Description
Simple Homemade French Toast is a classic breakfast treat made by soaking thick slices of stale brioche or challah bread in a cinnamon-spiced egg and milk custard, then pan-frying until golden and crisp. This easy-to-make recipe yields a creamy, flavorful French toast perfect for a comforting morning meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 4-6 slices Thick Bread (Brioche or Challah) – preferably stale, sliced about 1 inch thick
Custard Mixture
- 2 large Eggs (fresh)
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 pinch Salt
For Cooking
- 2-3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Slice the brioche or challah bread into thick slices about 1 inch thick; stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard more effectively.
- Whisk eggs: Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly until smooth and combined.
- Add milk: Pour in the whole milk and mix well with the eggs until fully blended.
- Season custard: Sprinkle ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt into the egg and milk mixture, stirring until evenly incorporated.
- Heat skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to coat the surface.
- Dip bread: Briefly dip each slice of bread into the egg custard, coating both sides without letting it soak too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook first side: Place the soaked bread gently onto the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the underside is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Flip and cook other side: Turn the slice over carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is also golden brown.
- Keep warm and repeat: Transfer cooked slices onto a warm plate; repeat the dipping and cooking process with remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm, optionally keeping finished slices warm in a low-temperature oven while continuing to cook the rest.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps absorb the custard better resulting in a creamier texture.
- Do not soak the bread for too long to avoid it becoming overly soggy and difficult to cook evenly.
- Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven to serve all slices hot together.
- You can customize toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits, or whipped cream as desired.
- A non-stick skillet and medium heat are key to preventing burning while allowing even cooking.
