French toast is a golden, crisp bread dusted with cinnamon sugar, often topped with fresh fruit and sometimes drizzled with maple syrup. This classic French‑American breakfast is perfect for family brunches and weekend gatherings.
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History about French toast
Have you ever wondered why we call it French toast? The name suggests a French origin, but the dish has a long, international history. References to bread soaked in milk and fried go back centuries, and similar preparations appear in many cuisines.
The earliest recorded mention resembling French toast appears in Apicius, a Roman cookbook from the 4th or 5th century, where a dish of bread soaked in milk is described as a sweet preparation. Medieval German recipes later show bread soaked in an egg-and-milk mixture and fried, often served alongside savory meats rather than as a sweet breakfast.
In 15th-century France the dish was known as pain perdu, meaning “lost bread,” which referred to using stale or firm bread to revive it by soaking in eggs and frying. The modern name “French toast” may trace to various tales; one colorful story attributes it to an innkeeper named Joseph French who allegedly served it in the 18th century, though the broader culinary tradition clearly predates that period.
Ingredients for French toast
Classic French toast is simple: bread (white, brioche, or sourdough all work), milk, eggs, butter for frying, vanilla for aroma, and a cinnamon-sugar dusting. You’ll also want a whisk, a large bowl, a spatula, and a non-stick skillet.
- milk
- eggs
- vanilla extract
- salt
- white bread
- unsalted butter
- powdered sugar and cinnamon
How to make French toast
- Beat the eggs in a medium bowl and add milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Warm a skillet over medium-low heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak briefly on both sides. Fry in the skillet until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
- Mix powdered sugar and cinnamon in a shallow plate. When the toast is hot, dust it with the cinnamon sugar and top with fresh fruit or a pat of butter. Serve warm with coffee or tea.
More sweet breakfast recipes
- LEMON POPPY SEED SCONES
- HOLIDAY SWEET BRAIDED BREAD
- HOMEMADE BELGIAN WAFFLES RECIPE
- CHOCOLATE ALMOND BABKA RECIPE
- APPLE STREUSEL MUFFINS RECIPE
FRENCH TOAST RECIPE
Julia
Pin Recipe
15 mins
5 mins
20 mins
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 1 & ½ cup (375 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 10 large slices white bread
- 3 tablespoons (75 ml) unsalted butter, or more
Cinnamon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth.
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Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of butter to melt.
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Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak briefly on both sides. Place slices in the melted butter and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
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While the toasts fry, mix the powdered sugar and cinnamon on a shallow plate.
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Remove the toasts from the pan and immediately dust them with the cinnamon sugar. Serve warm topped with fresh or frozen fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
- Make the cinnamon sugar ahead and store it in an airtight container for easy use.
- Butter adds more flavor when frying compared with vegetable oil.
- Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze well-wrapped French toast for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
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