Challah French Toast

What is challah French toast, you ask? With its crisp edges and custardy center, French toast always feels decadent at breakfast or brunch. But when you make challah bread French toast, you push that luxury over the top. Whether it's a braided loaf or one studded with raisins, soft, rich challah makes for an equally soft, pillowy French toast. In this recipe, the French toast is spiced with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

The key to cooking the perfect French toast is to thoroughly soak the thick slices of bread in the egg mixture, then cook it over medium-low heat so the edges don't burn before the center of each piece cooks through. If you're making French toast for a crowd, you can double this recipe and prepare it in batches. Stash cooked slices of French toast in an oven set to 200°F to keep them warm until you're ready to serve everything. Warm maple syrup poured over the top is a classic touch. Feel free to swap or add in berries, cherries, or sliced bananas; apples or pears that have been cooked in a little butter; or toasted pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a little extra texture.

Use this recipe when you have leftover challah or simply want to make an especially delicious French toast. If you don't have challah, a loaf of brioche is an ideal substitution. And if your bread is a bit dried out: All the better for it to sponge up the egg mixture.