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French Toast

French Toast

French toast is a classic breakfast dish made by soaking slices of bread in a mixture of eggs and milk, then frying them until golden brown. This simple yet indulgent dish can trace its origins back to ancient times, with variations appearing across cultures. The basic recipe allows for numerous variations, including the addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as toppings like syrup, fruit, whipped cream, and even savory elements.

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What do French people call it?

While "French toast" is the common name in North America, the dish is known as "pain perdu" in France, which translates to "lost bread." This name reflects the dish's original purpose as a way to use up stale or "lost" bread, preventing waste.

The Recipe

Yield 8 French toasts
Prep Time 10 minutes
Baking Time 10–20 minutes
Total Time 20–30 minutes

What you'll need

  • Day-old bread
  • Toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 240ml (1 cup) milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp (12.5g) sugar (optional)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 slices of bread (day-old works best)
  • Butter or oil for frying
  • Toppings of choice: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the egg mixture In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar (if using), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  2. Soak the bread Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. The bread should be moistened through but not soggy.
  3. Heat the pan Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to lightly coat the surface.
  4. Cook Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and slightly crispy.
  5. Serve Serve the French toast hot from the skillet with your choice of toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or whipped cream.

Tips & Notes

Use thick slices of brioche, challah, or French bread (about 2cm thick) for best results. For a savory version, omit the sugar and vanilla and opt for savory toppings like sautéed mushrooms, cheese, or crispy bacon.