Description
Discover the secrets to making perfect French toast with crispy edges and a custardy center every time. This recipe is ideal for an easy weekend breakfast or an impressive brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices thick bread (Challah or Brioche recommended)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
- Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Let the bread soak for about 15 to 20 seconds per side for a custardy center. Do not over-soak if using standard sandwich bread.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add half of the butter and let it melt until it foams slightly.
- Cook the toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning; low and slow cooking helps achieve a custardy interior.
- Keep warm: Transfer cooked French toast slices to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you cook the remaining slices.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup and fresh berries.
Notes
- For the best results, use slightly stale or day-old bread. This allows the bread to absorb more custard without falling apart.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or use heavy cream for the entire liquid portion.
- To achieve extra crispy edges, use clarified butter or ghee for cooking instead of regular butter, as it has a higher smoke point.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 180