Easy French Toast Recipe
Buttery French toast with a custardy center, this is the BEST French Toast recipe you'll ever make. A few simple steps and you'll have restaurant quality French toast to impress even the pickiest guests.
Servings: 4
Cost: $8
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- whisk
- spatula
- measuring spoon
- measuring cup
Ingredients
- 8 slices hearty sturdy bread, about 1/2 inch thick (brioche, challah, Texas toast, or another thick-cut loaf)
- 1 cup half and half
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons butter for the pan or griddle
To Serve
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or your favorite toppings powdered sugar, fresh berries, or your favorite toppings
Instructions
- In a wide, shallow dish (a pie plate works well), whisk together the half and half, eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is smooth and the eggs are fully blended.
- Working with one slice at a time, dip the bread into the custard and let it soak for about 30 seconds per side. The bread should be saturated but not falling apart. Transfer each soaked slice to a baking sheet or wire rack while you finish the rest so the custard can soak all the way to the center.
- Heat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt and foam. Arrange a few slices of soaked bread in a single layer in the pan (don’t overcrowd). Cook until the bottoms are deep golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Carefully flip each slice and cook the second side for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and the centers feel set when you press them lightly with a spatula. Adjust the heat as needed so the bread browns without burning before the custard inside is cooked.
- If you’re cooking in batches, transfer the cooked French toast to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep it warm in a 300°F oven while you finish the remaining slices. Add more butter to the pan as needed between batches.
- Serve the French toast right away with powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
Video
Notes
– To make a double or triple batch, preheat the oven to 300°F and keep cooked slices warm on a wire rack set over a baking sheet until all the French toast is ready.
– Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, toaster, or air fryer for best texture.
– You can change up the flavor by using orange juice instead of maple syrup in the custard, swapping maple syrup for brown sugar, or adding ground ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom.
– For a richer version, use heavy cream in place of half and half. For a lighter version, use whole milk.
Nutrition
Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 141mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 655IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 0.6mg