French Toast your kids will love

You know that golden crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside, sweet and cinnamon breakfast favorite that somehow makes you feel like you’re winning at life especially on a lazy weekend morning. If you’ve never made French toast before or you’ve only had the basic version and want to jazz it up a little this guide is for you.

What Exactly Is French Toast?

French toast also known in some places as “eggy bread” or “pain perdu” which means “lost bread” in French is a dish made by soaking slices of bread in a mixture of eggs and milk then frying them until golden. Simple right? But don’t let the simplicity fool you when done right French toast is straight up magical.

The beauty of French toast is that it’s customizable, comforting and comes together with stuff you probably already have in your kitchen. Eggs, milk, bread and maybe a little sugar and cinnamon. That’s it to start.

The Basic Recipe (aka Your French Toast Foundation)

Let’s walk through the classic version first. This is your go to French toast great for when you just want something cozy and delicious with minimal fuss.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 4 slices of bread (we’ll get into the best bread types in a bit)

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best but any will do)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but nice)

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (also optional but come on it’s cinnamon)

• Pinch of salt

• Butter or oil for frying

• Maple syrup, powdered sugar or fruit for serving

Directions

1. Make the egg mixture.
   In a shallow bowl (a pie dish works great), crack the eggs and beat them with a fork or whisk. Add your milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.

2. Dip the bread.
   Take a slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 10–15 seconds on each side. You want it to absorb the liquid but not get soggy to the point of falling apart.

3. Fry it up.
   Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil. Once it’s hot, place your soaked bread on the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

4. Serve warm.
   Stack them up on a plate, drizzle with syrup, dust with powdered sugar, toss on some fruit if you’re feeling fancy and dig in.

Let’s Talk Bread

Okay now that you’ve got the basic method down let’s get into one of the most important decisions: the bread. Not all bread is created equal when it comes to French toast.

Ideal Breads:

• Brioche: Soft, rich, buttery—basically the dream.

• Challah: Slightly sweet and eggy, perfect texture.

• Texas Toast: Thick and fluffy, holds up well to soaking.

• French Bread: Slightly chewy with a crisp crust.

• Sourdough: Adds a tangy twist, great if you like more complex flavors.

Bread Tips:

• Stale is good. In fact French toast was traditionally made to use up old bread. Slightly stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better without falling apart. If your bread is too fresh you can toast it lightly or leave it out overnight.

• Cut it thick. Slices that are about ¾ to 1 inch thick are ideal. Thin slices can get too soggy too fast.

Variations: Because Options Are Everything

Once you’ve mastered the basics you can start experimenting. French toast is one of those dishes that’s super adaptable whether you’re feeling sweet, savory or somewhere in between.

1. Stuffed French Toast

Oh yes. Stuffed.

Take two slices of bread, spread cream cheese, Nutella or even peanut butter and jam between them then dip and cook like normal. You end up with this glorious crispy exterior and a gooey delicious center.

Some favorite combos:

• Cream cheese + strawberries

• Nutella + banana

• Peanut butter + raspberry jam

2. Savory French Toast

Who says French toast has to be sweet?

Skip the sugar and vanilla in your egg mixture. Instead add a little salt, pepper, maybe some chopped herbs or grated cheese. Serve with bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado on top.

It’s kind of like a fancy breakfast sandwich without all the extra work.

3. Baked French Toast Casserole

Got a crowd coming over? Make a French toast bake.

Layer slices or chunks of bread in a buttered baking dish. Pour over a custard mixture (egg + milk + spices), cover, and let it soak overnight in the fridge. In the morning, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until golden and puffed.

You can add things like blueberries, cinnamon sugar swirls or even a crumble topping to take it to the next level.

4. French Toast Sticks

Perfect for kids or snacking. Cut your bread into strips before soaking and frying. Easier to dunk in syrup, and honestly just fun to eat.

Tips for Next-Level French Toast

Here’s where you go from “pretty good” to “dang this is incredible.”

Use heavy cream or half-and-half.

If you want ultra rich custardy French toast swap out the milk for heavy cream or half-and-half. Just a little makes a big difference in texture.

Let the bread soak properly.

Don’t rush this. You want the inside of the bread to be moist and custardy not just the surface. Thicker bread needs more soak time so don’t be afraid to leave it in the mixture a little longer.

Don’t overcrowd the pan.

French toast needs space to crisp up. Too many slices at once and they’ll steam instead of fry. Work in batches if needed.

Finish in the oven.

This is a pro move. If you’re making a big batch or want to make sure the inside is cooked through keep the slices warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven while you cook the rest. Or finish the slices in the oven for 5–10 minutes after frying.

Topping Ideas (aka The Fun Part)

Syrup is great but it’s just the beginning. Here’s some inspiration:

• Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)

• Sliced bananas with a drizzle of honey or Nutella

• Whipped cream or mascarpone

• Chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts)

• Caramel sauce or dulce de leche

• Powdered sugar (classic and pretty)

• Greek yogurt and granola

• Lemon curd or fruit compote

Or hey go completely wild and make a breakfast sundae with a scoop of ice cream on top. No judgment here.

Troubleshooting: When Things Go Sideways

My French toast is soggy inside.

You might’ve used bread that was too thin or fresh or soaked it too long. Also try finishing it in the oven to help the inside cook through.

It’s dry and bland.

Not enough egg mixture or the bread was too thick and didn’t soak enough. Also don’t skimp on the cinnamon, vanilla, or salt those little touches add flavor.

It’s sticking to the pan.

Make sure your pan is hot enough and use enough butter or oil. Nonstick pans are your friend here.

A Little History for the Nerds (Like Me)

Despite the name French toast isn’t technically French. Variations of it have existed for centuries in cultures all over the world. The idea of soaking bread in egg and frying it dates back to Roman times.

The term “pain perdu” (lost bread) comes from France where people used stale bread that would otherwise be tossed out. It became popular in America in the 18th century and has stuck around ever since with dozens of regional variations.

So when you make French toast you’re actually taking part in a culinary tradition that spans the globe. Fancy, huh?

Classic French Toast

French Toast is a beloved breakfast dish made by soaking thick slices of bread in a rich, eggy custard and pan frying them to golden perfection. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside it's the perfect vehicle for maple syrup, fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:8 minutes mins

Total Time:13 minutes mins

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Shallow dish (for soaking bread)
• Skillet or nonstick frying pan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 4 slices of thick bread brioche, challah, or Texas toast recommended
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream for richer toast
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon optional
• 1 tbsp sugar optional, for a hint of sweetness
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp butter for the pan
• Optional Toppings:
• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream

Instructions

• Make the custard:
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until well combined.
• Soak the bread:
• Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20–30 seconds per side. Make sure it's evenly coated but not falling apart.
• Heat the pan:
• Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt and coat the surface.
• Cook the toast:
• Add the soaked bread slices to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve:
• Transfer to a plate and serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit.

Servings: 2 slices

Conclusion

Here’s the thing French toast isn’t just food. It’s a vibe. It’s lazy Sundays in pajamas. It’s cozy breakfasts with someone you love. It’s that sweet smell wafting through your kitchen while the coffee brews. It’s comfort and nostalgia and indulgence all wrapped up in a golden buttery hug.

And best of all? You don’t need fancy equipment or special skills. If you can whisk an egg and heat a pan you can make French toast. And once you do… you’ll never look at a loaf of bread the same way again.

So next time you’ve got a couple of eggs, some milk and bread that’s seen better days give it a soak, a sizzle and a syrupy finish. That’s French toast magic right there.