure.
02 -
Now for the bread. If you're using fresh bread, let it air out for a bit, or even lightly toast it; slightly stale bread works best because it won't get soggy. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, one at a time. Don't let it sit too long, or you'll end up with a floppy mess – a quick dip on each side is all you need, maybe 10-15 seconds per side for thicker slices. You want it coated, not drowned. I've definitely over-soaked before, and let me tell you, that was a kitchen disaster I don't want to repeat!
03 -
Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop in a pat of unsalted butter and let it melt and sizzle gently. You want it hot enough to cook, but not so hot that it burns the butter instantly. The butter should be fragrant, like a little golden pool, ready for action. This is where I always make sure the heat is just right; too low, and it takes ages; too high, and you're dealing with burnt outsides and raw insides. Oops!
04 -
Carefully place your soaked bread slices into the hot, buttered pan. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook them in batches if you need to. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they're beautifully golden brown and cooked through. You'll see the edges firm up and the color deepen. The smell at this stage is absolutely heavenly – that buttery, cinnamony aroma filling the kitchen? Yep, that's the good stuff. Keep an eye on them; this is where I've sometimes gotten distracted and ended up with a slightly darker side, haha.
05 -
As each batch finishes cooking, you can transfer it to a baking sheet and keep it warm in a preheated oven set to a low temperature (around 200°F / 95°C). This is great if you're serving a crowd and want everyone's toast to be hot at the same time. I often skip this step if it's just for me and dive straight in, but it's a lifesaver for family brunch. I've definitely had cold French toast before, and it's just not the same.
06 -
Pile those golden beauties high! Serve immediately with a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. This is where you can really make it special. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a handful of fresh berries. I love the pop of color and freshness the berries bring. Enjoy every single bite of that warm, custardy deliciousness. It looks as good as it smells, and tastes even better!
# Notes:
01 -
Use day-old bread for the best texture; it prevents sogginess, trust me.
02 -
Leftovers store well in the fridge for a couple of days and reheat best in a toaster oven.
03 -
If you're out of whole milk, unsweetened almond milk works in a pinch, but it won't be as rich.
04 -
Serve with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a cafe-worthy presentation.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Shallow dish
02 -
Whisk
03 -
Large non-stick skillet or griddle
04 -
Spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 12g