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French toast isn’t just breakfast it’s a love language. In this article, I’ll walk you through my go-to French toast recipe that’s simple enough for weekdays but cozy enough for Sunday brunch. Whether you’re planning a full breakfast spread or just need a quick fix, this guide covers everything: what to serve with French toast, topping ideas, and even how it stacks up against things like avocado toast.
As a busy mom in Oregon juggling three kids, a dog, and the eternal question of “what’s for breakfast,” I know how important it is to keep meals simple yet special. French toast became one of those recipes I could count on. A few pantry staples, a hot skillet, and five quiet minutes (okay, maybe two) breakfast feels like a win again.
You’ll find variations from classic to casserole, plus real-life tips from my kitchen to yours. Grab that loaf of bread your mornings are about to get a whole lot tastier.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know
- French toast is quick, easy, and endlessly customizable
- Use day-old bread for the best texture
- Cook on medium heat for a golden crust and fluffy middle
- Top with fruit, syrup, nut butter, or yogurt for variety
- Make-ahead options like French toast casserole overnight are great for crowds
- Serve with savory sides like scrambled eggs or avocado toast
- Kids love fun twists like french toast sticks
Why French Toast Will Always Have a Place on My Table
What’s the story behind this cozy breakfast favorite?
Let me paint you a scene. It’s a rainy Oregon morning, the kind where the world feels wrapped in a gray blanket. The kids are still in pajamas, the dog’s curled up on the couch, and I’m standing in the kitchen in fuzzy socks with a carton of eggs and a loaf of bread in front of me. This is where French toast shines.
It started out of necessity too much leftover bread, and not enough cereal. I whisked together eggs, milk, a dash of cinnamon, and hoped for the best. The result? Golden, custardy slices that made the whole house smell like Saturday. It was instant comfort.
Over time, I played with versions sometimes it’s sun-dried tomato and feta stuffed French toast for a savory twist, other days it’s a simple batch of french toast sticks for little hands.
What makes French toast so special for families?
It’s forgiving. You can use thick bakery slices or sandwich bread. It works with almond milk, oat milk, whole milk whatever you’ve got. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and lets you get creative without needing culinary school skills. Whether you’re serving it with oatmeal and fruit or building a full brunch spread, French toast rises to the occasion.
And best of all? It turns everyday mornings into something worth slowing down for.
How to Make the Best French Toast at Home
What ingredients do you really need?
Here’s the beauty of it you probably already have everything in your kitchen. This version keeps it classic, with a few optional upgrades if you want to make it extra special.
Basic Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 4 large | Room temp for easy mixing |
| Milk | 1 cup | Whole or your favorite kind |
| Bread | 6–8 slices | Slightly stale works best |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Optional but delicious |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp | Adds that warm depth |
| Salt | A pinch | Balances sweetness |
| Butter or Oil | For frying | Nonstick helps a lot |
Optional Add-Ins:
- Nutmeg for extra spice
- Maple syrup or honey in the batter
- A splash of cream for richness
This mix hits that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying without being too rich.
What’s the secret to perfect texture?
The trick is all in the soak. Too little, and you’ll have dry toast. Too long, and it gets soggy. Aim for 15–30 seconds per side if you’re using standard sandwich bread. Thick artisan slices can handle a bit more time.
I always preheat the pan on medium and wait until the butter sizzles. That’s how you know it’s hot enough for that golden, slightly crispy outside.
One tip I’ve learned: don’t crowd the pan. Give each slice room to breathe. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, keep batches warm in a 250°F oven.
Need a shortcut? A french toast casserole or overnight bake is your best friend. Just assemble the night before and bake in the morning. It’s hands-off, and your kitchen will smell incredible.
What to Serve with French Toast? Sweet and Savory Pairings That Work
French toast doesn’t need much but when you pair it right, breakfast feels like brunch.
You know those mornings when everyone’s suddenly extra hungry? That’s when adding a few simple sides can stretch your breakfast into something special. Whether you lean sweet or savory, it’s easy to create a plate that feels balanced and satisfying.
What are the best savory sides?
Some mornings, I crave contrast. That soft, warm slice paired with a salty bite just works. Here are my go-to sides:
- Scrambled eggs — quick, fluffy, and a family favorite
- Effortless veggie omelette rolls — great for sneaking in vegetables
- Smoked salmon & avocado royale — for when you want something fancy but easy
If you’re hosting brunch, I love serving a protein on the side. It balances out the sweetness and helps keep everyone full.
What sweet toppings or sides can I add?
If you’re building a sweet plate, think layers of flavor and texture. A drizzle of maple syrup is classic, but here are other ideas that elevate it:
- Sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries
- Toasted nuts or granola for crunch
- A dollop of yogurt or whipped cream
- Warm apples sautéed in cinnamon
And if you really want to go next-level, add a side of chocolate chip pancakes for the kids or the kid in you.
One combo I love: a slice of golden toast, a smear of almond butter, and a few fresh berries on top. No syrup needed.
Want to mix it up? Try it with a bagel and cream cheese for something completely different. You might just start a new breakfast tradition.
What’s a Good Topping for French Toast? Tried-and-True Favorites + One Surprise
The right topping can take your breakfast from simple to unforgettable.
There are endless ways to dress up your morning slices from nostalgic classics to creative combos. The key is using what you already have in the kitchen and leaning into flavor contrast: sweet and salty, crunchy and creamy, warm and cold.
What are the best toppings for flavor and texture?
Let’s break it down by mood:
| Topping | Why It Works | Add-On Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Syrup | Classic, cozy, and not too fussy | Add butter and sea salt |
| Nut Butters | Adds protein and richness | Sliced banana or chia seeds |
| Yogurt | Cool, tangy contrast | Honey + fresh berries |
| Whipped Cream | Light and indulgent | Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar |
| Compote or Jam | Adds sweet fruit flavor without mess | Pairs well with cream cheese |
| Savory Fillings | A surprise twist for adventurous eaters | See stuffed version |
Some days, I swipe on peanut butter and call it good. Others, I go wild with layers yogurt, warm strawberries, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It depends on the day, and who I’m feeding.
A real kitchen win: testimonial from a reader
“Lora, your recipe saved my Saturday! I made the overnight bake version, and my husband said it tasted like something out of a café. I added almond butter, bananas, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Never going back to cereal again.”
Jenna L., mom of two, Wisconsin
That’s what I love about this dish. It fits into real life. It feeds a crowd, welcomes creativity, and tastes like comfort even when the rest of your day is chaos.
The Best French Toast at Home
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl (medium or large)
- 1 whisk
- 1 skillet or griddle (nonstick preferred)
- 1 spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup milk whole or your favorite kind
- 6-8 slices bread slightly stale works best
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract (if using), ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Preheat the pan: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter or oil and wait until it sizzles.
- Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for 15-30 seconds per side. (Thick artisan slices can handle a bit more time; don’t oversoak or bread will become soggy.)
- Cook the French toast: Place soaked bread slices in the preheated pan, being careful not to crowd them. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Keep warm (if cooking in batches): Transfer cooked slices to a 250°F oven to keep warm while you finish cooking the rest.
- Serve: Top with your choice of toppings: maple syrup, fresh fruit, nut butter, yogurt, whipped cream, or get creative with your own combinations.
Notes
- These calculations are based on using whole milk, standard white bread, and butter for cooking
- Does NOT include toppings (syrup, fruit, nut butter, etc.)
- Values will vary based on:
- Type of bread used (brioche/challah = higher calories)
- Type of milk (almond/oat milk = lower calories)
- Amount of butter used for cooking
- Any optional add-ins to the batter
Easy Overnight Bakes and Casseroles for Real Life
When mornings are chaotic, a prepped breakfast feels like a gift from your past self.
Some of my favorite memories happen around the table on holiday mornings. But let’s be honest: no one wants to stand at the stove flipping slices while the kids are tearing into gifts or you’re trying to enjoy your coffee. That’s where breakfast casseroles come in.
Why make a baked version?
Baked French toast (yep, we’re saying it once here and moving on) is a lifesaver. You mix everything the night before, pop it in the fridge, and let it soak. Come morning, all you do is bake. It smells like a cinnamon-sugar hug and feeds a crowd without fuss.
Benefits of the baked version:
- Ideal for brunches and holidays
- Feeds 6–8 people with one pan
- No standing over a stove
- Great use for stale bread
- Easily customizable (gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.)
Add-ins like cream cheese, fruit, or even chunks of chocolate make it feel indulgent. For a savory twist, sneak in some goat cheese and herbs (like I do in this savory stuffed version).
Pro tips for make-ahead success
| Step | Tip |
|---|---|
| Bread Selection | Use crusty or stale bread it soaks better |
| Overnight Soak | At least 6 hours for full flavor |
| Bake Time | 45–50 mins at 350°F, covered for first half |
| Toppings After Baking | Add fresh fruit, syrup, or powdered sugar right before serving |
| Storage | Leftovers reheat beautifully in a toaster oven |
You can even prep individual portions in muffin tins for grab-and-go mornings. It’s a game changer during the school year when you want breakfast done but still homemade.
On busy weekdays, pair a slice with oatmeal and fruit or avocado toast for something quick and satisfying.
Kid-Friendly French Toast Variations Even Picky Eaters Love
Some mornings, getting kids to the table is a challenge. These easy ideas help.
As a mom of three, I’ve had my fair share of breakfast meltdowns. One won’t eat “mushy” food. Another refuses anything without syrup. The third just wants whatever the oldest is having. That’s why I started getting creative with shapes, dips, and bite-sized versions.
What are French toast sticks and why do kids love them?
They’re simply sliced pieces cut before cooking so they’re easy to hold and dunk. You still use the same batter, but the smaller shape cooks faster and crisps up beautifully. Plus, kids love anything they can dip.
How to make them:
- Slice bread into thirds or quarters
- Soak just long enough to coat
- Cook in batches on a griddle
- Serve with little bowls of syrup, yogurt, or fruit puree
Bonus tip: They freeze like a dream. I make a big batch on Sunday and reheat a few each morning in the toaster. Add some scrambled eggs or a banana, and breakfast is done in five minutes.
Other fun twists for little ones
You can also play with flavors to keep things fresh:
- Banana-cinnamon swirl — mash a ripe banana into the batter
- Chocolate drizzle — just a touch over the top, like a treat
- Berry burst — fold chopped berries into the batter
- Mini roll-ups — flatten bread, roll with jam or cream cheese, then dip and cook
Pair any of these with bagels and cream cheese if your kids are in a “carbs only” mood. No judgment here we’ve all been there.
These variations are especially handy for school mornings when you need something handheld and mess-free. Pack a few sticks in a thermos or bento box, and breakfast-on-the-go is officially solved.
Your French Toast Questions, Answered
You asked, and here’s what real moms want to know when it comes to making this breakfast favorite work. These bite sized answers are designed to help you get clarity fast especially when you’re standing in the kitchen wondering what to serve or how to switch things up.
What to serve with French toast?
You can serve it with eggs, bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit. For a more balanced meal, pair it with a protein like scrambled eggs or a side of avocado toast. Sweet additions like berries or yogurt also work well.
How to make avocado toast?
Mash a ripe avocado with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Spread it on toasted bread and top with extras like a fried egg, tomato, or feta. Try my easy avocado toast recipe here for step-by-step instructions.
What is a good topping for French toast?
Great toppings include fresh fruit, syrup, whipped cream, nut butter, or even Greek yogurt. You can also go savory with cream cheese or herbs, like in this stuffed version.
FAQs
Can I use any kind of bread for this?
Yes, but thicker, slightly stale bread works best. Brioche, challah, or country loaves soak up the batter without falling apart.
Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Freeze slices or sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven for best texture.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk like almond or oat, and cook with oil instead of butter. It still turns out golden and flavorful.
What if my bread is too fresh?
Toast it lightly first! It helps it hold up better to the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
Wrap-Up: Why This Breakfast Still Works in 2025
Whether you’re making breakfast for one or ten, this timeless dish shows up for you. It doesn’t require anything fancy. It doesn’t demand perfection. And it always always makes the kitchen smell like comfort.
From quick weekday meals to cozy Sunday spreads, you’ve now got everything you need to make it happen. Messy mornings? I’ve been there. This recipe just fits.
