By Amelia

May 17, 2025

Heartfelt Home Cooking

Best French Bread Toast: 7 Astonishing Recipes That Will Make You Happy

Name: Best French Bread Toast: 7 Astonishing Recipes That Will Make You Happy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: french
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; ⅔ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; Sea salt; Butter or oil, for the pan; 8 thick slices bread, I like this thick-sliced brioche; Maple syrup and/or powdered sugar, for serving

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There’s something about waking up to the smell of cinnamon, vanilla, and butter that feels like a warm hug – French Bread Toast is that kind of comfort on a plate. It takes the classic French toast we all love and gives it a cozy twist by using crusty French bread. The result? Golden slices that are custardy in the middle, slightly crisp on the edges, and irresistible.

Fun fact: Did you know the French actually call French toast “pain perdu“, meaning “lost bread”? It was originally a clever way to use up leftover bread instead of letting it go to waste.

Whenever I have a baguette leftover from last night’s dinner, I turn it into French bread toast the next morning. It’s amazing how a day-old loaf can become a delightful breakfast that the whole family gets excited about.

What makes this best French bread toast truly special is how easy and family-friendly it is. The ingredients are simple (you probably have them in your kitchen right now), and it’s a dish that even the kids can help with. Compared to my fluffy pancake recipe or even our beloved brioche French toast, this version is straightforward and forgiving. No fancy techniques – just basic ingredients and a lot of love. By the time you sit down to a plate of French bread toast dripping with maple syrup, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in our home.

So, grab that day-old French bread loaf and your comfiest pajamas. We’re about to dive into a breakfast that’s simple, heartwarming, and sure to make your morning a little happier. Let’s get cooking!

What Is French Bread Toast?

What exactly is French Bread Toast? Is it French? Is it toast? Or maybe just French toast with French bread? If the name made you chuckle, you’re not alone. When I first told a friend we were having French bread toast for brunch, she looked puzzled and asked, “Wait, do you mean French toast?” Exactly! French bread toast is essentially classic French toast made with a loaf of French bread. It’s that simple – and that brilliant.

So why call it French bread toast? Because using a crusty baguette or French loaf gives this breakfast a uniquely wonderful texture. Thick, hearty slices soak up the cinnamon-vanilla custard and fry up with a soft, fluffy center and lightly chewy, golden-brown edges. In our house, we jokingly call it “fancy toast” – the name sounds a bit upscale, but it’s really the same comforting breakfast we’ve always adored.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – and I’d argue it’s the way to anyone’s heart. This dish proves that saying true every time. One bite of French bread toast, with its rich vanilla flavor and buttery crisp edges, and you’ll see people’s eyes light up. It’s amazing how something so simple can feel so special.

So next time someone asks, “What’s French bread toast, anyway?” you can just smile and say, “Let me show you.” 😉 Once they taste it, they’ll understand. Ready to win some hearts (and fill some tummies)? Let’s move on to why you’ll love this recipe even more!

Why You’ll Love This French Bread Toast

There are so many reasons to adore this recipe. Here are a few of the big ones:

Irresistible Flavor & Texture: This French bread toast tastes like a dream. Imagine the warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon in every bite, a slight crunch as you cut into the golden-brown crust, and a soft, custardy center that melts in your mouth. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, making your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery on a Sunday morning.
Easy & Foolproof: No need to be a master chef here. The recipe comes together with basic ingredients and simple steps, so it’s practically foolproof. You can whip it up on a weekday rush or a lazy weekend. (Psst, it’s way easier than making a batch of pancakes or waffles, but just as satisfying!)
Budget-Friendly (Hello, Leftovers!): This dish is super cost-effective. It’s an easy French toast recipe with leftover bread, meaning you’re giving new life to that day-old baguette or crusty loaf. No fancy brioche required – though you can use brioche if you have it. In fact, some of the best bread for French toast is whatever you have on hand. Why toss out old bread when you can turn it into a delicious breakfast? Save money and reduce waste – win-win!
Fun to Customize: One of the best parts is how versatile French bread toast can be. You can dress it up or down with your favorite ingredients and toppings. Feeling indulgent? Stuff it with cream cheese and berries (yum!). Got a sweet tooth? Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar or drizzle Nutella on top. In the mood for something fancy? Add a dollop of whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a scoop of ice cream for a dessert twist. The possibilities are endless, and everyone can top their slice how they like.
Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe isn’t just easy on the cook; it’s a hit with everyone at the table. Kids love the fun of a sweet breakfast (and maybe adding their own toppings), and adults appreciate the cafe-quality results at home. It’s hearty and satisfying, so it keeps those tummies full. Whether you’re cooking for one or brunching with a crowd, French bread toast is always a favorite. If you’ve tried our classic French toast or our banana pancakes before, you’ll find this recipe has that same comfort-factor but with even less fuss.

With all these perks, it’s hard not to fall in love with French bread toast. Try it at home once, and I’m sure it will earn a regular spot in your breakfast rotation.

How to Make This French Bread Toast Recipe

Quick Overview: This recipe is quick and straightforward – perfect for beginners! You’re looking at about 5 minutes of prep time and roughly 10 minutes to cook all the slices. The process is simple (whisk, dip, and cook), and the outcome is so rewarding. Expect French toast with a fantastic texture (crispy, golden edges and a soft, fluffy middle) and a warm cinnamon-vanilla flavor that fills your kitchen. In other words, it’s easy, quick, and yields delicious results every time. Ready to see how to make French toast with French bread? Let’s get started!

Key Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount / Notes
Large eggs	4
Milk	2/3 cup (whole milk works best)
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Ground cinnamon	1/2 tsp
Sea salt	A pinch (to balance sweetness)
Butter (or oil)	For greasing the pan
French bread (or brioche), thick slices	8 slices (day-old is ideal)
Maple syrup or powdered sugar	For serving (as toppings)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Make the custard: In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk until the eggs are completely beaten and the cinnamon is mostly incorporated (it might float on top a bit, and that’s okay).

Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or griddle on the stove over medium heat. Add a pat of butter or a drizzle of oil to coat the surface. Allow it to heat up until the butter melts and starts to bubble (but isn’t browning).

Dip the bread: Take one slice of the French bread and dip it into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 5 seconds on each side. (If your bread is very stale, you can soak a couple seconds longer so it absorbs enough custard. If it’s fresh and soft, a quick dip will do – you don’t want it soggy or falling apart.)

Cook the toast: Carefully place the soaked bread slice onto the hot, buttered skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Then flip the slice with a spatula and cook the other side for another 2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. The slices should be nicely browned with a slight caramelized crust.

Repeat for all slices: Transfer the cooked French toast to a plate. Add a little more butter to the pan if needed, and repeat the dipping and cooking process for the remaining bread slices. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches of 2-3 slices at a time, depending on the size of your pan.

Serve and enjoy: Once all the slices are done, it’s time to dig in! Serve the French bread toast warm, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on top if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy your delicious homemade French bread toast!

Now that you have the basic recipe down, let’s explore some fun variations and twists to take this French bread toast to the next level.

7 Astonishing French Bread Toast Recipe Variations

Now for the fun part – taking that basic recipe and getting creative! Here are 7 astonishing French bread toast recipes (including our classic base version) that will make you happy:

1. Classic Cinnamon-Vanilla French Bread Toast (Base Recipe)

Ingredients: Use the base recipe ingredients (eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, butter, and French bread as listed above).
Directions: Follow the main recipe instructions above for the classic cinnamon-vanilla French bread toast. This is the traditional version we just made, with the comforting flavor of vanilla and a hint of cinnamon. Cook it up and top with maple syrup or powdered sugar. It’s perfect as is!

2. Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Bread Toast

Ingredients: Start with the base custard ingredients (eggs, milk, etc. – you can use the same mixture as the classic recipe). Additionally, you’ll need about 4 oz cream cheese (softened) and 1 cup of sliced strawberries (or you can use strawberry jam or any favorite fruit). You’ll also use 8 slices of French bread, but for stuffing you’ll make 4 sandwiches (so consider slightly thinner slices).

Directions: Spread a layer of cream cheese on one side of a bread slice and add a few strawberry slices (or a spoonful of jam) on top. Sandwich another slice of bread on it, pressing gently. Dip the entire sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure both sides soak up the custard (be a bit careful so the halves stay together). Then cook the sandwich on a buttered skillet over medium heat, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cream cheese is warm and gooey. Serve this stuffed French bread toast with a dusting of powdered sugar and extra berries on top. It’s like a decadent French toast sandwich with a creamy, fruity surprise inside!

3. Cinnamon Sugar Crusted “Churro” French Bread Toast

Ingredients: Base custard ingredients (eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, butter, bread) for the French toast itself. For the crusted coating, you’ll need 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 extra teaspoon of cinnamon (mixed together in a shallow dish).

Directions: Prepare the French bread toast as you normally would with the base recipe (dip the bread in the egg mixture and fry until golden). While each slice is still hot from the pan, immediately place it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and flip to coat both sides (the heat will help the sugar stick). You’ll end up with a lovely cinnamon-sugar crust on each slice, reminiscent of a churro. Serve these crunchy, cinnamon-crusted slices with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra treat (and of course, syrup works too!). This version is a huge hit with kids – and anyone with a sweet tooth.

4. Air Fryer French Bread Toast

Ingredients: The same basic ingredients (eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, bread). You might also want a little melted butter or cooking spray to lightly grease the air fryer basket, and of course your trusty air fryer.

Directions: Preheat your air fryer to about 370°F (188°C). Grease the air fryer basket with a bit of butter or nonstick spray so the toast won’t stick. Dip your French bread slices in the egg mixture as usual, letting the excess drip off, and place them in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd; do it in batches if needed). Air fry the slices for roughly 5-6 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.

(Every air fryer can differ, so keep an eye on them.) What you get is French bread toast that’s crispy-toasted on the outside and tender inside, with almost no oil. Serve with your favorite toppings. This is a great option if you want to skip the skillet and make cleanup a breeze!

5. Savory Parmesan-Herb French Bread Toast

Ingredients: For this savory twist, you’ll use a modified custard mixture: 4 eggs, 2/3 cup milk, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp of dried herbs (such as Italian seasoning or a mix of thyme and oregano). Omit the cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar since we’re going savory. You’ll also need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (or cheddar) and 8 slices of French bread. Butter or oil for the pan as usual.

Directions: Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dried herbs in a bowl (this is your savory egg mixture). Dip each slice of French bread in the mixture, letting it soak briefly. Cook the slices on a buttered skillet over medium heat, just like normal French toast, about 2 minutes per side until golden.

Immediately after flipping each slice, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan on the top so it melts while the second side cooks. The result is a delightful savory French toast with crispy, cheesy edges. Instead of syrup, this one is delicious with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or even a spoonful of salsa on top! It makes a great breakfast-for-dinner or a brunch option for those who prefer savory over sweet.

6. Monte Cristo French Bread Toast (Ham & Cheese Stuffed)

Ingredients: This variation transforms your French bread toast into a Monte Cristo-style sandwich. You’ll need 8 slices of French bread, 4 slices of ham, 4 slices of cheese (Swiss or cheddar work well), 4 eggs, 2/3 cup milk, a pinch of salt and pepper (you can add 1/2 tsp of sugar to the egg mixture for a touch of sweetness, but no cinnamon/vanilla for this one). Butter for the pan. Optional: a tablespoon of mustard for spreading, powdered sugar and raspberry jam for serving (classic Monte Cristo garnishes).

Directions: Assemble 4 sandwiches by layering ham and cheese between pairs of French bread slices (spread a little mustard inside if you like a tangy kick). Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper (and sugar if using) in a shallow bowl. Dip each assembled sandwich into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides (similar to the stuffed French toast method).

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook each sandwich for about 3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the ham is heated through. For the full Monte Cristo experience, cut the sandwiches in half, sprinkle the tops with a little powdered sugar, and serve with raspberry jam for dipping. The mix of sweet and savory – gooey cheese, smoky ham, and a sweet finish – makes this French bread toast variation unbelievably good.

7. Overnight Baked French Bread Toast Casserole

Ingredients: This one is perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping the night before. Take about 1 loaf of French bread (preferably day-old; around 8 cups of bread cubes or thick slices). For the custard, use 6 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richness), 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. You can also prepare an optional topping with 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans to sprinkle on before baking (for a praline-like crunch).

Directions: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Cut or tear the French bread into chunks or thick slices and arrange them in the dish in an even layer. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all pieces get saturated. If any bread is peeking out dry, press it down a bit into the custard. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 6-8 hours) so the bread soaks up all the custard.

In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using the pecan topping, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and pecans, and sprinkle it over the soaked bread. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (no liquid egg remains). Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice or scoop out servings. This overnight French bread toast bake comes out like a warm bread pudding – soft inside with a slightly crisp top. Serve with warm maple syrup, and enjoy the fact that you did all the work the night before!

What to Serve with French Bread Toast

Every great main dish deserves some tasty sides and sips to go with it. French bread toast is a star on its own, but you can elevate your breakfast or brunch spread by pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside your French bread toast, considering balance and flavor:

Fresh Fruit: Bright berries, sliced bananas, or juicy orange segments add a refreshing contrast to the richness of French toast. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries cut through the custardy toast and make the meal feel lighter.
Smoky Bacon or Sausage: A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage is a classic for a reason. The salty, smoky flavor of cured meats pairs perfectly with the sweetness of syrupy French toast. It’s the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo – plus, a little protein on the side keeps everyone fuller longer.
Yogurt or Whipped Cream: A dollop of Greek yogurt can add a lovely tang (and some protein) to your plate, balancing the sweetness. For a more indulgent route, whipped cream on top of your toast with extra fruit can basically turn breakfast into a dessert (no complaints there!).
Toasted Nuts: Sprinkling some toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts over your French bread toast gives a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Nuts also add a bit of protein and healthy fat. Candied pecans with a drizzle of caramel on French toast – divine!
Beverages: Don’t forget a drink to wash it down. Hot coffee or a latte pairs wonderfully with sweet French toast (the bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness). If you’re doing a fancy brunch, a glass of orange juice or a mimosa can make it feel celebratory. For the kids, a cold glass of milk or hot cocoa makes a nice pairing too.

Mix and match these sides and toppings to create your perfect meal. Whether you go with fresh fruit and coffee for a lighter touch or bacon and whipped cream for an all-out feast, serving French bread toast with a little extra something makes it even more memorable.

Top Tips for Perfecting French Bread Toast

Even a simple recipe can have some tricks up its sleeve to make it truly outstanding. Here are my top tips to perfect your French bread toast every time:

Choose the Right Bread: The bread you use can make a big difference. Day-old bread is best because it’s a bit drier and will soak up the custard without turning mushy. You can even buy French bread for toast a day ahead and let it get slightly stale. Thick-cut French bread (like a baguette) is ideal for this recipe – it’s sturdy and soaks up flavor. In fact, many folks argue that brioche or challah are the best bread for French toast, but a trusty French loaf works just as great. If your bread is too fresh and soft, try lightly toasting it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out before dipping.
Slice Thick: Aim for slices about 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick. Thin slices can get soggy and fall apart, while nice thick slices give you that crispy outside and soft inside. French bread is perfect for this because you can cut the slices to the thickness you want.
Don’t Oversoak (But Don’t Undersoak): There’s a sweet spot for soaking the bread. You want the egg mixture to penetrate to the center of the bread for that custardy middle, but you don’t want the slice so saturated that it disintegrates. A quick dunk for softer bread, or a longer 5-10 second soak per side for drier, thicker bread usually does the trick. If you notice the bread falling apart, shorten the soak time.
Preheat Your Pan: Make sure your skillet or griddle is properly preheated to a medium or medium-high heat before you start cooking. If it’s not hot enough, the bread will just absorb oil and turn out greasy and limp. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. A good test: drop a tiny bit of batter or a sprinkle of water on the pan – it should sizzle. Maintaining an even medium heat will give you that beautiful golden-brown surface.
Use Butter (and Watch It): Butter gives French toast that unbeatable flavor and golden color. Start with butter in the pan for each batch, but keep an eye on it – if the butter starts to burn (turning dark brown), wipe the pan and add fresh butter, or mix a little oil in to raise the smoke point. You can also use a combo of butter and oil so you get flavor plus a higher burn resistance.
Cook in Batches & Keep Warm: Avoid crowding the pan. Cook 2-3 slices at a time, leaving room to flip. If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked French toast slices warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 250°F (120°C) oven. That way, everyone can sit down to warm toast together.
Customize the Custard: Once you have the basics down, feel free to experiment with the batter. Love spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Want it extra rich? Substitute a couple tablespoons of heavy cream for some of the milk, or use half-and-half. Prefer it a tad sweeter? Whisk in a spoonful of sugar or honey into the egg mixture. The base recipe is forgiving, so you can tweak flavors to your liking.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to French toast perfection every time. Happy cooking!

Storing and Reheating French Bread Toast

If you somehow end up with leftovers (a rare occurrence, because who can resist French bread toast?), don’t worry – they can be saved for later. French bread toast actually stores and reheats pretty well. Here’s how to store and bring back that just-cooked goodness:

Refrigerating: Let the French toast slices cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This keeps them from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. (Tip: place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between slices so they don’t stick together.)

Freezing: For longer storage, French bread toast can be frozen. Lay the cooked and cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour (this prevents them from sticking together). Then transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 1-2 months. This is perfect for meal prepping – you can have French toast ready to reheat on busy mornings.

Reheating: To keep that nice exterior crispness, it’s best not to microwave French toast (microwaving can make it rubbery or soggy). Instead, reheat the slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slices on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 8-10 minutes until heated through and edges crisp up. If they were frozen, you can go straight from freezer to oven – just add a couple more minutes.

An air fryer also works wonders to reheat French toast; a few minutes at 350°F will heat it up and even refresh the crispiness. If the microwave is your only option, zap the toast very briefly (like 20-30 seconds) just to warm, then if possible, pop it in a dry skillet for a minute to crisp the surfaces.

With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy leftover French bread toast that’s nearly as good as fresh. (Sometimes I purposely make extra to freeze for a super quick breakfast later on!) Now you’re all set to make, serve, and savor this delicious French bread toast in so many ways. Bon appétit!

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