Easy Homemade French Toast Recipe: A Classic Breakfast Favorite Made Simple

French toast is the kind of breakfast that instantly feels special. Whether you’re making it on a lazy Sunday morning or surprising someone with breakfast in bed, it’s a warm, comforting dish that’s simple to prepare and endlessly customizable. All you need are a few pantry staples, a good pan, and about 20 minutes of your time.

This easy homemade French toast recipe is golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect with just a drizzle of maple syrup or your favorite toppings. Let’s walk through how to make it step by step.

What Is French Toast?

French toast is bread soaked in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then pan-fried until golden brown. It’s believed to date back to Roman times and has evolved through countless variations across cultures. Some know it as “eggy bread,” while others call it “pain perdu,” which means “lost bread” in French—originally made to use up stale bread.

No matter what you call it, it’s a timeless breakfast that’s easy to make and always hits the spot.

Ingredients for Classic French Toast

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4 servings:

• 4 slices of thick bread (brioche, challah, or day-old white bread work best)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk (or use half-and-half for richer flavor)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for the pan

Optional Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream
• Sliced bananas
• Nut butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Bread

Thicker slices hold up better when soaked. Brioche, challah, or Texas toast are top choices. Slightly stale bread is even better because it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is fully combined.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture. Let it sit for about 15 to 20 seconds on each side. You want the bread to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.

Step 4: Preheat the Pan

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter or a bit of oil to coat the surface. Once it’s hot but not smoking, it’s ready.

Step 5: Cook the French Toast

Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Adjust heat as needed so the outside browns but doesn’t burn before the inside cooks through.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve your French toast immediately while it’s still warm and slightly crispy. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy.

French Toast Tips for Perfect Results

• Use thick, sturdy bread: Avoid thin sandwich bread, which falls apart easily.
• Don’t over-soak: Too much time in the egg mixture will make the bread mushy.
• Add flavor: Vanilla and cinnamon are classic, but you can also add nutmeg, almond extract, or a splash of orange juice.
• Cook low and slow: Medium heat ensures the bread cooks through without burning.
• Keep it warm: If cooking in batches, place finished slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.

Flavor Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic version, experiment with these tasty twists:

Stuffed French Toast

Spread cream cheese or Nutella between two slices of bread, then dip and cook as usual. Add sliced strawberries or bananas inside for extra flavor.

Savory French Toast

Skip the sugar and vanilla. Add salt, pepper, and chopped herbs to the custard. Serve with fried eggs, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms on top.

Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Before cooking, press the soaked bread into a plate of cinnamon sugar. It caramelizes in the pan and gives the toast a sweet, crispy coating.

French Toast Casserole

For a crowd, layer sliced bread in a baking dish, pour the custard over the top, and bake at 350°F for 35–45 minutes. It’s great for brunches or holidays.

Serving Suggestions

French toast is versatile and pairs well with both sweet and savory sides. Try it with:

• Scrambled eggs and sausage
• Fresh fruit and yogurt
• Bacon and maple syrup
• A dusting of powdered sugar and a squeeze of lemon

You can also offer a toppings bar if serving guests, with different syrups, jams, nut butters, or whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make the custard a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Leftover French toast can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for a month. Reheat in a toaster or oven to bring back the crispy edges.

Final Thoughts

Easy homemade French toast is one of those recipes that feels like a treat but is simple enough to make anytime. With just a few ingredients and a bit of care, you can turn everyday bread into a golden, fluffy breakfast that everyone will love. From classic maple drizzles to loaded plates with berries and cream, the options are endless once you get the basics down. Give it a try this weekend and see why it’s been a favorite for generations.