Easy French Toast Recipe We Learned in France 🇫🇷

Imagine waking up in a charming B&B on the Rue des Rosiers in Paris. The aroma of freshly baked brioche drifts through the air, and a plate of golden French toast—lightly soaked in a whisper of vanilla-egg custard—arrives at your table. One bite, and you’re transported to café terraces, buttery mornings, and that unmistakable joie de vivre. Today, we’re bringing that indulgent, travel-tested French toast recipe home—simple, comforting, and full of flavor. You’ll feel like you’re in France without the passport.

Easy French Toast Recipe (4 Servings)

This isn’t just any French toast—it’s the version we fell in love with during our travels through France. Made with buttery brioche and soaked in a rich vanilla custard, it turns a few humble ingredients into a luxurious, café-worthy breakfast.

And the best part? We’re giving you three easy ways to make it—pan-fried, oven-baked, and air-fried—plus a make-ahead version that’s perfect for relaxed mornings or holiday brunch.

🍞 Ingredients

4 thick slices of brioche, challah, or pain de mie (slightly stale is best)
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or substitute with half-and-half for extra creaminess)
2 tablespoons sugar (white, coconut, or raw cane sugar all work well)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
Pinch of fine sea salt
Unsalted butter for cooking
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, berries, banana slices, or whipped cream

🧺 Best Ingredients to Use

Bread: Thick-cut brioche makes all the difference. We recommend St Pierre Brioche Loaf for its buttery softness and structure—it soaks custard beautifully without turning mushy.
Vanilla: A high-quality pure vanilla extract like Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Vanilla adds warm, deep flavor.
Butter: Go for European-style unsalted butter for a richer flavor and crisp finish.
Skillet: A cast iron skillet or ceramic-coated non-stick pan ensures the perfect golden crust.
Toppings: Pure maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, and fresh seasonal fruit turn this into a brunch masterpiece.

🛠 Essentials

These tools help turn a simple recipe into a dreamy French-style breakfast:

Whisk or handheld frother for lump-free custard
Large shallow dish for even bread soaking
Cast iron or ceramic pan for golden, crispy edges
Glass baking dish for oven-baked versions
Cooling rack to prevent sogginess post-cooking
Flexible spatula or fish turner for gentle flipping

🥄 Classic Pan-Fried Method (Traditional)

Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl until smooth.
Soak bread in a shallow dish for about 30 seconds per side. Slightly stale bread can soak longer—up to 1 minute.
Preheat pan over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter.
Cook slices for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Avoid crowding the pan—work in batches if needed.
Serve immediately with toppings like powdered sugar, berries, and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup.

🍽 Oven-Baked Method (Great for Groups)

Arrange soaked slices in a buttered baking dish in a single layer.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or layer with banana slices if desired.
Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden.
Cool slightly before serving with whipped cream or yogurt.

👉 Pro Tip: Want to prep ahead? Make a brioche French toast casserole by layering cubed bread and custard in the dish, refrigerating overnight, and baking the next morning. Use a 9×13” glass dish with lid to make storage easy.

🌬️ Air Fryer Method (Quick & Crisp)

Soak and prep slices as usual.
Preheat air fryer to 180°C / 350°F.
Air fry slices in a single layer for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve with crème fraîche and berries for a modern brunch twist.

🕒 Make-Ahead Option

Soak bread and store covered in the fridge overnight.
In the morning, just heat your skillet or oven and cook as usual.
For entertaining: make it a French toast bar with toppings like nut butter, compote, yogurt, and citrus zest.

🧊 Storage

French toast is best eaten hot and fresh, but here’s how to keep leftovers tasty:

Refrigerator: Store cooled slices in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, layer with parchment paper between slices.
Freezer: Lay cooked slices in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Toast frozen slices in a toaster, air fryer, or warm oven (not microwave) for best texture.

👉 For make-ahead brunches, keep uncooked soaked slices in a covered baking dish overnight. Cook or bake fresh in the morning.

✨ Tips & Add‑Ons

These small tweaks make a big difference:

Go rustic: Let your bread go stale naturally for better custard absorption.
Add zest: A little orange or lemon zest in the batter adds bright, citrusy notes.
Try flavored butters: Top with honey butter, vanilla maple butter, or cinnamon brown sugar butter.
Sweeten it your way: Swap sugar for maple syrup, coconut sugar, or even a spoon of apple butter stirred into the batter.
Go savory: Omit sugar and vanilla and add fresh herbs, black pepper, and Parmesan. Serve with sautéed mushrooms or eggs.

🌸 Serving Inspiration Tips

Make it feel like a French café at your own table:

Stack slices and dust with powdered sugar using a small sieve
Top with seasonal fruit: strawberries, figs, pears, or caramelized apples
Add creamy elements: serve with whipped mascarpone, Greek yogurt, or crème fraîche
Create a toppings board: berries, nut butters, jams, syrups, and toasted nuts
Serve on vintage-style ceramic plates with gold forks for that elegant brunch vibe

💡 Hosting brunch? Pair with a carafe of cold orange juice, café au lait, or a glass of bubbly mimosa.

🍽 Great Pairings

French toast shines brightest when served alongside these easy, elegant extras:

🥤 Drinks

Café au Lait: Brew strong coffee and add steamed milk. Serve in wide mugs for full Parisian flair.
Freshly squeezed juice: Orange, grapefruit, or a citrus mix pairs beautifully with vanilla and cinnamon notes.
Herbal tea: Mint, rooibos, or lavender tea adds a calming balance.
Mimosas or Bellinis: For a celebratory brunch twist.

🍳 Sides

Crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a salty contrast
Fresh fruit salad with mint and honey drizzle
Soft scrambled eggs or a buttery omelette with herbs
Greek yogurt with a spoonful of jam or compote for creamy balance

🎉 When to Serve

Sunday brunch with the whole family
Romantic breakfasts in bed
Lazy holiday mornings
Picnic-style breakfasts (oven-baked slices travel well)

🥐 French Toast Ideas (Beyond the Basics)

Want to remix your French toast game? Try these fun, creative twists:

🥭 Stuffed French Toast

Spread cream cheese, ricotta, or hazelnut spread between two slices. Add sliced fruit (like strawberries or bananas), dip in custard, and cook as usual.

🍫 Chocolate Swirl

Add a swirl of Nutella or chocolate spread to the custard before soaking. Finish with whipped cream and cocoa powder.

🍏 Caramel Apple

Top cooked slices with sautéed apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

🥥 Coconut Crusted

Dip soaked bread in shredded coconut before frying for a tropical crunch. Serve with mango and pineapple.

🫐 Blueberry French Toast Bake

Layer cubed brioche with custard and fresh blueberries. Let sit overnight and bake in the morning—great for hosting!

🧄 Savory French Toast

Skip the sugar and vanilla. Add chopped herbs, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Serve with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or smoked salmon.

Bon Voyage on a Plate! 🥖✨

This French toast recipe isn’t just breakfast—it’s a little adventure on your plate. Whether you fry it in butter or bake it golden in the oven, it’s your passport to those cozy, café-style mornings in the heart of France.

Hungry for more feel-good flavors? Explore more recipes on madefortravellers.com:

Save this pin now and bring buttery, golden joy to your next breakfast moment. Bon appétit and happy travels! 🇫🇷🥞🌞

Easy French Toast Recipe We Learned in France 🇫🇷