Best French Toast Ever – Golden, Custardy & Weekend-Brunch Worthy

This Best French Toast Ever recipe is everything you want in a classic breakfast dish: golden-brown edges, a rich, custardy center, and warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend or impressing brunch guests, this version takes simple ingredients and turns them into a decadent morning favorite. Crispy outside, soft inside—this really might be the best French toast ever.

🛒 Ingredients

6 slices brioche or challah bread (day-old preferred)
3 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk
¼ cup heavy cream (for richness)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons butter (for the pan)
Toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, whipped cream, or sliced bananas

🔄 Substitutions

Bread: Use French bread, Texas toast, or thick sandwich bread
Milk: Sub with almond, oat, or soy milk
Heavy cream: Replace with more milk for a lighter version
Sugar: Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar
Butter: Use ghee or plant-based butter

👨‍🍳 How to

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter
Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side
Place soaked slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp
Transfer to a plate and keep warm while cooking the remaining slices
Serve stacked high with your favorite toppings and a drizzle of warm syrup

🧀 Mix-ins

Add a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the custard
Swirl a bit of peanut butter or Nutella between slices
Top with caramelized apples or sautéed peaches
Add crushed pecans or granola for crunch

✅ Recipe Tips

Use thick-cut bread for best results—thin slices won’t hold the custard well
Let the bread sit out overnight to dry or toast it lightly to avoid sogginess
Whisk the custard mixture thoroughly so there are no egg streaks
Wipe the skillet clean between batches and add fresh butter for each round

📦 Storage

Store leftover slices in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat in a toaster, oven, or skillet—avoid the microwave for best texture
Freeze cooked slices between parchment layers and reheat from frozen in a toaster oven

🌀 Recipe Variations

Stuffed French Toast: Add cream cheese and jam or fresh fruit
Cinnamon roll style: Add cream cheese icing and extra cinnamon
Savory twist: Omit sugar and vanilla, add cheese and herbs
Overnight casserole: Layer bread in a baking dish, pour custard over, and refrigerate overnight before baking

❓ FAQs

What’s the best bread for French toast? Brioche or challah are ideal—soft, slightly sweet, and absorb custard well
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes—use plant-based milk and butter alternatives
Do I have to use stale bread? It helps, but lightly toasting fresh bread also works
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes—reheat gently in the oven or skillet for that fresh-made feel

This Best French Toast Ever recipe is soft, flavorful, and sure to become your go-to for weekend mornings or special brunches.