French toast is a breakfast classic that’s both delicious and versatile. Whether you’re craving a simple, comforting dish or something more gourmet, French toast can be the answer. However, achieving that perfect balance of a crispy exterior with a soft, custardy center can be tricky. Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through every step to cook perfect French toast every time, inspired by tips from some of the Medium best cookbooks.

The Basics of French Toast

French toast, also known as “pain perdu” (lost bread) in French, is a dish made by soaking slices of bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and sometimes sugar and spices, then frying them until golden. While it may seem straightforward, there are key techniques and ingredients that make all the difference between soggy, underwhelming toast and a beautifully golden, flavorful bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking method, let’s gather the essential ingredients:

  • Bread: Brioche, challah, or sourdough work best due to their texture and flavor.
  • Eggs: These provide the structure and binding for the custard.
  • Milk: Whole milk is ideal, but half-and-half or cream adds extra richness.
  • Vanilla extract: For a touch of sweetness and flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
  • Butter: For frying and creating that crispy crust.
  • Toppings: Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream are popular choices.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Bread

Choosing the right bread is one of the most important parts of making perfect French toast. You want bread that can absorb the custard mixture without falling apart. While white sandwich bread can work, it’s often too thin and becomes soggy.

Opt for a thicker, heartier bread like brioche, challah, or sourdough. These breads have a rich flavor and a sturdy texture that holds up well when soaked in the egg mixture. If possible, use bread that’s a day or two old. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better, giving your French toast a perfect texture.

Step 2: Making the Custard

The key to perfect French toast is in the custard mixture. This blend of eggs, milk, and flavorings gives French toast its signature richness.

Ingredients for the custard:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but recommended for a slightly sweet touch)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Directions:

  1. In a shallow dish (like a pie dish), whisk together the eggs until the yolks and whites are fully combined.
  2. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until everything is well-mixed and smooth.
  3. Taste the mixture for sweetness. If you prefer your French toast sweeter, add a little more sugar.

The custard should be thick but pourable. The cinnamon will add flavor, while the sugar helps balance the rich custard and provides a bit of caramelization when fried.

Step 3: Soaking the Bread

Soaking the bread in the custard mixture is crucial. You want each slice to fully absorb the custard without becoming soggy.

Steps to soak the bread:

  1. Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Dip each slice of bread into the custard, making sure both sides are well-coated. Allow the bread to soak for about 10-15 seconds per side. This lets the bread absorb the mixture but not become waterlogged.
  3. Lift the bread from the custard, allowing any excess liquid to drip off before placing it on the hot skillet.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step. Giving the bread time to soak ensures a creamy texture inside. If your bread is thicker, you may need to soak it a bit longer.

Step 4: Cooking the French Toast

Once the bread has soaked in the custard, it’s time to fry it to perfection. The cooking process is where the magic happens, creating that crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior.

Cooking steps:

  1. Add butter: Melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter in your preheated skillet or griddle. The butter should foam and start to sizzle but not burn. This will help crisp up the outside of the French toast.
  2. Cook the toast: Place the soaked bread slices on the skillet. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Avoid crowding the pan—this ensures each slice gets evenly cooked.
  3. Flip carefully: Use a spatula to gently flip the bread once it’s golden and crispy on one side. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Finish and transfer: Once both sides are cooked, transfer the French toast to a warm plate or baking sheet.

Step 5: Keeping the French Toast Warm

If you’re making a larger batch, keeping the French toast warm while finishing other slices is key to serving it at the perfect temperature. To do this, preheat your oven to 200°F and place the cooked slices on a baking sheet. This keeps them warm without drying them out.

Step 6: Serving and Topping

Now comes the fun part—serving and topping your perfect French toast! The beauty of French toast lies in its versatility. You can keep it simple or dress it up with an array of toppings.

Popular toppings include:

  • Maple syrup: The classic choice that adds sweetness and moisture.
  • Fresh fruit: Berries, banana slices, or apple compote pair well with French toast.
  • Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
  • Whipped cream: For a decadent treat, top with homemade whipped cream.
  • Nut butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella can take your French toast to the next level.

Tips for Perfect French Toast Every Time

  1. Use slightly stale bread: Fresh bread can become soggy quickly. Day-old bread absorbs the custard mixture better, giving your French toast the perfect texture.
  2. Don’t skip the butter: Cooking the French toast in butter not only prevents sticking but also gives it a rich, crispy crust.
  3. Don’t rush the soaking process: Let the bread soak in the custard mixture long enough to absorb it but not too long that it falls apart.
  4. Cook on medium heat: If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too low, your French toast will be soggy.
  5. Get creative with flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even orange zest to your custard for an extra flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

Perfect French toast is a balance between rich, custardy insides and crispy, buttery outsides. With the right bread, a flavorful custard, and careful cooking, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality French toast every time. Whether you’re making a weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, these steps will ensure your French toast is always a hit.

Enjoy your French toast and don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavor variations!