This truly is The Best French Toast. Made with thick-cut bread, rich heavy cream, and warm cinnamon spice, this easy breakfast classic is crisp on the outside and custardy in the middle. It’s the kind of French toast that feels like something you’d order at a cozy brunch spot, but it’s incredibly simple to make at home in just minutes.
It’s also the perfect way to use up one- or two-day-old bread, which soaks up the custard beautifully and delivers the ideal texture.
Why You Will Love this French Toast Recipe
- Perfectly Crisp and Custardy: The combo of eggs and heavy cream gives the inside a soft, custard-like texture while the outside gets beautifully golden and crisp in butter.
- Quick and Easy Breakfast: Minimal prep, just a quick whisk and soak—then into the skillet it goes. This French toast is ready in about 10 minutes!
- Versatile Topping Options: Serve the French Toast with warm syrup, powdered sugar, berries, whipped cream, and/or your favorite seasonal fruit.
- Great for Using Up Day Old Bread: Don’t throw one- or two-day old bread away. Use it to make the best French toast!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Bread – Use brioche, challah, or thick sourdough for best results. Regular sandwich bread will work but won’t be as rich.
- Heavy cream – Whole milk or half-and-half can be used instead.
- Vanilla extract – Almond extract is a great twist if you want a nutty flavor.
- Butter – Can be replaced with ghee or a mix of butter and neutral oil to reduce burning.
How to Serve and Store Leftovers
- Serve hot off the skillet with warm syrup and your choice of toppings. Add whipped cream, caramelized bananas, or toasted nuts for something extra.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven, air fryer, or pan to restore crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the best bread to use for French toast? Brioche and challah are ideal because they’re rich and absorb the custard without falling apart. Thick-sliced Texas toast or day-old French bread also works well.
- Can I use something other than butter to fry the French toast? Yes! Bacon grease is a flavorful alternative that adds a savory, smoky depth, especially if you’re serving bacon on the side. You can also use ghee or a mix of butter and oil to help prevent burning.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the egg mixture a day in advance or cook the French toast, refrigerate it, and reheat in a pan when ready to serve.
- How do I keep French toast warm while making a batch? Place finished slices in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a baking sheet until all are ready to serve.
- Can I use milk instead of cream? Absolutely—whole milk or half-and-half work just fine. The texture will be a little lighter but still delicious.
- What are some toppings besides syrup? Try whipped cream, yogurt, caramel sauce, lemon curd, honey, or even a dollop of jam.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes to Love
- Super Fluffy Blueberry Pancakes
- Country Sausage Breakfast Bowl
- How to Poach Eggs
- Latke Eggs Benedict with Country Gravy
The Best French Toast
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
Description
This truly is The Best French Toast. Made with thick-cut bread, rich heavy cream, and warm cinnamon spice, this easy breakfast classic is crisp on the outside and custardy in the middle.
It’s the kind of French toast that feels like something you’d order at a cozy brunch spot, but it’s incredibly simple to make at home in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 to 3 tablespoons butter, for cooking
- Optional toppings: warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, extra pats of butter, whipped cream
Instructions
- In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt until sizzling.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, dredging both sides and allowing it to soak briefly without falling apart.
- Place the coated bread into the hot pan. Let it brown undisturbed for 2–3 minutes.
- Flip each slice and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, or a few extra pats of butter.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Best with day-old thick-cut bread.
- Whisk the egg mixture thoroughly for even coating, or use a blender or immersion blender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning.
- Keep warm in a low oven if cooking in batches.
- Top with seasonal fruit for variety.
- Customize with different extracts like almond or orange.
- Make it dairy-free with oat milk and vegan butter.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for extra crunch.
- Fry in bacon grease instead of butter for a savory twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Brinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
GET TO KNOW ME!
WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
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