French toast is a timeless breakfast favorite that transforms simple bread into a rich, custardy delight. Perfect for serving a crowd, this recipe scales up to feed 10 people with ease, delivering golden, flavorful slices every time. Its combination of eggs, milk, and warm spices soaks into the bread, creating a soft interior with a lightly crisp exterior that’s irresistible.
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 4 cups whole milk (or 2% milk for a lighter option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 20 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast recommended)
- Butter or neutral oil (for cooking, about 4 tablespoons)
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl or a deep baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Preheat your cooking surface: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter or oil to coat the surface evenly. You may need to add more as you cook batches.
- Soak the bread slices: Working in batches, dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. Ensure the bread absorbs the liquid but doesn’t become soggy and fall apart.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked bread slices on the hot skillet or griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the exterior is golden brown and slightly crisp, and the interior is cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Keep warm while cooking remaining slices: Transfer cooked French toast to a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while finishing the rest.
- Serve immediately: Serve the French toast hot with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or your favorite toppings.
Tips
- Best bread choices: Thick, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast soak up the custard well without falling apart. Avoid thin sandwich bread, which can become mushy.
- Custard soaking time: Don’t rush soaking but avoid oversaturating the bread. About 20-30 seconds per side is ideal to keep the slice intact and custardy inside.
- Cooking temperature: Medium heat ensures even cooking. Too high and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too low and the toast won’t brown properly.
- Make ahead option: You can prepare the custard the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
French toast pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and sides. Classic options include warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. For a more indulgent breakfast, add whipped cream, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of honey. Savory fans might prefer a side of crispy bacon or sausage and a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead of syrup. Consider serving alongside fresh orange juice or coffee to complete the meal.
Variations
French toast is highly versatile and easy to customize. For a richer flavor, use brioche or challah bread. To add texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before serving. For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients comply. You can also experiment with spices—try adding a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger to the custard. For a dairy-free option, replace milk and cream with almond or oat milk, though the texture will be slightly different. For a stuffed French toast, spread cream cheese and jam or fresh fruit between two slices before soaking and cooking.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store cooled French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, arrange slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the toast soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of bread for French toast?
While you can technically use any bread, thick and sturdy varieties such as brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best because they absorb the custard without falling apart. Thin, soft sandwich bread often becomes mushy and difficult to cook evenly.
How do I prevent French toast from being soggy?
Proper soaking time is key—dip the bread just long enough to absorb the custard but not so long that it becomes saturated. Also, cook over medium heat to allow the inside to cook through while the outside crisps up.
Can I prepare French toast custard ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the custard up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. This makes morning prep faster. Just give it a good whisk before soaking the bread.
What’s the best way to keep French toast warm while cooking in batches?
Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and keep them warm in a low oven set to 200°F (93°C). This prevents sogginess and keeps the toast crisp until serving.
Can I make French toast vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute eggs with a flax or chia seed egg replacement and use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Keep in mind texture and flavor will vary slightly but can still be delicious.
How do I add extra flavor to French toast?
Adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla to the custard enriches the flavor. You can also top with fresh fruit, nuts, flavored syrups, or whipped cream to elevate the dish.
Is it safe to use day-old bread?
Yes, day-old or slightly stale bread is actually ideal because it soaks up the custard better without falling apart. Fresh bread can sometimes be too soft and absorb too much liquid.
Can I bake French toast instead of cooking on a skillet?
Yes, baked French toast casseroles are a popular alternative. However, this recipe is designed for skillet cooking to achieve a crisp exterior. Baking methods require different preparation and timing.
Enjoy making this classic French toast recipe for your next brunch or family breakfast—its simplicity and deliciousness make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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