Description
A perfected French toast recipe featuring a rich custard soak and a crisp, caramelized crust. Using simple pantry staples and day-old brioche or challah, this method ensures creamy, flan-like interiors without the sogginess.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A small pinch of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 thick slices (1 inch) brioche or challah bread (day-old preferred)
- Unsalted butter for the skillet
- Pure maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a shallow baking dish until uniform and frothy.
- Place thick slices of bread into the custard mixture and let soak for 20-30 seconds per side (reduce to 15 seconds for fresh bread, increase to 40 seconds for dense day-old bread).
- Lift the bread and allow excess custard to drip off for a few seconds.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-low heat.
- Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt until it stops foaming and turns light golden.
- Place two slices of bread in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until deep golden-brown.
- Flip the slices carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until firm and evenly browned.
- Transfer finished toast to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep warm and crisp.
- Repeat with remaining bread, adding more butter as needed.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup, fresh berries, or bacon.
Notes
Use day-old bread for best results as it absorbs custard without falling apart. If using fresh bread, toast it lightly in the oven for 5 minutes before soaking. Keep cooked toast warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack to maintain crispness. For dairy-free, substitute milk with oat or coconut milk. For gluten-free, use sturdy GF brioche-style bread but reduce soaking time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of bread wit
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: French toast, breakfast recipe, brioche, challah, easy breakfast, brunch ideas, homemade french toast, custard french toast