The Perfect French Toast Recipe

This recipe is for the best French Toast, and it's really easy to make. You'll need sweet Brioche bread soaked in eggs, cooked in a pan, and served with your favorite toppings. Brioche is the best bread for the softest, tastiest French Toast.

French Toast is a classic breakfast where bread slices are soaked in a sweetened egg mixture and cooked until golden-brown on each side. Top it with powdered sugar, fruit, maple syrup, or butter for a perfect finish.

The origins of French Toast date back centuries, and every country has its own version. The version we know in the US likely comes from the French recipe "pain perdu," meaning "lost bread." It was a way to revive stale bread by soaking it in eggs and milk and then cooking it, often served as a dessert or afternoon snack.

You can use various bread for French Toast, but the key is to find the one that tastes the best. The top three choices are Brioche, French Baguette, and Challah, with Brioche being the ultimate winner for the best-tasting French Toast.

 The Perfect French Toast Recipe

Course: Breakfast Cuisine: American Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 Calories: 359kcal

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (8 slices) Brioche bread
• 4 large eggs
• 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp packed brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)*

Instructions:

Note: This egg mixture is enough for 8 slices of Brioche bread (3/4 to 1 inch thick). It can also batter 10-12 slices of French baguette or about 6 slices of Challah.

1. Slice the bread and set it aside.
2. In a wide bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
3. Preheat a large cooking pan over medium to medium-low heat. Add a bit of oil and spread it evenly or use cooking oil spray.
4. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, flipping back and forth for about 15 seconds. Brioche bread quickly soaks up the egg. Note: Batter only as many slices as will fit in the pan. If needed, batter bread right before adding it to the pan.
5. 
   
6. Place battered slices in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Repeat with remaining slices if necessary. Pro Tip: As the French toast slices cook, after flipping, look for the center to raise, indicating the egg inside is cooking. Wait until it deflates and touch the center; it should feel firm, not squishy.
7. 
   
8. Serve with your favorite topping.

Notes:

• Bread: Use thick slices of Brioche loaf (3/4 to 1 inch thick) for the best French Toast. Check the post for information about Challah and French Baguette.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Recommended for a rich and creamy custard. You can use half and half or whole milk if needed but not with less fat.
• Lactose-Free Option: Use lactose-free whole milk or lactose-free half and half. For a dairy-free option, use oat, almond, or soy milk substitutes, but note that the flavor will change slightly.
• Ensure French Toast is cooked through: After flipping, wait for the center to raise, cook, and deflate. Touch the center to ensure it feels firm.