When it comes to morning breakfasts, some people swear by pancakes, but for me? Thick, golden-brown slices of French toast, preferably with crispy oven-baked bacon on the side. There are so many fun ways to make French toast—stuffed, caramelized, pumpkin spice, or even bananas foster, but honestly? Nothing beats the classic.
This go-to recipe is simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Thick slices of buttery bread soak up a sweet cinnamon-vanilla custard before sizzling in a pan until crispy on the outside and soft, custardy perfection on the inside. Drizzle with maple syrup, top with butter, and breakfast is served.
Why You’ll Love This French Toast
- Crispy Outside, Soft Inside – The perfect texture—never soggy, never dry.
- Packed with Flavor – A touch of vanilla and cinnamon takes it to the next level.
- Made With What You Have – No fancy ingredients required!
- Easy to Make Your Own – Swap the bread, dairy, or spices to suit your taste.
What You’ll Need
You probably already have most of this in your kitchen:
- Bread – Any kind works! Day-old white bread, brioche, or challah are best.
- Egg – Just one is all you need.
- Milk – A splash (about 2-3 tablespoons).
- Sugar or honey – Optional, but adds a little sweetness.
- Cinnamon & vanilla extract – Elevate the flavor without extra effort.
- Butter or oil – For that golden, crispy finish.
How to Make It in 5 Minutes (Because You’re Still Half-Asleep)
- Mix It Up – Crack an egg into a shallow bowl, add a splash of milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar (if using), and whisk it all together.
- Heat the Pan – Melt a little butter or drizzle oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Dip the Bread – Quickly dunk both sides into the mixture. Don’t let it sit too long—you want it coated, not falling apart.
- Cook Until Golden – Place the bread in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy! – Pile on your favorite toppings and dig in while it’s warm.
Ways to Switch It Up
- No White Bread? Try Texas toast, sourdough, or even cinnamon swirl bread.
- Dairy-Free? Use unsweetened almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of dairy.
- No Cinnamon? Swap it for nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for a twist.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
French toast is best fresh, but if you have leftovers:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Keeps for 2 months.
- To Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for 7-15 minutes until heated through.
If you’re craving a breakfast that’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to be a hit, this classic french toast recipe is it. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a weekend brunch, it’s always a winner. Give it a try, and don’t forget the syrup!
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