French toast is a breakfast staple, though I don’t see anything wrong with enjoying it throughout the entire day. It’s yummy even at teatime or as an after-dinner sweet treat. This easy French toast recipe has soft Brioche bread soaked in an egg mixture that is milky and sweet which is then pan-fried with butter.
Whether you are making French toast for two or twelve, this recipe is so quick and easy that it won’t feel like cooking at all. Read on for a no-nonsense guide on how to make french toast.
What is the Best Bread to use for French Toast?
This French toast recipe uses brioche, which is a dense and soft bread which is slightly thicker. Its high content of butter and egg make it simply ideal for soaking up the egg mixture.
However, if brioche is not accessible, you can use any type of soft bread including the regular loaf of white bread or thicker Texas toast. As long as they are fluffy and spongy, they are French toast-worthy.
Recipe Ingredients
Here is what you’ll need to make classic Brioche French toast. This recipe makes 12 servings. Please reduce or double the amounts as needed.
- Brioche bread – 1 loaf of Brioche bread has 10 to 12 pieces. Ideally, they are sliced ¾-inch thick.
- Eggs – Whisk 4 large eggs.
- Milk – Milk helps the mixture become runny and adds more volume. If you desire a creamier texture, try using half-and-half.
- Vanilla extract – Measure ¼ cup of pure vanilla extract. Though subtle, it will enhance the flavor of the French toast and make it sweeter.
- Sugar– Opt for granulated sugar to sweeten the egg mixture.
- Salt and pepper – Just a pinch to season the egg mixture and balance out flavors.
- Unsalted butter – For buttering the griddle (approximately 4-6 tablespoons).
Optional toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Pat of butter
- Powdered sugar or icing sugar
- Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Whipped cream
- Peanut butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
If you are using an electric griddle, preheat the griddle to 350°F before preparing your French toast.
How to make French toast:
Step One: In a shallow dish or pie plate (it should be wide enough to place a slice of bread), crack the eggs. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Then, sprinkle sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Step Two: Lightly grease a hot griddle or a large skillet over medium heat with a little butter. Spread the butter evenly over the surface.
- Pro Tip: Butter burns very quickly. Add ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan if you want to give yourself some leeway between heating the butter up and frying the toast.
Step Three: When the butter starts to brown, that indicates it has heated up enough. Dip the bread in the egg mixture for about 5 seconds per side, allowing the bread to soak up the deliciousness.
Step Four: Let any excess egg mixture drip off from the bread and place the bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook the French toast until golden brown on the underside, frying for about 3 minutes on each side. Repeat with remaining slices of bread.
Serve warm, topped with a slice of butter, maple syrup, and any other desired toppings. Get creative and use your favorite breakfast toppings.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Cook French toast in advance:
Efficiency is key when you’re making 12 slices of French toast. You don’t want to be standing at the griddle flipping bread after bread whilst everyone has started to dig in.
Cook all the slices of French toast in advance and keep them warm in a 200°F oven. Place a wire rack on a large baking sheet and arrange the French toasts on the rack. Keep warm in the oven for up to 30 minutes. That way, when it’s time to serve, you can simply remove them from the oven and you can enjoy it with everyone.
Mornings are better when there’s a plate of warm French toast on the table, don’t you think so? Along with some maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries and icing sugar… that sounds picture-perfect to me. Do not forget the coffee.
French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
French Toast
- 1 loaf of brioche bread 10-12 pieces, sliced 3/4”-thick slices
- 4 eggs whisked
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon each of salt + freshly ground pepper
- unsalted butter for buttering the griddle approx 4-6 tablespoons
Toppings
- maple syrup drizzled
- pat of butter
Additional Topping Options:
- icing sugar, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries. Get creative, the options are endless!
Instructions
- If using an electric griddle, preheat the griddle to 350 degrees F.
- In a shallow bowl or pie plate (wide enough to place a slice of the bread), add the eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Lightly grease a hot griddle or in a large skillet over medium heat with a little butter, spreading evenly over the surface with your spatula.
- Dip each side of the bread in the egg mixture about 5 seconds per side, allowing the bread to soak in the deliciousness.
- Shake off the excess egg mixture from the bread and place the bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook the French toast until golden brown on the underside, about 3 minutes on each side.
- Repeat with remaining slices of bread.
- Serve the French toast warm, topped with a slice of butter and maple syrup and any other desired toppings.
