Here’s a simple, classic recipe for homemade French toast—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy inside.
Ingredients (serves 2–4)
- 4 slices of bread (thick slices like brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (or cream for richer custard)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
- Toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream
Instructions
- Make the custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Dip the bread: Soak each slice of bread in the egg mixture for 20–30 seconds per side, making sure it’s fully coated but not falling apart.
- Cook: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter. Cook bread slices 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve: Stack on a plate, drizzle with syrup, sprinkle powdered sugar, and add fresh fruit if desired.
Tips for Perfect French Toast
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better without becoming mushy.
- Control heat: Medium heat prevents burning while ensuring the inside cooks through.
- Make it extra creamy: Replace some milk with heavy cream or add a spoon of cream cheese to the custard.
- Variations: Add orange zest, nutmeg, or a splash of liqueur for a flavor twist.
If you want, I can make a quick 10-minute French toast hack that keeps it soft and golden using ingredients you probably already have. Do you want me to do that?