French toast should taste like warm vanilla and cinnamon. My family loves having it on Saturday morning and it’s just as easy to make it. My favorite kind of French toast is one that feels crisp on the outside and stays soft in the middle. With this recipe, what you get is a simple and easy method: you whisk a quick batter, dip fast, then cook in a skillet until golden.

The biggest difference comes down to two things: bread choice and pan heat. Thick-sliced bread holds its shape and soaks evenly, especially when it is a little stale. Then you cook it in butter for flavor, with a little oil to help the browning stay even.

In this post, I will share with you: the best bread options and how to “stale” bread fast and simple cues and heat tips for a cooked through center with perfectly golden crust.

What makes a great French toast

The texture you want

For me the perfect French toast should always have perfectly crisp, golden edges.
Though the center remains it should be cooked through, not wet or gummy.
Finally use thick bread that holds its shape after dipping, thick slices work best be it Texas-style, brioche or French bread.

The flavor that tastes like “real” French toast

I have found that for French taste, it’s best to stick to the classic aroma; vanilla plus cinnamon.
Don’t forget to add in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

To prevents soggy or eggy taste

Use slightly stale bread, it absorbs better without collapsing.
I don’t like my French toast overly custard like a French toast casserole, so opt for a quickly dip.

The pan move that improves browning

I like to mix a bit of vegetable oil and butter for flavor.
The vegetable oil is get for browning and also with reduces the risk of scorched butter.

How to make French toast step by step

6 sliced Texas toast or thick cut bread
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk or cream
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
splash of vanilla extract
butter and vegetable oil for cooking

1) Mix the batter until smooth

Start by whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
Make sure to use a shallow dish for this batter so you can dip bread easily and evenly.

2) Preheat the skillet

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium to medium low heat.
Add some butter for flavor and a small splash of oil for even browning stay even.

3) Dip the bread (quick dip for classic texture)

Dip each slice briefly, then let excess drip off.
A quick dip helps prevent soggy centers, especially with softer breads.
Am using texas-style white bread in this recipe, however if your bread is very thick (challah, or brioche ), you can give it a slightly longer dip for a custardy middle.

4) Cook without moving it

Lay the bread on the hot skillet and do not slide it around.
Let the first side form a crust before you flip. This is the secret to getting that perfectly brown color and crisp edges.

5) Flip once, then finish

Flip only when the bottom is evenly golden and the edges look set.
Cook the second side until golden.
If you are using very thick slices, lower the heat slightly and cook a bit longer so the center sets.

6) Keep it warm for a batch

Hold cooked French toast on a rack set over a sheet pan in a low oven.
A rack prevents steam, so it stays crisp instead of soggy.

French toast variations to try

I love my French toast with classic vanilla and cinnamon with a dusting of powdered sugar. However, you can make it anyway you wish; here are some variations I have found work just as well.

Cinnamon sugar crust

Mix cinnamon and sugar.
Sprinkle lightly on the cooked side right after flipping, it melts and clings forming an even sweeter and crunchier bite.

Brioche or challah French toast

Instead of texas-style bread, use richer bread for a softer, custardy center.
Keep heat a touch lower so the center cooks through.

Stuffed French toast (weekend brunch treat)

Feeling a bit extra? Spread some cream cheese and jam between two slices of French toast, then dip and cook like normal.
Keep the heat lower and cook a bit longer so the filling warms through.

Banana bread style

Add extra vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
Top with banana slices and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Savory French toast

French toast doesn’t have to be sweet, make it savory by skipping the sugar.
Add black pepper and herbs to the batter.
Serve with bacon, a fried egg, or sharp cheese for a high-protein breakfast.

How To Make French Toast Recipe for Beginners

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

6 slices Texas toast, thick cut bread, or brioche bread
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk or cream
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
splash of vanilla extract
butter and vegetable oil for cooking

Method

In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium low heat
Add some butter for flavor and a small splash of oil for even browning stay even
Dip slice of bread into the egg mix and let excess drip off.
Lay the bread on the hot skillet and do not slide it around for 2 - 3 minutes on medium heat
Flip only when the bottom is evenly golden and the edges look set
Cook the second side until golden.
Transfer cooked French toast slice onto a plate
Repeat until all slices have been cooked
Serve and enjoy!!

Check Out More Breakfast Recipe Ideas!

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch (Beginner Friendly)

How to Make Overnight Oats

High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Bites

How To Make French Toast Casserole

Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole with Hash Brown Perfect for A Crowd