French Toast Recipe

This easy French toast recipe takes everyday ingredients like butter and eggs and turns them into a rich, golden, and irresistible breakfast or brunch treat. Whether you like the tangy bite of sourdough as in this recipe, the timeless charm of French bread, or your favorite, each bite perfectly balances the crisp, custardy taste. Get ready to impress with a dish that’s as simple as it is delicious!

Guava Jam, Strawberry Bread, French Beef Stew, Soft Lemon Cookies

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 380 kcal Protein: 18 g Fat: 28 g Saturated Fat: 0.7 g

Carbohydrates: 20 g Dietary Fiber: 2.5 g Sodium: 445 mg

Ingredients in French Toast Recipe

Eggs (we suggest an equal proportion of eggs to bread slices)
Salt and season to taste
One and a half tbsp. of butter for frying each bread slice.
Halved Cherry tomatoes or regular size chopped tomatoes
50 grams of Your choice of cheese like Parmesan, Cheddar or Provolone

How to Make French Toast

Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Using a fork or whisk, beat the eggs until smooth and well combined.
Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Let the bread soak for about 10–15 seconds per side, allowing it to absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
Place a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add butter to the pan and let it melt, coating the surface evenly.
Carefully place the soaked bread slices into the pan. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Flip the bread and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
While the toast is still warm, sprinkle grated cheese on top so it melts slightly. Arrange the sliced cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves over the toast. Add toppings of your choice for extra flavor, such as avocado slices, crispy bacon, smoked salmon, or a drizzle of honey.
Transfer the toast to a serving plate and serve immediately while warm and crispy. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!

Tips

Egg to Bread Ratio: Aim for a one-to-one ratio of eggs to bread slices. This ensures each slice of bread is adequately soaked with the egg mixture for the best flavor and texture.
Seasoning: Add a pinch of salt to the egg mixture. Consider their saltiness when using tomatoes or cheese and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Bread Selection: Use thick slices of bread for French toast. They hold up better when soaked in the egg mixture, providing a nice contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft interior.
Cooking Fat: Fry the toast in butter for a rich, creamy taste. Butter also adds a nice golden color to the toast.
Flavored Butter: Use salted or sweetened butter for an extra flavor kick. Melt it in the pan before adding the bread.
Preheating the Pan: Make sure to preheat the oil or butter well. This prevents the bread from absorbing too much fat, keeping it from becoming overly greasy.
Pan Temperature: Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the bread. The egg mixture might spread too much if the pan isn’t hot, leading to uneven cooking.
Mixing the Custard: Whisk the eggs thoroughly with the custard. This prevents uncooked white streaks on your toast and ensures a uniform, golden brown color.
Choice of Bread: You can use any freshly baked or slightly stale bread. Slightly stale bread can absorb the egg mixture better without falling apart.
Adding Tomatoes and Cheese: Add Cherry or grape tomatoes to the cooked French Toast for a fresh flavor. For cheese like Parmesan Cheddar or Provolone, sprinkle it over the toast towards the end of cooking so it melts beautifully.

How to ensure your French toast cooks through while staying soft inside and crisp outside?

Use the Right Bread Choose slightly stale bread or toast fresh bread lightly before dipping to prevent sogginess. Thick slices (about ¾ to 1 inch) work best for a good texture.
Control the Egg Mixture Whisk the eggs thoroughly to break up the whites, ensuring an even soak. If your mixture contains milk, use the correct ratio (about ¼ cup per egg) to avoid making it too wet.
Soak, Don’t Drown Let each slice soak for 10–15 seconds per side, depending on thickness. Avoid oversoaking, as it can make the inside too custardy and challenging to cook.
Cook on Medium Heat Set your pan to medium heat—too high will brown the outside too fast while leaving the inside undercooked. Lower the heat if the toast is browning too quickly but feels soft in the center.
Use Enough Butter or Oil Coat the pan with butter or a mix of butter and oil for even cooking. Butter alone can burn, so a little oil (like neutral vegetable oil) helps.
Cover the Pan if Needed If your toast is thick and still feels wet inside, cover the pan for 30–60 seconds to trap heat and cook it through gently.
Press Lightly with a Spatula Gently press down while cooking to help heat reach the center. Avoid squishing too hard, as this can make the toast dense.
Check for Doneness The toast should feel firm when pressed, not squishy or wet. Cut into one piece to check if the center is set and not raw. Following these steps ensures your French toast turns out perfectly cooked every time!

Can you make French toast without dairy?

Yes, you can use only eggs or add dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk to the egg mixture for those who prefer or need dairy-free options.

What are some popular savory toppings for French toast?

Savory toppings for French toast offer a delightful twist to the traditionally sweet breakfast dish. Here are some popular savory options that can transform your French toast into a versatile meal suitable for any time of the day:

Balsamic Onion Jam – A rich and tangy topping that pairs beautifully with the soft texture of French toast.
Sautéed Kale – Adding a healthy and flavorful green element.
Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, umami flavor.
Garlic and Herbs – Fresh or dried herbs and a hint of garlic can give a Mediterranean flair.
Roasted Vegetables – Such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty topping.
Guacamole or Avocado Salad – Creamy avocado adds a rich, smooth texture and is a popular choice for a savory twist.
Pico de Gallo – A fresh, tomato-based salsa for a zesty topping.
Scrambled Eggs – Making it a double egg delight with extra protein.
Monterey Jack Cheese – Melty cheese over the top adds a gooey, comforting element.
Lobster – For a luxurious twist, topped with a bit of lobster meat.
Tomato Confit – Slow-cooked tomatoes that add a deep, sweet flavor
Sautéed Mushrooms – Earthy mushrooms provide a meaty texture and deep flavor.

These savory toppings can significantly expand the versatility of French toast recipe.