French toast, known for its delightful combination of crispy edges and a soft, custardy center, is a breakfast classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick weekday morning meal, French toast is a timeless favorite that can be customized to suit your taste. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating a perfect batch of classic French toast that’s sure to become a cherished breakfast tradition.
Ingredients:
For the French Toast:
- 4 slices of bread (brioche, challah, or any thick-sliced bread works well)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Butter or cooking oil, for the griddle or skillet
For Serving (Optional):
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Sliced bananas
- Chopped nuts
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Heat the Griddle or Skillet
- Place a griddle or a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of butter or cooking oil. Allow it to melt and coat the cooking surface evenly.
Step 3: Dip and Soak the Bread
- Take one slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated but not soggy. Allow any excess to drip back into the bowl.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
- Place the dipped bread slice onto the heated griddle or skillet.
- Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the French toast is golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bread and the heat of your griddle or skillet.
- Continue the dipping and cooking process with the remaining slices of bread. You can cook multiple slices simultaneously if your cooking surface allows.
Step 5: Keep Warm
- To keep the French toast warm while you cook the remaining slices, you can place the cooked ones on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the hot French toast slices with your choice of toppings. Popular options include a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts.
Classic French toast is a breakfast delight that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer it simple with just a touch of syrup or loaded with a variety of toppings, this timeless breakfast treat is sure to brighten your morning. Create your own perfect batch of French toast and savor the satisfying blend of crispy and custardy textures that make it a beloved favorite.
