The best Authentic French Toast Recipe

Transform leftover bread into a delightful treat with this authentic French Toast recipe!

This classic dish combines eggs, milk, and sugar for a custardy center and crispy edges. Pan-fried to golden perfection, it’s a comforting way to reduce waste and please all ages.

Ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack, French Toast offers simple preparation and irresistible flavor.

Traditional French Toast: A Childhood Classic

French toast, a beloved childhood treat, began as a clever way to repurpose stale bread into a warm, comforting delight.

Topped with fruit, syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream, it’s now a global favorite for its simplicity and versatility.

At home, it was my mother’s go-to recipe, perfect when pantry staples ran low.

She transformed stale bread into an irresistible snack we all adored.

Today, I cherish its anti-waste charm, often using loaf bread for an equally delicious twist my kids love!

Key Ingredients for French Toast

• 1 stale baguette, replace by brioche, or  Challah, French baguette works best as it absorbs the custard well. Avoid fresh, soft bread as it may turn too mushy.
• 2 eggs
• 40g caster sugar
• 250ml whole milk

For Cooking:

• Unsalted butter
• Icing sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions for Authentic French Toast

Prepare the Base:

1. In a large bowl, break the eggs.
2. Add sugar (adjust to your taste).
3. Pour in the milk.
4. Whisk until smooth.

Prepare the Bread:

5. Use stale french baguette or slices of loaf bread.
6. Slice the french baguette into pieces about 1.5 cm thick. Shapes can be round, oval, or rectangular based on your preference.

Dip the Slices:

7. Submerge each bread slice in the egg and milk mixture.
8. Let it soak for a few seconds on both sides, ensuring the bread absorbs the mixture without breaking.

Cook:

9. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
10. Melt a generous knob of butter until it turns slightly nutty (avoid burning).
11. Cook the soaked bread slices for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Decorate:

• Serve hot or warm.
• Sprinkle with icing sugar for a light sweetness.
• Pair with fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, or blueberries) or drizzle with maple syrup for extra flavor.

There is another way to cook French toast, like this : French toast and apple casserole for breakfast (recipe coming soon)

Tips for the perfect french toast

Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better without falling apart. Fresh bread can be dried out slightly in the oven if needed.

Choose the Right Bread: Brioche, challah, or thick-cut sandwich bread work best for their soft texture and ability to hold custard.

Cut Thick Slices: Slices about 1.5–2 cm thick provide the perfect balance of a crisp exterior and a soft, custardy interior.

Flavor the Mixture: Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, or a pinch of nutmeg to the egg and milk mixture for extra depth.

Soak Properly: Let the bread soak long enough to absorb the mixture fully, but not so much that it turns mushy.

Use Butter and Medium Heat: Cook with unsalted butter on medium heat for a golden crust without burning.

Preheat the Pan: A well-heated pan ensures even cooking and a beautiful golden color.

Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in small batches to allow even browning.

Serve Immediately: French toast tastes best fresh and warm. Keep batches warm in a low oven if needed.

Top Creatively: Experiment with toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, whipped cream, or flavored syrups for unique variations.

Other ideas for breakfast

• cheese naan bread
• easy cheese empanadas
• Lebanese falafel