Original Recipe French Toast

A timeless French toast made the traditional way: thick slices of bread soaked in a creamy vanilla-cinnamon custard, gently pan-fried until golden and crisp on the outside, tender and custardy inside.

SERVES: 4 (8 slices)

TOTAL TIME: 20–25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

For the Custard Batter

4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer toast)
¼ cup heavy cream (optional but classic and delicious)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
½–1 tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, very traditional)
Pinch of salt

For the Bread

Choose a bread with good absorption and structure:

8 slices thick-cut brioche, challah, French bread, or Texas toast
Slices ¾–1 inch thick are ideal
Slightly stale bread (1 day old) is perfect—it absorbs better

For Cooking

2 tbsp butter
1–2 tbsp oil (helps prevent butter from burning)
Additional butter as needed for more batches

For Serving

Real maple syrup
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries or sliced fruit (optional)
Butter pats
Cinnamon sugar
Whipped cream (classic diner-style)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Custard

In a medium bowl or wide baking dish, whisk together:

Eggs
Milk
Heavy cream
Sugar
Vanilla
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt

Mix until the custard is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed.
(If using cinnamon, whisk vigorously so it doesn’t float on top.)

2. Preheat the Pan or Griddle

Set a large skillet or griddle over medium or medium-low heat.

Add 1 tbsp butter + a splash of oil.
(Butter for flavor, oil for stability—classic technique.)

Heat until butter melts and begins to foam lightly.

3. Soak the Bread

Place each bread slice into the custard.

Let sit 15–30 seconds per side depending on thickness:

Soft breads: quick dip
Thick-cut brioche or stale bread: longer soak

The goal: fully moistened but not falling apart.

Let excess custard drip off.

4. Cook the French Toast

Lay soaked slices on the hot skillet.

Cook 3–4 minutes per side until:

Golden
Slightly crisp on edges
Custard fully set inside
Bottom evenly browned, not scorched

Add more butter/oil as needed between batches.

5. Keep Warm (Optional)

Place cooked French toast on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven.

This keeps slices hot and crisp while finishing the rest.

6. Serve Immediately

Serve French toast hot with:

Butter
Maple syrup
Powdered sugar
Cinnamon sugar
Berries
Or all of the above

PROFESSIONAL TIPS

✔ Use Day-Old Bread

Slightly dry bread soaks up custard more evenly.

✔ Low–Medium Heat

Prevents burning while allowing the custard interior to cook fully.

✔ Add Milk + Cream

The cream improves richness and creates that classic custardy center.

✔ Let Bread Drain Before Frying

Prevents sogginess and gives crisp edges.

✔ Flavor Variations

Add orange zest, almond extract, rum extract, or even a splash of brandy for a French bistro touch.

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS & VARIATIONS

1. Cinnamon-Sugar Crusted French Toast

Dip cooked slices in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying.

2. Stuffed French Toast

Spread cream cheese, sweetened ricotta, or fruit preserves between slices.

3. Brioche “Custard Brick” French Toast (Hotel Style)

Use extra-thick brioche and soak longer for a soufflé-like interior.

4. Savory Version

Skip sugar & vanilla; add salt, pepper, herbs.
Serve with bacon, ham, or cheese.

5. Caramelized French Toast

Sprinkle brown sugar in the pan; lay bread over it to caramelize.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Warm maple syrup
Whipped cream or Chantilly cream
Berry compote
Lemon curd
Honey butter
Toasted nuts
Fresh banana slices with caramel drizzle

OTHER RECIPES

French Toast Ingredients

* 4 (1 inch thick) slices King's Hawaiian® Sweet Bread
* 4 large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Butter or oil for frying
* Maple syrup

French Toast Directions

1. Slice bread crosswise so that each slice is about 1-inch thick. Cut larger slices into halves or thirds, if desired. Set aside.
2. In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon.
3. Quickly dip slices (do not soak) in egg mixture and cook until golden brown on both sides.
4. Keep egg mixture stirred and spices well blended.
5. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup. Cool. Enjoy the Original Recipe French Toast recipe !!!

Original Recipe French Toast Video :

FRENCH TOAST RECIPE