This simple French toast recipe is an easy take on the classic breakfast meal and makes the perfect crusty, golden-brown toast to slather with butter, syrup, fruit, or your choice of toppings.

It’s a great weekend breakfast for special occasions, but it’s also quick and easy enough to make any old weekday!

My Favorite French Toast Recipe

Long live fancy breakfasts that don’t feel too fancy to make! I love a decadent and slow breakfast with my people. It starts the day with nourishment — not just of our bodies, but of our souls, too. I really believe that. Beginning the day with a purposeful act of bringing your people together can be sacred, whether that’s your spouse and kids, a roommate, or calling a loved one on the phone just to catch up. And sharing good food just adds to the fullness of the moment, don’t you think?

I know, I know, you probably didn’t expect me to go philosophical on you just for a French toast recipe. But it’s true that good food and the company of people you love can be healing. So yes, French toast is medicine in some ways. (Don’t quote me to your doctor, though!)

I love this recipe. It’s bare bones. It’s fast. But it creates the most beautiful golden-brown French toast with the loveliest hint of warm vanilla flavoring. Feel free to serve it with whatever you like: butter, syrup, berries, whipped cream, even jam! I have a feeling you’ll see the power in these slices of hearty breakfast soon, too.

French Toast Ingredients:

You only need a few simple ingredients to make French toast!

Loaf of French bread: I usually go with an 18-inch loaf for our family of 7. The French bread is key because it’s sturdy and will hold its shape after dousing with the egg mixture. Here’s my mom’s recipe for easy french bread if you’d like to make it homemade.

Eggs: Eggs mixed with milk and vanilla make the dredge for the French toast.

Milk: Milk gives the dredge a light, creamy flavor.

Vanilla: Vanilla brings a tinge of warmth to the flavor as your French toast cooks.

Cooking spray or butter: This will keep the French toast from sticking to your skillet as you cook.

Toppings: Butter, syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or jam are all delicious on French toast!

How to Make French Toast from Scratch:

French toast is so simple and delicious! Here’s how to make it at home:

Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Slice French bread into 1-inch thick pieces.
In a wide, flat container, whisk the eggs and the milk together.
Add the vanilla, and whisk with a fork to combine.
Grease your cooking surface with cooking spray or butter.
Dip one side of the bread into the egg mixture; quickly flip it over to coat the second side.
Quickly remove the egg mixture, and place it in the hot skillet.
Repeat with a few more pieces, filling the skillet.
Let the French toast cook on one side about 2 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side about 2 minutes.
Remove from the skillet and place on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet.
Set the baking sheet in a 200 degree F. oven to keep warm.
Repeat with remaining bread, working in batches, until all of the toast is cooked.

What Kind of Bread Do You Use for French Toast?

French bread is the traditional bread used for French toast because it’s thick and sturdy, so it holds up to the egg and milk mixture without getting soggy. If you don’t have French bread handy, you can use any bread on hand. Just be sure you very quickly dip both sides of the bread into the egg mixture to avoid getting it too wet.

How Long Do You Soak Bread for French Toast?

Not long at all! I soak the bread for just a second or two on each side, and then place it on the warm griddle immediately.

How Do You Make French Toast Not Soggy?

Make sure you only soak the bread for a couple of seconds per side maximum to avoid soggy French toast. Also, don’t flip the toast too soon. It’ll be golden-brown when it’s ready to turn, which takes about two minutes of cooking per side.

How Do You Store Leftover French Toast?

I actually love leftover French toast! The messy part’s done, so just store cooled French toast in an airtight bag or container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster or in the oven at 350 degrees F. for 10 minutes, until warmed through!