This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Easy French Toast Recipe is made with a rich egg mixture, warm cinnamon spice, and thick slices of brioche or sourdough bread for the ultimate fluffy, golden breakfast.
The Best French Toast Recipe
There is something so special about slow weekend mornings in our house. The pace is a little calmer, the coffee stays warm a little longer, and everyone gathers in the kitchen waiting for something delicious.
This French Toast recipe has become one of our go to breakfasts, especially when I want something cozy, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone happy.
As a mom, I love recipes that feel a little special but are still simple enough to pull together without stress.
This one checks every box. It is perfect for a Saturday morning with your kids, a Sunday brunch after church, or even when you are hosting a full house of family and friends.
It also solves one of my favorite problems, what to do with leftover homemade bread that is starting to get a little stale.
If you bake your own bread or sourdough like I do, you know it does not last as long as store bought bread. By day four or five, it is not as soft, but that is actually the best time to use it for French Toast.
It soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart, giving you that rich, soft inside with a slightly crisp golden outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
To prepare these The Best French Toast Recipe, you’ll need:
Why Homemade or Sourdough Bread Makes All the Difference
One thing I have learned after making French toast more times than I can count is that not all bread is created equal.
Store bought bread often contains preservatives and tends to be softer and more processed. Because of that, it does not absorb the egg mixture as well and can end up a little soggy or bland.
Homemade bread or sourdough, especially when it is a few days old, has a sturdier texture.
It soaks up all that rich custard mixture, which is exactly why I use 8 eggs in this recipe instead of the 4 eggs you will often see online.
More eggs mean more flavor, more protein, and a more satisfying bite. Every slice turns out rich, custardy, and perfectly balanced.
What Makes This The Best French Toast
This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.
The combination of eggs, cream, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla creates a rich custard that transforms ordinary bread into something bakery worthy.
It is the perfect balance of soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden, lightly crisp exterior.
It feels indulgent but is still made with wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Whether you are making it for your kids, your husband, or a table full of guests, it always feels like a treat.
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 slices of bread – Thick-cut brioche or sourdough works best for soaking up the egg mixture while holding its shape.
- 8 eggs – The base of the mixture that gives the French toast its rich flavor and soft, fluffy texture.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon – Adds warm, cozy spice and that classic French toast flavor everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg – Brings a subtle depth and warmth that enhances the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk – Creates a rich, creamy texture that makes each bite soft and indulgent.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – Adds a hint of sweetness and warmth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the custard mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla until everything is fully combined and slightly frothy.
Preheat your pan
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Dip the bread
Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. If you are using homemade or sourdough bread, it can handle a slightly longer soak.
Cook the French toast
Place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Keep warm and serve
Transfer cooked slices to a plate or baking sheet. You can keep them warm in a low oven while you finish the batch. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Why This French Toast Is Always a Crowd Pleaser
This French toast is one of those recipes that makes everyone at the table pause after the first bite.
It is rich, flavorful, and has that perfect texture that feels like something you would order at a cozy brunch spot.
The warm spices make your kitchen smell amazing and instantly create that comforting, homey feeling.
It is also incredibly versatile, which makes it ideal for hosting. You can dress it up with fresh fruit and maple syrup or keep it simple with butter and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Every time I make this, my husband comments on how good it is, and it is one of the few breakfasts my kids never complain about. That alone makes it a win in my book.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons.
First, it is incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have at home. There is nothing complicated or intimidating about it, which makes it perfect for busy moms.
It is also a great way to reduce waste by using up leftover homemade bread or sourdough.
Instead of tossing it, you are turning it into something even better. Another reason to love this recipe is how filling and satisfying it is thanks to the higher egg content.
It is also perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe when hosting.
Most importantly, it is one of those recipes that brings people together around the table, which is what I value most.
Sign Up for My Email List
Something delicious for your inbox! Join many others and subscribe to my FREE email list. You’ll get every new recipe and baking post as they’re published, plus an email with my most popular baking tips and recipes.
We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at anytime.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with French Toast
French toast is amazing on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can turn it into a full, balanced meal.
Fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas adds a refreshing sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
Crispy bacon or sausage brings that savory contrast that so many people love. One of my favorite options is high protein cottage cheese scrambled eggs, which add extra protein and keep everyone full longer.
You can also serve it with yogurt and granola for a lighter option.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, which is rare in our house, you can store French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can absolutely freeze this recipe as well. Allow the slices to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer safe bag. This prevents them from sticking together.
To reheat, the toaster is one of the best options for getting that slightly crisp texture back. The air fryer also works really well and heats them quickly while keeping the outside nice and golden.
I recommend avoiding the microwave if possible because it can make the French toast soft and a little rubbery instead of crisp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes is not using the right bread. Thin, soft store bought bread can fall apart and not absorb the custard properly.
Another mistake is not using enough eggs, which can lead to bland French toast.
Cooking at too high of a heat is another common issue. This can cause the outside to brown too quickly while the inside stays undercooked. Also, do not rush the soaking process.
Giving the bread enough time to absorb the mixture is key to getting that rich, custardy texture.
Tips for the Best French Toast
Use slightly stale bread for the best texture and flavor. Fresh bread can be too soft and may not hold up as well.
Do not skip the spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth that make this recipe stand out.
Cook on medium heat to ensure even cooking and a golden crust without burning.
If you are feeding a crowd, keep cooked slices warm in the oven at a low temperature while you finish the rest.
FAQs for The Best French Toast
Can I make French toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and reheat using a toaster or air fryer for best results.
What is the best bread for French toast?
Brioche bread and sourdough sandwich bread are the best options for French toast. Brioche is enriched with butter, milk, and eggs, which gives it a soft, airy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart. Sourdough sandwich bread is another great choice because it has a sturdy structure and slight tang, allowing it to absorb the egg mixture while still holding its shape during cooking.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely. Whole milk works great and still gives you a rich flavor.
Why use 8 eggs instead of 4?
Using more eggs creates a richer custard and allows the bread to fully soak up all that flavor, especially when using hearty homemade bread.
Can I freeze French toast?
Yes, it freezes very well and is perfect for quick breakfasts later on.
This truly is the best French toast recipe for cozy weekends, busy mornings, or hosting the people you love most. It is simple, comforting, and always a hit at the table.
Once you make it this way, it will quickly become a staple in your home just like it has in mine.
The Best French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 slices of bread
- 8 eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Prepare the egg mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla until everything is fully combined and slightly frothy.
Preheat your pan
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Dip the bread
- Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. If you are using homemade or sourdough bread, it can handle a slightly longer soak.
Cook the French Toast
- Place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Keep warm and serve
- Transfer cooked slices to a plate or baking sheet. You can keep them warm in a low oven while you finish the batch. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Using heavy cream increases richness and fat content. You can lower calories slightly by using whole milk instead.
- The higher egg count boosts protein, making this more filling than traditional recipes.
- Toppings like maple syrup, butter, or powdered sugar will significantly increase calories and sugar, so you may want to list those separately if you include them.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe for yourself? Leave a comment and photos below!
Follow on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube
Nutrition Disclaimer: Our Family Cooks is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
