How to Make French Toast

French toast is one of those gloriously simple dishes that manages to feel luxurious and indulgent, no matter how many times you make it. Crispy on the outside, soft and custardy in the middle, and usually dusted with sugar or dripping in syrup, it is a breakfast favourite that works equally well as a comforting dessert or a weekend brunch centrepiece.

Whether you know it as eggy bread, pain perdu or simply French toast, this dish is proof that day-old bread and a few pantry staples can become something truly special. With a few tips and variations, you can turn your kitchen into a café and create the perfect plate every time.

What Is French Toast?

French toast is made by soaking slices of bread in a mixture of eggs and milk, then frying them in a pan until golden and crisp on both sides. The egg mixture cooks gently into the bread, creating a soft, custard-like centre with a slightly crisp surface. It is often flavoured with sugar, cinnamon or vanilla and served with fruit, syrup or cream.

In savoury versions, the mixture is left plain or seasoned with herbs and spices, then served with ingredients like cheese, mushrooms or grilled tomatoes. Whether sweet or savoury, French toast is incredibly adaptable and ideal for using up slightly stale bread.

The History of French Toast

Despite its name, French toast did not originate in France. Versions of bread soaked in milk and eggs date back to ancient Rome, where a dish called aliter dulcia described something very similar. The term “pain perdu,” meaning “lost bread,” comes from France and refers to the use of stale bread given new life through cooking. In Britain, it is often called eggy bread, while in the United States, the name French toast stuck and became widely used.

The dish became popular as an economical and satisfying way to transform leftover bread into a warm, filling meal. Today, it is celebrated for both its practicality and its comforting, nostalgic flavour.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make traditional French toast, you will need thick slices of bread, eggs, milk, a pinch of salt, and a little butter or oil for frying. For sweet versions, a teaspoon of sugar, a drop of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon adds extra flavour.

The best bread to use is something sturdy and slightly dry. Brioche, challah, sourdough or farmhouse white work beautifully, especially when cut into slices about two to three centimetres thick. Soft sandwich bread will work in a pinch, but avoid anything too thin or fresh, as it may fall apart when soaked.

Crack the eggs into a shallow dish and beat them with the milk and your chosen flavourings. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, turning it so both sides are fully coated. Let it soak for a few seconds, but not so long that it becomes soggy and hard to handle.

Cooking the French Toast

Place a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Once hot, lay the soaked bread into the pan and cook for about two to three minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp. You may need to adjust the heat to stop the butter from burning.

Once cooked, transfer the slices to a warm plate and serve immediately, or keep them warm in a low oven while you finish the batch.

For an extra crisp surface, you can sprinkle a little sugar onto the bread before placing it in the pan. As it cooks, the sugar caramelises and creates a sweet, golden crust.

Serving Ideas and Flavour Variations

French toast is incredibly versatile. For a classic sweet version, top it with maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced banana or a dusting of icing sugar. Add whipped cream or Greek yoghurt for extra indulgence. A drizzle of honey, a handful of toasted nuts or a spoonful of jam also work beautifully.

For a savoury version, leave out the sugar and vanilla and season the egg mixture with salt, pepper or herbs. Serve with grilled mushrooms, spinach and cheese or top with poached eggs and smoked salmon.

You can also use flavoured breads such as cinnamon swirl or fruit loaf for a sweet twist, or go bold with chocolate chips or nut butters between slices, cooked like a sandwich.

Chef Tips and Tricks

Mary Berry suggests using slightly stale brioche and adding a touch of orange zest to the batter for a subtle citrus lift. Jamie Oliver often recommends grating in a little nutmeg or using cream in place of some of the milk for extra richness. If making for a crowd, you can keep the cooked slices warm in a low oven while preparing the rest, or bake them on a tray to serve all at once.

If you want a crispier outside, let the bread dry out slightly before dipping, or even toast it lightly first. This helps it soak up the custard without going limp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common issue is soaking the bread too long, which causes it to fall apart. Give it just enough time to absorb the mixture without becoming heavy and soggy. Cooking too fast can also burn the outside before the inside is set, so moderate the heat and let it cook gently.

Using bread that is too fresh or thin can result in limp, flat toast. Choose something with a firm crumb that holds its shape well when soaked.

Dietary Adjustments

To make French toast dairy-free, use plant-based milk such as almond, oat or soy, and cook in dairy-free butter or oil. For a vegan version, use a mixture of plant milk, flour and a little cornflour or ground flaxseed to create a thick batter. You can also add a pinch of turmeric for colour and nutritional yeast for a savoury edge.

Gluten-free bread works well, though it may need less soaking time. Be gentle when turning it in the pan to avoid breaking.

Sustainability and Reducing Waste

French toast is an ideal recipe for reducing food waste. It is designed to make the most of bread that is past its best, and it can be flavoured with whatever is in your fridge or cupboard. Use organic eggs and milk where possible, and seasonal fruit for toppings.

Leftovers can be reheated gently in a pan or low oven, or frozen in slices and toasted when needed.

Final Thoughts: A Simple Pleasure Done Well

French toast is one of those timeless dishes that brings comfort with every bite. Whether you serve it sweet or savoury, plain or piled high, it is an easy way to bring a little warmth to your morning or treat yourself to a slow, indulgent breakfast. Once you master the balance of softness and crispness, you will find yourself returning to this recipe again and again, adapting it to suit your mood, the season and whatever bread you have in the kitchen.