Classic French Toast Recipe

This French Toast Was Made for Lazy Weekend Mornings

5.0

(3)

1 Review

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter make this easy French toast recipe a winner.

Chandra Ram

Updated on August 3, 2023

Tested by

Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Cook Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

Whether you are looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe to make the weekend or a holiday morning feel special, or just feel like treating yourself, this French toast recipe, which uses sturdy Italian bread, is a keeper.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make French toast for a crowd?

If you need a double or even triple batch of French toast, you can double or triple this recipe, and cook the French toast in batches. Stash cooked slices of French toast in an oven set to 200°F to hold them warm until you are ready to serve everything.

How do I make French toast sticks?

Cut each piece of bread into three or four pieces, depending on the size of your bread. Soak the French toast sticks in the egg mixture for just 30 seconds so they don't fall apart, then cook them in butter, turning the sticks so they cook on each side.

Notes From the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

The key to cooking the perfect French toast is to thoroughly soak the slices of bread in the egg mixture, and cook it over medium-low heat so the edges don't burn before the center of each piece cooks through.

You can pour warm maple syrup over the top of the stack of French toast when it is served for a classic touch, but feel free to swap or add in berries, cherries, sliced bananas, apples, or pears that have been cooked in a little butter, or toasted pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a little extra texture. A dusting of powdered sugar is a sweet final touch.

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Ingredients

4 large eggs
2/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
8 thick slices slightly stale Italian bread ¾ inch
2 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil
Maple syrup, butter, fruit, and confectioners’ sugar for serving

Directions

Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Add in any other spices or seasonings at this time; you can add a pinch of ground cardamom or allspice if you like for an extra touch. Whisk egg mixture until well blended and pour into a wide shallow bowl or cake pan.
Place each slice of bread into egg mixture, immersing bread and allowing it to soak for 1 minute.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Lift bread from egg mixture, letting excess egg drip off before placing bread in skillet. Fry French toast until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Flip and brown on other side, about 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining bread. Serve French toast hot with butter, maple syrup, and/or fresh berries or other fruit. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.