Easy Homemade French Toast Recipe by Preppy Kitchen
Looking for a delicious and easy French toast recipe that’s perfect for any morning? You’re in luck! Today, John Kanell from Preppy Kitchen walks us through a classic yet elevated version of French toast made with rich bread, warm spices, and a creamy custard mixture. Whether you’re planning a lazy Sunday brunch or a quick weekday treat, this French toast recipe is both foolproof and customizable.
🥖 The Best Bread for French Toast
Choosing the right bread is key to amazing French toast. John recommends:
- Brioche – Soft, buttery, and rich — perfect for a luxurious texture.
- Challah – Similar to brioche with a rich crumb, ideal for thick slicing.
- Milk bread or potato bread – Soft and slightly sweet, also great choices.
- Sourdough – A tangy twist that contrasts beautifully with maple syrup.
💡 Tip: Use thick-cut slices (stale or fresh) to better absorb the custard mixture.
🍳 French Toast Custard Mixture
Here’s what you’ll need to create a flavorful custard:
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs (room temperature or cold)
- ¾ cup whole milk (or swap with cream or half-and-half for indulgence)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- A splash of brandy or rum
- Nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice
🥄 Mix the custard well until smooth and silky. You can prep this the night before and store it covered in the fridge for a faster morning!
🍞 How to Make French Toast – Step-by-Step
1. Soak the Bread
- Dip each slice into the custard mixture for just a few seconds per side (or up to 5 seconds for extra custardy texture).
2. Preheat the Pan
- Heat a non-stick or cast iron pan over medium heat.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of butter (or a mix of butter and vegetable oil if your stove runs hot).
3. Cook the Toast
- Place soaked bread into the hot, buttered pan.
- Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
🔥 Too hot? Reduce the heat or swap pans. Don’t let your toast burn!
4. Keep Toast Warm
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Place cooked slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Keep them warm while finishing the batch (but don’t leave them in the oven for more than 30 minutes or they’ll dry out).
🧊 Can You Freeze French Toast?
Yes! French toast freezes beautifully.
How to freeze:
- Let the toast cool completely.
- Place parchment paper between slices.
- Store in an airtight freezer bag.
Reheat with ease:
- Air fryer: 2–4 minutes at 375°F.
- Oven: 5–7 minutes at 350°F.
🧁 Toppings & Garnish Ideas
Customize your French toast with toppings like:
- Pure maple syrup 🍁
- Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) 🍓
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Powdered sugar
- Nuts, granola, or a drizzle of Nutella
🇫🇷 Fun Fact: Why Is It Called French Toast?
Despite its name, French toast isn’t actually French. It dates back to ancient Rome, where people would soak bread in a milk-egg mixture and fry it. The term “French toast” was popularized in the 1700s by Joseph French, who named it after himself—not the country!
In France, this dish is often called “pain perdu” meaning “lost bread,” referring to stale bread being revived through this delicious preparation.
📌 Pro Tips from John Kanell
- Prep the custard the night before for quick mornings.
- Use stale bread for better absorption.
- Add citrus zest, flavored extracts, or alcohol to customize.
- Keep finished toast warm in the oven so no one gets a cold slice.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry in batches.
🍽️ Final Thoughts
John Kanell’s French toast is rich, fluffy, and packed with flavor — the perfect breakfast for any occasion. Whether you’re using brioche or sourdough, adding citrus zest or keeping it classic, this recipe is customizable and satisfying.
💬 Try it out, and let us know — what’s your favorite topping on French toast?
📹 Watch the Recipe
Check out the full video on Preppy Kitchen’s YouTube channel to see John make this step-by-step.
And don’t forget to subscribe for more amazing recipes every week!
Jenifer
