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The Absolute BEST French Toast Recipe: Custardy Center, Crispy Edges

Two thick slices of golden brown french toast stacked and drizzled generously with maple syrup.

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Follow this foolproof guide to make the best French Toast you will ever eat. We use professional secrets for a rich, custardy interior and perfectly golden, crisp edges every time. This is your new go-to weekend brunch recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 thick slices of Challah or Brioche bread (slightly stale is best)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the custard: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and salt until fully combined.
  2. Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture. Let it soak for 30 seconds on each side for a standard slice, or up to 1 minute per side if your bread is very thick or dry, to achieve a custardy center.
  3. Heat the griddle: Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add half of the butter and let it melt and coat the surface. Cooking low and slow prevents burning the outside before the inside sets.
  4. Cook the toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle, ensuring they do not touch. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Keep warm: Transfer cooked French toast to a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a warm oven (about 200°F) while you cook the remaining slices.
  6. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup and powdered sugar.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use slightly stale bread. Fresh bread absorbs too much liquid and becomes soggy.
  • If you want a caramelized French toast finish, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the cooking side just before flipping, letting it melt and crisp slightly in the pan.
  • To make this a decadent breakfast recipe, use a cream-based custard for maximum richness.

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