Classic French Toast is a golden, crisp, and custardy breakfast favorite loved across the world. Made by soaking bread slices in a sweet egg mixture and pan-frying until golden brown, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Serve it with syrup, fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful start to your day!
Don’t worry if you are a vegetarian French Toast can be also prepared without the use of Eggs and for Vegans there are alternatives with the use of Soy, Plant-based Milk!
Let’s Began!
🧾 Ingredients:
-
- 4 slices of bread (preferably a bit stale or firm, like brioche, white, or sourdough)
-
- 2 large eggs / 1 tbsp custard powder (or cornstarch or besan/gram flour as alternatives)
-
- ½ cup milk (whole milk for richness, or any milk of your choice) / or plant-based like almond, soy, or oat milk (For Vegans)
-
- 1 tbsp sugar
-
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
-
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
-
- A pinch of salt
-
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or honey
🍳 Instructions :- (With Egg)
1. Whisk the egg mixture:
In a shallow dish or wide bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until fully broken. Add in the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates your custard base.
2. Preheat your pan:
Place a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a small knob of butter or a drizzle of oil and let it melt, coating the surface evenly.
3. Dip the bread:
Take one slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture. Allow it to soak for about 5–10 seconds on each side.
📝 Tip: Don’t over-soak if the bread is soft—it may fall apart. Firmer bread can handle a longer soak for a more custardy center.
4. Cook the toast:
Transfer the soaked bread slice onto the hot pan. Cook on medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
5. Repeat and serve:
Repeat the dipping and toasting process with the remaining slices. Stack them up on a plate and serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, honey, berries, or dusted sugar.
Alternative Without Eggs:-
1. Prepare the custard mixture:
In a shallow bowl or wide dish, pour in the milk (Vegans can use Plant based or Soy Milk). Add the custard powder (or your chosen substitute), sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined and there are no lumps. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened — like a thin custard.
2. Preheat your pan:
Place a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil and let it melt and coat the pan evenly.
3. Dip the bread:
Take one slice of bread and dip it gently into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 5 seconds on each side.
📝 Tip: Don’t soak too long or it may become soggy and break apart — especially with softer bread.
4. Toast the bread:
Transfer the soaked bread slice to the hot pan. Cook on one side for about 2–3 minutes or until it becomes golden brown and crisp.
Flip and repeat on the other side. Add more butter/oil if needed for extra crispiness.
5. Repeat and serve:
Repeat the process with remaining slices. Stack them up on a plate and serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, honey, berries, or dusted sugar.
Calorie Comparison
🍞 French Toast (per 2 slices)
-
- With Egg: ~310–350 calories
-
- Eggless (using milk + flour + custard alternative): ~250–280 calories
- Vegan French Toast (per 2 slices): 220-260 calories
⚠️ Common Mistakes in Making French Toast (Egg or Eggless):-
1. Using Fresh, Soft Bread
-
- Why it’s a mistake: Fresh bread is too soft and soaks up too much liquid, turning soggy and hard to handle.
-
- Fix: Use day-old or slightly stale bread. It holds shape better and absorbs just the right amount of custard.
2. Over-Soaking the Bread
-
- Why it’s a mistake: Leaving the bread in the mixture too long makes it fall apart and cook unevenly.
-
- Fix: Dip the bread just enough to coat both sides—about 10–15 seconds per side.
3. Using Too Much or Too Little Heat
-
- Why it’s a mistake: High heat burns the outside while leaving the inside raw. Too low and it turns out pale and soggy.
-
- Fix: Medium to medium-low heat is perfect. Let it cook slowly for that golden crisp finish.
4. Not Whisking the Batter Well
-
- Why it’s a mistake: Unmixed eggs or flour can leave streaks or lumps on your toast.
-
- Fix: Whisk your custard thoroughly until it’s smooth and uniform, especially for eggless versions with flour or cornstarch.
5. Skipping the Resting Time
-
- Why it’s a mistake: Putting freshly dipped bread straight into the pan might cause it to tear or not cook evenly.
-
- Fix: Let the dipped bread rest for a few seconds before placing it on the pan.
6. Not Using Butter or Oil Properly
-
- Why it’s a mistake: Dry pan = dry toast. Only butter = risk of burning.
-
- Fix: Use a mix of butter and a little oil for flavor and to prevent burning.
7. Cooking Too Many at Once
-
- Why it’s a mistake: Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and makes them steam instead of crisp.
-
- Fix: Cook in batches, giving each slice enough space.
8. Skipping Flavor Boosters
-
- Why it’s a mistake: French toast can be bland without spices or essence.
- Fix: Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a delicious aromatic boost.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use any bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, sourdough, or even sandwich bread work great. Day-old or slightly dry bread holds up best.
Can I make it ahead?
French toast is best fresh, but you can keep it warm in the oven at low heat while making batches. You can also freeze and reheat.
Is French Toast sweet or savory?
Traditionally sweet, but you can skip the sugar and vanilla and add salt, pepper, and herbs for a savory version.
How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Use firm/stale bread, don’t over-soak, and cook on medium heat to ensure the center cooks without burning the outside.
Is it safe to eat with eggs?
Yes, as long as the toast is cooked properly. Eggs should be fully cooked during the pan-frying process.
Is this a healthy breakfast?
It can be! Use whole grain bread, plant-based milk, and minimal sugar or toppings to make it lighter.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free bread.
What’s the best substitute for eggs here?
Custard powder works best for both texture and flavor, but cornstarch or gram flour (besan) are great too.
Can I store leftovers?
It’s best fresh, but you can refrigerate and reheat in a toaster or pan for a few minutes.
Is this vegan-friendly?
Yes, just use plant-based milk (like oat or almond) and oil or vegan butter for frying and use alternatives for Eggs as mentioned.
Tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments or tag us @recipedrip19 on your food photos! 🍽️ on Instagram!
FOR MORE- RECIPES – recipedrip.com