Unfussy French Toast on the Stove

Looking for more simple breakfast recipes? You need to try our Vegan Banana Muffins, this Cinnamon French toast, as well as our Potato Chive Egg Bites and our Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos!

The most satisfying french toast you’ll have at home!

Of ALL the recipes that I have made in my adult life, this from-scratch French Toast recipe is easily in our top 5! Typically we go with this basic recipe but I’ve made it all: Stuffed French Toast, French Toast Sticks, even more viral Vegan French toast! Needless to say, we’re a big french toast family:)

Once you get the hang of making it, it’ll be something you want on a weekly basis! Well, maybe not weekly, but we do have it quite often when we want a simple but slightly indulgent breakfast on the weekend. Worth making!

Why You’ll Love This method

• It’s ready in under 20 minutes!
• Simple, foolproof method (great for beginners) for the dependable french toast!
• The texture is DEPENDABLE: crisp edges + soft center
• Uses basic pantry ingredients
• Unfussy to customize with different breads and toppings

Ingredients needed

The ingredients for this straightforward french toast recipe are listed fully down in the recipe card but let’s briefly go over the pantry staples needed including a few substitutions you can make as desired!

• Eggs. The base of the custard that gives French toast its rich texture
• Milk. Adds creaminess; whole milk is ideal but any milk works. Use almond milk or other plant-based milk for a dairy free option.
• Ground cinnamon. Adds warmth and old-school flavor
• Nutmeg. Optional but adds subtle depth that WORTH KEEPING!
• Vanilla extract. Brings everything together with a hint of sweetness
• Salt. Only a pinch of salt balances the flavors
• Day old bread. Thick slices of bread work go-to Challah is my personal regular but brioche, Texas toast, or sourdough are also great! More details below.
• Cooking spray or butter. Prevents sticking and helps create tasty golden edges!
• Optional toppings. Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and whipped cream

How for this familiar french toast recipe

Simply a reminder that you can find the FULL written recipe down in the recipe card, but I want to quickly go over how to make them with visuals for you:)

1. Whisk together eggs and spices. In a wide set medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and spices. I’ve found that this helps to better evenly distribute the cinnamon and nutmeg so that they don’t all only get stuck on the side of the bowl.

1. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. Add in the milk, vanilla, and salt to the egg mixture and whisk again to fully combine.

1. Soak the bread. Dip the bread slices into the custard mixture and let it soak for only about 3 seconds per side. You don’t want it to be TOO wet.

1. Cook the French toast. Place the soaked toast pieces directly onto a pre-heated large skillet or griddle over medium high heat
   that has been brushed with butter (or sprayed with oil). Let each piece cook for about 4 minutes per side or until they’re a nice golden brown color. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.

Recipe Tips

• Use slightly stale hearty bread so it soaks up the custard without getting soggy
• Don’t over-soak! Only a few seconds per side is enough or else you’ll end up with soggy french toast!
• Cook over medium heat so the inside cooks through without burning the outside
• For extra richness, swap part of the milk for heavy cream
• Add a little sugar or brown sugar to the custard if you want sweeter French toast. I personally like to simply add the sweetness later with drizzle of maple syrup!

What is the Dependable type of bread for French Toast?

The go-to bread for French toast is thick-cut, slightly stale bread that can soak up the custard without falling apart. You want something sturdy with a soft interior so you get that reliable contrast of crispy edges and a custardy center. Let’s go over the options:

Top Bread Choices for French Toast

• Challah. Slightly sweet, rich, and fluffy. This is one of the DEPENDABLE options and gives you that familiar, bakery-style French toast we all love!
• Brioche. Similar to challah but even richer and more buttery. It makes extra soft, indulgent French toast. This is my go to second option when I can’t find good Challah.
• Texas Toast. Thick-cut white bread that’s sturdy and unfussy to find. Great for a old-school, budget-friendly option!
• Sourdough. Adds a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness truly nicely. It also holds up well when soaked!
• French Bread (Baguette slices). Chewier and more structured, giving you a slightly firmer texture.

Bread to Avoid

• Thin white sandwich bread (too flimsy and turns soggy fast)
• Quite fresh, soft bread (doesn’t hold its structure well)

Frequently Asked Questions