Some breakfasts are worth slowing down for.
Golden on the outside, soft and custardy in the middle, French toast has a way of making an ordinary morning feel a little more special. Whether it's a lazy Sunday brunch or breakfast for dinner (we're big fans of both), this classic never disappoints.
The best part? This easy French toast recipe comes together in just 25 minutes with ingredients you probably already have at home.
Want to make it even cosier? Steep a teapigs Chai Tea bag in the milk before making the custard. It adds gentle warming spices that pair beautifully with cinnamon and vanilla.
What is French toast?
French toast is made by dipping slices of bread into a lightly sweetened egg custard before frying them until golden and crisp.
The outside caramelises beautifully while the middle stays soft, rich, and almost pudding-like.
It's simple, comforting and endlessly customisable, which is probably why it's remained a breakfast favourite for generations.
What bread is best for French toast?
If you're aiming for café-quality results, brioche bread French toast is hard to beat.
Brioche is rich, buttery and slightly sweet, making it perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
Day-old bread works even better than fresh because it's a little drier and absorbs more of the mixture while still holding its shape.
If you don't have brioche, challah, thick sliced white bread, or sourdough are all great alternatives.
The secret to custardy (not soggy) French toast
The trick isn't soaking the bread for as long as possible.
It's soaking it just enough.
A thick slice only needs about 20 to 30 seconds per side. That's enough time for the custard to soak in without making the bread collapse.
Another tip? Cook over medium heat.
If the pan is too hot, the outside browns before the centre has time to cook. Too cool, and the bread can become soggy instead of beautifully caramelised.
How to make French toast
If you've been wondering how to make French toast that turns out golden on the outside and soft in the middle, this simple method has you covered.
Recipe basics
Total Servings:-
2-4
Preparation Time:-
10 Minutes
Cooking Times:-
15 minutes
Nutritional Value:-
N/A
Recipe Category:-
Dessert
Cuisine:-
Global
What you'll need
Grab these pantry staples before you get started:
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4 generous slices of day-old brioche
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2 large free-range eggs
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80ml full cream milk
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1 tablespoon caster sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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A small pinch of salt
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Butter, plus a drizzle of neutral oil, for cooking
To serve
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Maple syrup
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Fresh berries
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Icing sugar
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Greek yoghurt or whipped cream
Chai variation
For a cosy twist, warm the milk and steep one teapigs Chai Tea bag in it for five minutes.
Remove the tea bag, allow the milk to cool slightly, then use it as normal in the custard.
The chai adds subtle spice without changing the method.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Crack the eggs into a wide, shallow dish. Add the milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon and a pinch of salt, then whisk until everything is well combined. You want a smooth, lightly spiced custard with no streaks of egg remaining.
2. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a small knob of butter along with a splash of neutral oil.
3. Slide one slice of brioche into the custard and let it soak briefly before turning it over. Around 20 seconds on each side is usually enough. The bread should feel coated, not falling apart.
4. Carefully place the bread into the hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully golden.
5. Continue with the remaining slices. If you're cooking in batches, keep the finished pieces warm in a low oven set to 100°C.
6. Serve straight away with your favourite toppings.
Baker's tip: Once the bread is in the pan, resist the urge to press it down with your spatula. Leaving it undisturbed helps create that beautifully caramelised crust.
Storage and make-ahead tips
French toast is always at its best straight from the pan.
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
To reheat, warm the slices in a dry frying pan or a low oven until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, but it tends to soften the crisp edges.
Planning ahead? You can prepare the custard the night before and keep it in the fridge. Leaving your bread out overnight also helps it dry slightly, making it even better at soaking up the custard the next morning.
French toast toppings and variations
One of the best things about French toast is how easily you can make it your own. These French toast toppings make it easy to create a different version every time, whether you're keeping things classic or trying something a little more indulgent.
If you're after something classic, try:
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Maple syrup and butter
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Fresh berries
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A dusting of icing sugar
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Greek yoghurt or whipped cream
Feeling a little more indulgent?
Try:
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Caramelised bananas
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Nutella
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Honeycomb butter
Prefer savoury?
Skip the sugar and vanilla in the custard, add a pinch of herbs instead, and top with crispy bacon and a fried egg.
Want another twist? Try:
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Chai spiced custard using teapigs Chai Tea
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Orange zest stirred into the custard
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Extra cinnamon and brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavour
These French toast toppings make it easy to enjoy a different version every time.
The best tea to serve with French toast
A proper brunch deserves a proper brew.
Chai Tea is a natural match, especially if you've made the chai custard variation. The warming spices beautifully echo cinnamon and vanilla.
Everyday Brew is another favourite. Its bold flavour cuts through the richness of butter and maple syrup without overpowering the toast.
Shop Teapigs Everyday Brew Tea Bags
Looking for something lighter?
A cup of Peppermint Leaves offers a bright, refreshing finish that's especially lovely after a sweeter brunch.
FAQs
What is the best bread for French toast?
Brioche is one of the most popular choices because it's buttery, soft and sturdy enough to hold the custard. That's why brioche bread French toast is a favourite in cafés and home kitchens alike.
Why is my French toast soggy, and how do I fix it?
French toast usually becomes soggy when the bread is soaked for too long or cooked over low heat. Slightly stale bread and a medium heat pan help create the perfect texture.
Can I make French toast without milk?
Yes. Many people use dairy-free alternatives like oat, soy or almond milk, and they all work well in this French toast recipe.
Can I make French toast the night before?
You can prepare the custard ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. If you're learning how to make French toast ahead of a busy morning, this is a great way to save time while keeping the final result fresh.
What toppings go well with French toast?
Some of the most popular French toast toppings include maple syrup, berries, whipped cream, Greek yoghurt, caramelised banana and a dusting of icing sugar.
