The best French toast recipe is easy and only takes a short time to prepare and cook. But it’s even better when it offers the flavor and aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with maple syrup, so you know it’s going to bring everyone to the table. It’s just the right amount of fanciness for breakfast or brunch, without feeling like you’re overdoing it.

In this article, we’ll share a recipe that you can make in less than 15 minutes and provide some tips on bread choice, ideas for toppings, tips to whip up the perfect French toast, and answer some FAQs about this breakfast dish that’s perfect for any time of day.

Simple and quick French toast recipe

This recipe makes four servings and takes five minutes to prepare, six minutes to cook, or 11 minutes altogether.

Ingredients

• 8 slices brioche bread or other suitable bread

• 3 eggs

• 1/2 cup milk*

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional

• Butter for cooking

• Butter and pure maple syrup for serving

*Whole milk works best for this recipe, as it gives the toast a richer taste and a thicker texture. However, you can use skim or non-dairy milk like almond or oat.

Lizzy Komen – stock.adobe.com

Directions

1. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Alternatively, you can use an electric skillet.

2. Beat the eggs in a wide shallow dish like a pie plate or casserole dish.

3. Whisk in the milk, sugar, vanilla, and spices until well incorporated.

4. Place one slice of bread in the mixture and dredge on one side for 20 seconds.

5. Flip the bread and dredge the other side for 20 seconds.

6. Melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet.

7. Place the bread in your skillet and repeat with the other seven slices, working only in batches that will fit your skillet.

8. Cook each piece for a few minutes on each side until it’s golden brown.

9. Serve immediately with desired toppings.

10. If you want to serve everyone simultaneously, keep the toast warm in the oven set to 200℉ in an oven-safe dish.

Nutritional values

Per one serving of two slices:

• Calories: 387

• Carbohydrates: 38 grams

• Protein: 13 grams

• Fat: 20 grams

• Saturated fat: 11 grams

• Polyunsaturated fat: 1 gram

• Monounsaturated fat: 1 gram

• Trans fat: 1 gram

• Cholesterol: 246 milligrams

• Sodium: 381 milligrams

• Potassium: 102 milligrams

• Fiber: 1 gram

• Sugar: 5 grams

Recipe adapted from: Kristine’s Kitchen

What is the best bread for French toast?

When making French toast, you’re going to want bread that’s sturdy with the ability to soak up your milk and egg mixture or, as some call it, French toast batter. Bread that’s too thin or airy will break apart or become too heavily saturated. You’ll also want to choose a type of bread you know you like, a simple choice thanks to the fact that various loaves of bread make tasty French toast:

• Brioche bread

• French bread

• Challah bread

• White sandwich bread

M.studio – stock-adobe.com

French toast topping options

Like waffles and pancakes, French toast is a versatile breakfast food that you can top with just about anything. If you’re looking for ideas, some of the best recipes for French toast call for:

• Pure maple syrup

• Butter

• Fresh or frozen berries

• Extra cinnamon

• Banana slices  

• Whipped or ice cream

Tips for the perfect French toast

If you’re wondering how to make the perfect French toast that’s not soggy or dry, check out these four tips.

• Avoid skipping the butter: Butter gives French toast a comforting richness that makes it so delicious. It also helps prevent sticking. However, using oil in place of butter will take away the flavor. You can add some neutral cooking oil to the pan to help prevent the butter from burning if you’re not entirely confident.

• Ensure your mixture is consistent: To avoid spots of egg white on your French toast, make sure to whisk your egg and milk mixture until the ingredients are well incorporated. It should be a creamy consistency with the spices spread throughout. However, you need not worry if the egg does end up imperfect. As long as it’s thoroughly cooked, it’s still editable.

• Soaking the bread: You want to ensure your bread absorbs the mixture and is not completely saturated. To do this, dredge each side in the mix for 20 seconds instead of giving them a quick dip or soaking.

• Getting the right temperature: A preheated skillet will prevent your milk and egg mixture from spreading when cooking French toast. If you can do so safely, start preheating right before you begin preparing your toast to give it time to heat. If you try to provide it with a blast of heat by turning it high, you risk burning the butter. A pan that’s too hot can also result in burnt toast with a soggy inside. Too low, and your toast will dry out. Stick to medium-low heat for the perfect result.

French toast FAQs

Dusk – stock.adobe.com

How do you make French toast that’s not soggy?

To avoid soggy French toast, dredge the bread in the egg and milk mixture for 20 seconds on each side instead of soaking. Make sure you add the amount of milk listed in the recipe and avoid adding too much, so the egg in the mixture cooks properly. Avoid undersaturation as well, so your bread will be moist in the center.

What is the ratio of eggs to milk for French toast?

The answer to this will vary from chef to chef. Some say a quarter cup of milk to one egg. Others say a quarter cup of milk to four eggs. Many other answers fall somewhere within that range. Some prefer a creamier, fluffier French toast, while others prefer toast that’s dense and eggy, with all the flavor and texture combos in between. The trick is to experiment with different recipes and find your favorite. That’s the ratio for you.

Can you use old bread for French toast?

While in France, French toast is called “pain perdu” – which translates to “lost bread,” or bread that went to waste – using stale bread is not a requirement. However, people initially made French toast to use up bread destined for the trash, and some say it makes it tastier.

What can replace vanilla extract for French toast?

If you’re out of vanilla extract or prefer to use something else, you can replace it with maple syrup in the same amount or leave it out of the recipe altogether.

What other ingredients can I try in French toast?

If you want to get creative, you can try almond or orange extract, orange zest, or pumpkin pie spice. You can also try replacing some of the milk with Bailey’s Irish cream or replace it entirely with heavy whipping cream for an even richer flavor and texture.

Bon appetit

A bonus to cooking this French toast recipe is that the lovely aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other ingredients will fill your home. It’s sure to get everyone out of bed on a lazy weekend morning.

For more breakfast and brunch ideas, check out these 34 easy brunch ideas you can make at home or this recipe for tasty and effortless fluffy pancakes.