Classic French Toast Recipe: Crispy Edges, Soft Center, Pure Comfort

By Rebecca St.Clair

Learn how to make the Best Classic French Toast with this easy foolproof recipe! Thick slices of bread are soaked in a rich egg custard and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for weekend brunch or a cozy morning at home. This easy breakfast is a classic for a reason.

With this recipe you can make your own restaurant-style breakfast home. The perfect balance of caramelized sweetness, soft texture, and rich flavour. This recipe is made with simple pantry staples, it’s the easy brunch recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

This classic French toast is slightly crisp around the edges, fluffy inside, lightly sweet with hints of citrus and caramelized sugar. Serve it with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar for pure comfort on a plate. This breakfast recipe is quick to whip up and perfect for using up day-old bread.

How to store Classic French Toast

Fridge

• Let the French toast cool to room temperature.
• Store the slices with a small piece of parchment paper between each (to prevent sticking).
• Place in an airtight container or wrap completely in plastic wrap
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Microwave: 20–30 seconds per slice (soft texture).
• Oven: 350°F (180°C) for 5–10 minutes (crispy texture).

Freezer

• Allow the French toast to cool to room temperature.
• Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours (flash freeze).
• Move the frozen slices to a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Oven: 350°F (180°C) for about 10–15 minutes.
• Microwave: 45–60 seconds per slice, turn half way through (for a softer texture).

Bread Choices for Classic French Toast

Brioche

• Rich, buttery flavour and soft inside texture.
• Soaks up the egg mixture easily without falling apart.
• This is my go-to bread for French toast.

Challah

• Slightly sweet and eggy, similar to brioche but lighter.
• Holds up well to being soaked.
• Creates a golden, tender texture with crisp edges.

Texas toast

• A convenient pre-sliced, store-bought bread.
• Thick-cut slices, perfect for absorbing liquid.
• Perfect for meal prepping large batches.

Baguette

• Dry and chewy, perfect for soaking up liquid.
• Slightly crusty exterior gives contrast to the soft inside.
• Great way to use up day-old baguettes.

Sourdough

• Adds a tangy flavour for contrast with sweet toppings.
• Dense crumb prevents sogginess.

How to Make Classic French Toast

1. Preheat a griddle or large skillet to medium-low heat.
2. In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract, and 2 eggs.
3. Dip one slice of thickly sliced bread in the liquid. Turn over and soak the opposite side.

4. Add 1 Tablespoon of butter to coat the bottom of the pan.

5. Add the slice of bread to the preheated pan.

6. While the first side is cooking, sprinkle a little bit of the sugar onto the top of the bread.

7. Fry 2 minutes or until set on one side and lightly browned.

8. Flip and fry the opposite side.

9. Sprinkle the cooked side with a little bit of sugar.

10. Once the second side is browned, flip the French toast and fry the first side about 30 more seconds to caramelize the sugar.

11. Remove to a plate.

12. Continue to dip and fry the remainder of the bread. Sprinkle the sugar on the outside of the bread to give it a caramelized sugar crust.

13. Serve with your favourite toppings.

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