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The Ultimate Classic French Toast: Crispy Edges and Custardy Center

Close-up of a tall stack of thick, golden brown french toast drizzled with syrup on a white plate.
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Learn the secrets to making the best French toast with perfectly golden, crispy edges and a rich, soft, custardy center every time. This recipe is simple, quick, and ideal for any weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices thick-cut bread (Challah or Brioche recommended)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare your bread: If your bread is very fresh, let the slices sit out for about 30 minutes to dry slightly. This helps them absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
  2. Make the custard: In a shallow dish large enough to hold a slice of bread, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 15 to 20 seconds per side. For a truly custardy center, you need a good soak, but avoid soaking so long that the bread falls apart.
  4. Heat the griddle: Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about half of the butter and let it melt until it foams slightly.
  5. Cook the toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle, ensuring they do not touch. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the exterior is deep golden brown and slightly crisp.
  6. Add more butter as needed between batches.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup and fresh berries.

Notes

  • Using stale or slightly dry bread is the number one trick for achieving a custardy interior without a soggy result.
  • For extra richness, substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with half-and-half or use only heavy cream in the custard mixture.
  • If you want a caramelized crunch, sprinkle a tiny amount of granulated sugar onto the buttered pan just before placing the bread down.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastetaught.com/classic-french-toast-recipe-best-guide/