French toast is a classic breakfast dish that transforms simple slices of bread into a delightful treat. With a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a warm, comforting meal that pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings. Whether you're looking to use up stale bread or just craving something sweet and satisfying, this recipe is sure to please.
Most of the ingredients for this French toast recipe are common household staples. However, if you don't typically keep vanilla extract or cinnamon in your pantry, you may need to pick them up at the supermarket. These ingredients add a wonderful depth of flavor and aroma to the dish, making it truly special.

Ingredients For French Toast Recipe
Bread: Preferably stale, as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and gives the toast its rich texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy custard for soaking the bread.
Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the dish.
Butter: Used for cooking the toast, giving it a golden brown, crispy exterior.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve a perfectly even coating on the bread, make sure to whisk the egg mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and well combined. This ensures that the cinnamon and vanilla extract are evenly distributed, giving each slice of French toast a consistent flavor. Additionally, using stale bread helps the slices absorb the mixture better without becoming too soggy.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
stale bread - Substitute with fresh bread: If you don't have stale bread, you can use fresh bread. Just toast it lightly to remove some moisture.
stale bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it an excellent choice for a more decadent French toast.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This works well for a vegan alternative.
eggs - Substitute with banana: Use half a mashed banana for each egg. It adds a slight banana flavor and works well as a binder.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative that still provides a creamy texture.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, tropical flavor and is also dairy-free.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but equally delightful flavor profile.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a sweet, earthy flavor in place of vanilla extract.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements French toast well.
cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a complex flavor.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a great dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter, especially for a dairy-free version.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze Your French Toast
- Allow the French toast to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled French toast slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For freezing, lay the cooled French toast slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To reheat refrigerated French toast, use a toaster, toaster oven, or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- For reheating frozen French toast, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, use a toaster or toaster oven.
- For an extra crispy texture, reheat in a skillet with a small amount of butter over medium heat until golden brown and heated through.
- Always check that the French toast is heated evenly and thoroughly before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain the crispiness of the bread.
Toaster Method: If you prefer a quick and easy method, pop the French toast slices into a toaster. Toast on a medium setting until they are heated through and slightly crispy. This is perfect for maintaining that golden brown exterior.
Microwave Method: Place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. This method is the fastest but may result in a softer texture.
Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through. This method helps to regain some of the original crispiness.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is great for achieving a crispy texture without additional oil.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
Whisk: A utensil used to blend the egg mixture smoothly.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the French toast slices evenly.
Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices to ensure they are golden brown on both sides.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and cinnamon precisely.
Butter knife: Used to spread the butter on the skillet.
Plate: Used to serve the cooked French toast.
Serving utensils: Used to add your favorite toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, reducing soaking time.
Pre-mix ingredients: Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon the night before to save time in the morning.
Heat skillet in advance: Preheat your skillet while preparing the bread to cut down on cooking time.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple bread slices at once if your skillet is large enough.
Use non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet requires less butter and speeds up the cooking process.

French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices Bread preferably stale
- 2 Eggs
- ½ cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Butter for cooking
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- 2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter.
- 3. Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- 4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- 5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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