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How to make French toast?

850K/mo searches Β· Updated Jan 2026
Quick answer

Whisk 2 eggs with ΒΌ cup milk, a splash of vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon, dip thick bread slices, and cook in butter over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

Full answer ΒΆ

French toast is one of the simplest breakfast dishes you can make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples. The base custard is two eggs beaten with roughly a quarter cup of whole milk β€” though cream or half-and-half produces a richer result. Add a half teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon to round out the flavor.

Bread choice matters more than most people realize. Day-old brioche, challah, or thick-cut Texas toast absorbs custard without falling apart. Fresh sandwich bread soaks through too quickly and turns mushy in the pan. Aim for slices at least three-quarters of an inch thick.

Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium and add one tablespoon of unsalted butter. Dip each bread slice in the custard for about 20 seconds per side β€” long enough to absorb but not so long that it saturates completely. Let excess drip off before placing in the pan.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Resist the urge to press the bread down or flip repeatedly; one clean flip is all it takes. Keep finished slices warm in a 200Β°F oven while you cook the rest.

Key facts ΒΆ

Cook time 10 minutes
Custard ratio 2 eggs per ΒΌ cup milk
Best bread Brioche or challah
Pan temp Medium (325–350Β°F surface)
Calories (2 slices) ~300–400 kcal

Common mistake ΒΆ

⚠ Most people get this wrong

Most people assume any bread works equally well, but thin or fresh sandwich bread soaks through in seconds and turns soggy β€” thick, slightly stale bread is the actual secret to a custardy interior and crisp crust.

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