The Best French Toast Recipe

Lyuba’s Recipe Is Awesome
My French toast recipe is still the only one I use and there is a reason readers love it too. I will prove that simple (carefully selected) ingredients and a few minutes are all you need.
- Perfected Method: I’ve spent weeks perfecting my recipe years ago, testing different breads and custard combinations (and I’m still tweaking it). This recipe delivers foolproof results with a fast and easy technique.
- The Ideal Bread: We use Brioche as the star ingredient. Its buttery, delicate texture is stable, soaks custard quickly, and provides superior flavor.
- Simple & Versatile: The recipe is designed for Brioche but is adaptable for other quality breads like challah or baguette with minor adjustments.

Few Notes About Ingredients
Only four ingredients and a couple of flavors are needed but two are the most important:
- Bread: Trust me on the bread choice, Brioche!
- Heavy whipping cream: For creamiest texture, use heavy whipping cream. Heavy whipping cream also makes the egg mixture thicker rather than watery like it is with milk. Since the egg mixture is thicker, it will take a little longer to soak into the bread for a better final texture. If you have to substitute heavy whipping cream, use half and half.
- Dairy/lactose free option: For a lactose free option, you can use lactose free half and half. If you need a dairy free option, use unsweetened oat milk. That’s my best recommendation for the thickness and consistency.
What Are Best Bread Options?
- Brioche: This bread is so soft and fluffy, it does the best job soaking the sweet egg mixture. Brioche also has a sweet and buttery flavor, which contributes to the overall flavor of the dish.
- French Baguette: It is just as good at soaking up the egg mixture and holding its own integrity. This is actually the best option to make stuffed French toast. Although, it does not soak up the eggs as easily and as quickly as Brioche.
- Challah: The reason for it being only third out of the top 3 is because of the flavor and texture. Challah doesn’t have much sweetness in it so you may need to add more sugar to the egg mixture or in the topping. This type of bread is also denser and a bit drier than the previous two options.


Tips For The Best French Toast
- Get a loaf of bread and slice it yourself. Don’t slice the bread too thin! Perfect bread slice thickness for the best French toast is between 1 and 1 1/4 inch.
- Don’t add too much cream or the bread will soak up too much mixture, too fast and be soggy.
- Preheat the pan completely before starting to batter the bread.
- Don’t turn the heat up higher than medium. I would actually recommend the heat to be a little lower than medium because the outside of the bread cooks very fast and you want inside to be cooked through as well.
- Don’t walk away far, French Toast only takes 3-4 minutes of cooking on each side. Use a large pan so you can fit several slices at a time.
- If using the griddle, preheat it well and make sure the heat is spread evenly. Downfall of a griddle is often uneven heat.

How To Tell If French Toast Is Done?
- As the French toast slices cook, after you flip the bread to the uncooked side, you are looking for the center of the bread slice to raise as the egg inside cooks.
- Raising center is indicating that the egg that soaked in the middle is cooking. Wait until it deflates and carefully touch the center with your finger. It should feel firm and now squishy.

Need Options For Storing and Freezing?
You can definitely save the leftovers (if there are any), but note that the reheated results will not be the same as fresh.
- Make sure to cool French toast to room temperature.
- Store it in the refrigerator, covered air-tight, for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster, toaster oven, air fryer, or microwave.
- To freeze: stack the slices in an air-tight freezer container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat.
If you’ve made this French toast using my recipe and found a lot of good information here, PLEASE leave a 🌟 star rating! Let me know how you liked it by leaving the 📝 comment below as well.

The Best French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz loaf of Brioche bread (8 slices)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp brown sugar packed
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Note: this egg mixture should comfortably batter 8 slices of Brioche bread that are a between 3/4 and 1 1/4 inch thick. It will batter 10-12 slices of French baguette or about 6 slices of Challah. (Remember that baguette and Challah are more dense and will need to be soaked longer.)
- Slice the bread loaf into thick slices that are about 1 inch thick.
- In a deep and wide bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Preheat a large cooking pan oven medium to medium-low heat. Add a little bit of oil and spread it evenly (or use cooking oil spray).
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, and flip back and forth for about 15 seconds. Brioche bread is nice and quick to soak up the egg. Note: Only batter as many slices as will fit into the pan. If you have to cook in two or more batches, batter bread right before adding it to the pan.
- Place soaked slices into the pan and let it cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. (Repeat with remaining slices of bread if needed.)Expert Tip: as the French toast slices cook, after you flip the bread to the uncooked side, you are looking for the center of the bread slice to raise as the egg inside cooks. Raising center is indicating that the egg that soaked in the middle is cooking. Wait until it deflates and carefully touch the center with your finger. It should feel firm and now squishy.
- Serve with some warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, or any of your favorite toppings.
Video
Notes
- Bread: I’ve tested just about every bread out there and Brioche is the winner among all!
- Other bread options include Challah and French baguette.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – I recommend using heavy whipping cream because of the rich and creamy consistency that it brings to the custard. You can use half and half if absolutely needed but not anything less fat.
- For a lactose free option, you can use lactose free half and half. If you need a dairy free option, use unsweetened oat milk, it has a thicker consistency and compliments the dish well.
Nutrition
More Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
Originally published on Will Cook For Smiles on February 12, 2019.
Would you like to save this recipe?
Categories:
Breakfast Recipes, Brunch Recipes, French Toast Recipes, Most Popular Recipes, Mother's Day Recipe Ideas, Valentine's Day,All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.
I love French toast mostly in the evening and after all the recipes I’ve tried this is the best.
Thank you so much, I love hearing that! Evening French toast sounds absolutely perfect. I’m so happy this recipe hit the spot for you!
Delicious. Requires a bit of patience with the length of soaking but it is so good.
I am so glad that you liked it, Pat! Thanks for stopping by to let me know!
My family just loves this recipe and it’s the only French toast they want.
That makes me so happy to hear! 🥰 I love that it’s become a favorite for your family, that’s the best kind of compliment! Thank you so much for sharing!
This is our go-to French toast recipe! We like it with thinner sliced bread like sourdough.
I added more cinnamon but this turned out very delicious!
Glad you liked the recipe, Rita!
I use Texas toast and follow your recipe. It’s my family’s favorite!
That’s awesome! I’m so happy it’s a family favorite. Thanks for sharing!
I love this recipe! I use a bit more brown sugar when using Challah bread.
I am so glad you like it!
You did your BIG ONE with this recipe. No need to go to my favorite breakfast spot anymore.. this recipe is fabulous!
Just excellent! Because this was a spur of the moment, I used the basic white bread on hand. The next time I will plan ahead and use brioche bread.
Thank you for sharing your recipe with us
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Brioche will definitely take it to the next level with its rich, buttery texture. I hope you love it even more when you try it that way. Thanks again for the lovely feedback!
This is my go-to french toast recipe for Sunday morning breakfasts. (I use brioche bread:) Loved by all. Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that this is your go-to recipe for Sunday mornings! Brioche bread is such a perfect choice—it adds that extra touch of indulgence. Thank you for sharing, and I’m thrilled that it’s a hit with everyone!
Excellent French toast. Can’t go wrong with this recipe. I loved it.
I am so glad you like it, Donna!
Brioche all the way. Have made this many times And only way I make French Toast. Outstanding.
My son is a French toast conaseur. He used to like Bob Evans but now he says mine is the best ever. Thank you for making me the boss is my house in regards to French Toast.
I used buttermilk, 1 cup, and am waiting for the results. I also added a tbsp of butter and used a 1/4 c of maple syrup substitute. Wish me luck.
Had no Bri or Challah bread but did have Ciabatta and the French Bread was awesome. This recipe IS the best!! I bet Sourdough bread would be good too!
Thank you, Debbie! I am so glad you liked the recipe!
Ok, so I’m eating this as I type. I allowed my grandson to taste it, he wants to go in and make him some now.
I cut the recipe in half and it was Delicious. This is Really The Best French Toast I’ve ever made 🙌🏽
10 ⭐️
This is the best French Toast recipe I have ever made!! My family and neighbor that had to try it agree! “It is the best tasting French Toast!!
Thank you, Patti! I am so glad you and your family like it!
My 5 year old grandson and I made this recipe for breakfast this morning. We absolutely loved them!! Quick and easy recipe! I used an electric griddle and could get all 8 on at once. Definitely one of our favorites!!
My favorite French toast recipe by far!!!
I’m delighted to hear that!
I also love to use croissants by slicing in half. Adds a warm buttery taste.
Sounds yummy!
Fed it to the guys at hunting camp. They loved it!
I am so happy they liked it!
If you can buy it ; Get a round loaf of KING’S HAWAIIAN BREAD. It makes wonderful French toast. The bread’s already sweet flavored. So you might not even need syrup.
Perfection!
Thank you, Natalie!
Can these be frozen and used at a later date?
Yes, and there’s no need to defrost them, either. To prepare the frozen berries, simply smack the bag on the counter a few times to break up any that have been stuck together. Mix the frozen blueberries just like you would fresh ones and bake the very same way.
Yes, you can I do it all the time. Place the French toast in a single layer on a cookie sheet and put them in the freezer until partly frozen about 1-2 hours. After frozen solid put the frozen French toast into a freezer bag. You can also wrap each piece of toast in a sheet of plastic food wrap and place the wrapped toast in a freezer bag or tin foil.
I didn’t have cinnamon so I used nutmeg. And it was delicious. Actually I think it was better than the cinnamon.
So glad you liked it, Julie!
Just made this today with Texas toast for the bread… Definitely my new go to French toast recipe, very good! Thanks for sharing.
So glad you liked it!
Great recipe and easy!
I am so glad you liked it!
This is one of my family’s favorite recipes! Thanks for sharing!
Love this recipe; thanks so much!
I am so happy to hear you love it!
Excellent recipe ! Thank you 😊
What oven temperature?
Hi, this is cooked on the stovetop over medium to medium-low heat.
I added some fresh grated nutmeg. It was delicious.
Yum! That sounds good! I am so glad you liked it!
This was excellent, definitely something we will have again. The brioche is a must even though it’s expensive. We had this for brunch on the Friday after Thanksgiving, not that that matters, but our meal was great! Try it you’ll like it!
I agree the brioche is worth the splurge! I am glad you liked it!
Should the bread be soaked clear through with the egg mixture? I’ve not used this recipe yet, but when I have made French toast in the past, the middle of the bread is either dry from not soaking into the center, or soggy as if not cooked through.
Hi Emma,
If you use brioche bread you don’t need to let it sit long, it is quick to soak up the egg. I have never had a problem with it coming out dry.
I’ve always wanted to create a perfect french toast, but the ones I’ve made ended up soggy. Will try your recipe and hopefully it succeeds
I haven’t had a problem with this french toast being soggy so I hope it works out for you.
I halved the recipe, and replaced the cinnamon with pumpkin spice- It was AMAZING!!!
Furthermore, with back-to-school season coming up, I was thinking, I could make the batter the night before, and just dunk the bread in it the next morning, and fry it up! It will be a quick and delicious way for my daughter to eat eggs!
VERY easy for a school day!!
Yum! I love the idea of the pumpkin spice! I am glad you liked the recipe!
This looks delish, a trick from a Florida restaurant, I add orange flavor or orange juice for a taste difference.
That sounds good, Donna!
I made this for my husband because he loves French toast and it was his birthday. He loved it that I actually made it for him again today. Great recipe, everything came together well.
Happy birthday to your husband! I am so glad he liked it!
So Good!
The touch of oil in the pan is a French toast game changer for me. It adds that crispness that you get at the best breakfast places.
I used half and half because I didn’t have any heavy cream, I can only imagine how amazing this recipe is with cream – yum!
Thanks for such a great recipe. This is my new go-to hands down!
I am so glad you liked it, Tammy! It is a favorite in my house! 🙂
Thanks, I love this French Toast. I will make it to invite my family members
I hope they love it as much as my family!
Awesome French Toast! I used the heavy
Cream(we’ve always used our 2% milk) and
loved it! We actually bought French bread
Specifically to make French Toast! This one’s a keeper!
Awesome! So glad you liked it!
Delish! Easy to make and so very tasty. My husband was so impressed! I used whipped cream which made the Center so yummy creamy and the outside was pleasantly slightly delightfully crispy.
My personal preference is without syrup.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Sharon! I like to indulge sometimes and top it with whipped cream as well!
Very delicious! Made as written. Thank you
Thanks, Katie!
We loved it! Used the orange zest and was delicious!
Yum! Glad you loved it, Pam!
Made this several times….it’s the BEST!!!!!
Thanks so much, Elaine! I am so pleased you like it!
Excellent!
Thanks, Pam!
Best French toast recipe hands down! I stumble across a video on French toast when led to a craving for a delicious french toast recipe! I got lucky enough to find this one as I was in the grocery store searching for ingredients. By far the best french toast I’ve ever had, that includes restaurant french toast as well. Now I’m happy I can make fresh and delicious french toast at ease in my own home!
Thank you for sharing the most delicious recipe for the best french toast ever!
You are so welcome, Tina! Thank you for the huge compliment! I am so glad you liked it! 🙂
I loved this recipe! The simplicity of it is favorable because I like to make quick breakfasts. However, the flavor was fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed how filling the French toast was. I am bookmarking this to use again; thank you so much for sharing your recipe!
Thank you, Lauren! I am so glad you liked it!
Just made this and everyone loved it! It’s the best French toast I’ve ever made, thank you so much for this recipe!
Your very welcome, Kimberly! I am happy you liked it as much as I do!
I LOVE this simple recipe. I’ve never made French toast before, my husband( now deceased😆) use to make it or I ordered it when we went out. I told my son this morning I will keep this and put it in the breakfast loop. I only had loaf bread but I can imagine how great it will be with other breads😊
Awe, I am sorry about your husband! But I am glad you loved the recipe. Thanks for stopping by.
I love how simple and dinamic this recipe is. My 6yo loved it. We use lactose free milk at our home and it was perfect. Thank you for a wonderful, fast and simple recipe!
I am so glad you liked it, Maya!
I made this today! This is the best French toast recipe I’ve ever made, and I’ve been making it for 45 years! Thank you so much for sharing.
Wow! What a compliment! Your so welcome, Jan! Thank you for stopping by to tell me!
I make French toast for my husband, during the holidays I made it with Brioche bread and instead of heavy whipping cream I used eggnog. Made the French toast decadent and delicious. Too bad eggnog isn’t available all year!
I agree! I actually love it so much I have a recipe for eggnog french toast 🙂 I will post the link in case you want to check it out!
https://gesundheitsreport2.org/eggnog-french-toast/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
This *is* the best french toast! I use either a loaf of potato or buttermilk bread, because there’s usually one on the sale rack at the grocery store and it’s lightweight and soft.
The kiddos love to help stir everything up, and will gobble this down (even the baby with only 4 teeth).
Thank you for a wonderful and easy to follow recipe. Definitely restaurant quality!
Hi Emily,
It is a favorite for my kids as well, I am so glad everyone liked it! Thank you for stopping by to let me know! 🙂
Love your recipe and the fact that you gave a brief description on the different breads to use and why.
Thank you so much, Ray!
DO YOU HAVE A TOOL THAT WILL CONVERT THE NUMBER OF SERVINGS UP OR DOWN OF A RECIPE. IT IS A SIMPLE EXCEL ITEM
Hi Bruce,
Yes, you can go to the recipe card and change the number where it says servings to however many you would like and it will change the ingredient amounts for you.
Brioche French Toast changed our Sundays! It’s by far superior to all other breads.
Absolutely our favorite breakfast! We add a little extra cinnamon
Thank you, Monika! Glad you liked it!
love this french toast. Nice recipe. Thanks.
Hands down, the best French toast I’ve ever had. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Thank you for the sweet compliment! I am so happy you liked them!
Very good. My grandson is hard to please. He ate 5 of the eight that I made and wants to know when I’m doing to make it again. Only a few ingredients. Easy to make. I sprinkled powdered sugar and he added some maple syrup. Thank you for this recipe.
Thank you, Mary! Thanks for taking the time to let me know and for rating my recipe! 🙂
My husband said it was the best French toast he has EVER had! I used homemade bread I made the day before. All I can say is “Wow!” Deliciousness! 😋
Wow! Thank you so much, Cindy! I am so glad you both liked it!
This really is the BEST french toast! Thanks for the recipe! 🙂
This looks great with the types of bread you chose. I have never put sugar in my French toast but I always use real vanilla extract and cinnamon. I put cinnamon in the batter and also sprinkle on top in pan because the first piece always takes most of the cinnamon. Try it you will love it if you like cinnamon. I will try the brown sugar because brown sugar and cinnamon are awesome together!
Thanks, Susan! Brown sugar would be good! 🙂
Thank you for the scrumptious recipe!! My husband is going crazy over this!
Thank you, Nancy! I am so glad he likes it! It is a family favorite in my house as well! 🙂
Oh boy, I’m so glad I found this recipe. My family loves it! I use the brioche bread. What a difference using that bread makes.
Thanks for sharing!
Alicia
Hi Alicia, brioche bread is amazing! I am so glad you liked it! 🙂
love this french toast. Nice recipe..
Thank you, Sia!
The french toast is very fantastic thing ever seen my whole life .
WOW! Thank you for such an amazing compliment! 😀
This French Toast is better than any I have ever paid for,Loved it.
GREAT RECIPE
Awe, thank you Kollar! I am glad you liked the recipe! 🙂
I made this today as a side to go with eggs Benedict. Best brunch ever! I used brioche bread. I may have soaked the first couple slices too long as they cooked very dense, still delicious. As for next time, I will transfer the egg mixture into a cake pan so there is a shallow, even surface for bread dipping. Topped with butter, real maple syrup and raspberries with whipped cream. Might I also add, this was my first attempt to make French toast ever, directions were easy to follow and turned out really well. May also use Pam cooking spray to lube the pan on next attempt as well, I only used melted butter and I had some sticking.
Thanks, Megan! I am glad you liked it! 🙂
I’ve used flour in my other recipe to keep them fluffy. Can I add flour to this one or is it not needed?
Hi, I have never had to use flour in this recipe the brioche bread is really fluffy and delicious!
Kids loved it. very good and easy recipe, i tried it last night
This was a hit with my family the day after Thanksgiving. So yummy. I had discovered brioche bread awhile back. Thank you for sharing!!
Thanks, Alicia! I am so glad you liked it 🙂
Hi Lyuba, I’m looking everywhere delicious recipes I’m lucky to find yours, thank you for this delight and especially the details
Thank you for the sweet comment! So glad you liked it 🙂
Can you use just regular sandwich bread? I dont have any brioche on hand 🙁
Hi Robin,
Yes, you can use regular bread but it won’t taste as good as it will with brioche bread. You should definitely try it again with the brioche! 🙂
Pls where can i get the brochire bread, i need it
Kayleb, You can get it in the bakery section of your grocery store. It’s delicious! 🙂
Cooking this recipe right now with bread that I bought from the bakery at HEB. It is the apple cinnamon golden raisin loaf of bread. I wanted to try something new! So, I it is cooking up nicely, I have my griddle set to 250. I had to use a griddle since my tile is being installed and I have no stove right now. But it is coming out beautifully. I am hoping that it tastes as good as it looks!….
I was able to get 6 slices of the loaf soaked in the mixture with only 3 eggs…don’t ask🤦🏾. I had about 1tbsp of homemade brown sugar that I added
I love cinnamon so i used about a tbsp and forgot the vanilla bc it was a bean and it his under the bowl from me… Sigh. Either way!….i had to turn it down to 200 to let the opposite side cook (I didn’t noticethatthe cord was loose and it turned off in the middle of cooking the 1st side). Turned out great!! No syrup needed!
Holy moly! This was delicious!!
Omg! I typically never order French toast but my kids love it. I searched for a simple recipe and found this one. I had all of the ingredients so I figured why not? Omg! After the first bite, I couldn’t believe how delicious it was! Thank you for posting this recipe! ❤️ It!
Aww thanks, Karena!!! I am so happy you liked it so much!!! 🙂
Can’t wait to try your recipe. The only thing I will do differently is to fry the slices in enough oil to float them. It makes for a crisper coating.
Hi, Mark! I hope you like them! 🙂
Omg, I came by this reciepe by mistake and the ingredients made want to try it!!! I have made this French toast for family and friends and EVERYONE…loves it!! Thank you for posting this Will!!
Thanks Nichole! I am so happy you liked it so much! I hope you will try some of my other recipes! 🙂
This is the best breakfast I’ve ever made! It’s really that good! Thanks for the recipe!
Yummy!! Thanks so much for posting! I made it for my whole family and they loved it!!
Thank you Libby! I am so glad everyone liked it! 🙂
The only bread the store had was Challah. This is the first time I’ve bought a specialty bread. I used 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and I cooked the French Toast on an electric griddle with no oil. I have to say this is the BEST French Toast I’ve ever had. I’m 60 years old and have had French Toast in restaurants and this is by far the best. Hint: Challah bread falls apart easily. I didn’t care, I cooked them no matter how broken they were. THANK YOU!
Vivian, I am so happy you liked it so much! Thank you for letting me know! 🙂
French Tosst restaurant in New Orleans has the best French Toast I have ever eaten. I am pretty sure they used Brioche and have been trying to find a good recipe for French Toast. I think I have finally found it! Thanks
I hope you like it! 🙂
Because I do not like soggy french toast, I have found that the baguette is the best and makes a crusty edge. YUM!
Again not all baguettes are equal. Or use ciabatta.
Looks fabulous!
I’ll use macadamia nut oil and coconut oil mixed together. Canola oil is NOT healthy!
Thanks, Cheryl! I hope you will try it!
Made this today for the family. Wanted to try something different. Turned out great. Used the brioche bread with vanilla in it. Tried both the plain and the vanilla. Both of them were really good! Thank you
Janene, that sounds so good! I am glad you liked it!!
This is by far the simplest and most tasteful french toast recipe I have found! Thank you!
Thanks, Narcisa! So glad you liked it!
Would you recommend the challah bread if I don’t like my French toast soggy? I love French toast but have a thing about soggy bread so I always cook it well on the outside but still don’t like the inside too soft or mushy. Then just increase the sugar for more sweetness like you said.?
Looks delicious!
Hi, Gina! Sorry for the late response. I would say the best way to keep French toast from being to soggy is to quickly dip them into the egg mixture so the bread soaks up less liquid. But yes, I would recommend challah or even a baguette quickly dipped. Denser bread will soak in less egg mixture. Hope this helps!
THIS WAS AMAZING!!!
Suzanne, Thanks!
This French toast is so good! Thanks for sharing…
Thanks, Josephine! 🙂
We have always done our French toast with King’s Hawaiian bread – i don’t know if it’s available nationwide, but here in California it’s readily available in most supermarkets. We slice it about 3/4 – 1″ thick and it’s awesome. I also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on the cooked side then flip it breifly to caramelize the sugar before serving.
That sounds really good..
Thanks, Marie! I hope you try it!
Just wondering if you can delay in eating the French toast or do you have to eat it immediately.
Hi Donna!
Like many recipes, it’s best when eaten fresh, but I have refrigerated leftovers in the past and reheated it. I usually reheat it in a cooking pan over medium-low temperature, just until hot.
I hope you like it!
I have had great results making the the night before in a casserole dish and baking in the morning so it can be a make ahead recipe.
Thanks, Debra! I am so glad you like it! 🙂
Tried this today. It was great. My wife doesn’t usually eat much but today she ate 3 slices. I used Brioche.
Oh wow, I’m so glad you found a recipe that you ans your wife liked as well!
Brioche is just the best. Even my toddler, who refuses French Toast, will eat it with Brioche.