French toast, or “pain perdu” as it’s known in France, is a beloved breakfast dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where it was known as “Pan Dulcis.” The basic concept is simple: slices of bread are soaked in a mixture of eggs and milk, then fried until golden brown. However, the possibilities for variation are endless, making French toast a versatile and customizable dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways.
In this article, we’ll explore 43 favorite French toast recipes, ranging from classic preparations to innovative twists that incorporate unique flavors, ingredients, and techniques. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous eater, there’s a French toast recipe here for you.
Classic French Toast Recipes
1. Traditional French Toast
The classic recipe that never goes out of style. Use thick slices of brioche or challah bread, dip them in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, then cook on a buttered griddle until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
2. Cinnamon Swirl French Toast
Use cinnamon swirl bread for an extra burst of flavor. The swirls of cinnamon in the bread caramelize slightly when cooked, creating a deliciously sweet and spiced treat.
3. Vanilla Bean French Toast
Infuse your custard mixture with real vanilla bean seeds for a rich, aromatic flavor. Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant breakfast.
4. Honey French Toast
Add a touch of honey to the egg mixture for a natural sweetness. Drizzle extra honey on top before serving for a double dose of golden goodness.
5. Orange Zest French Toast
Brighten up your French toast with the addition of fresh orange zest in the custard mixture. The citrusy aroma pairs beautifully with a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
Decadent French Toast Recipes
6. Stuffed French Toast
Take your French toast to the next level by stuffing it with cream cheese and fruit preserves. Simply sandwich the filling between two slices of bread before dipping and cooking.
7. Nutella-Stuffed French Toast
For chocolate lovers, spread Nutella between slices of brioche or sourdough bread. Dip in the egg mixture and cook until crispy. Top with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of hazelnuts.
8. Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast
A childhood favorite reimagined. Spread peanut butter and jelly between slices of bread, dip in the custard, and fry until golden. Serve with a drizzle of honey.
9. S’mores French Toast
Layer marshmallows and chocolate chips between slices of bread, then dip and cook. Finish with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
10. Banana Bread French Toast
Use slices of homemade or store-bought banana bread instead of regular bread. The result is a moist, flavorful French toast that’s perfect for banana lovers.
Savory French Toast Recipes
11. Cheesy Herb French Toast
Add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like thyme or chives to the egg mixture. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
12. Bacon and Cheddar French Toast
Incorporate crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese into the custard mixture. Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
13. Avocado and Tomato French Toast
Spread mashed avocado on slices of whole-grain bread, then dip in the egg mixture. Top with sliced tomatoes, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
14. Caprese French Toast
Layer slices of mozzarella, tomato, and fresh basil between slices of bread. Dip in the egg mixture and cook until the cheese is melted. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
15. Everything Bagel French Toast
Use everything bagel seasoning in the egg mixture for a savory twist. Serve with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a bagel-inspired breakfast.
International French Toast Variations
16. French Toast à la Parisienne
Use croissants instead of bread for a truly Parisian experience. The flaky, buttery layers soak up the custard beautifully.
17. Mexican Churro French Toast
Add cinnamon and sugar to the egg mixture, then coat the cooked French toast in a cinnamon-sugar blend. Serve with a side of dulce de leche for dipping.
18. Indian Masala French Toast
Spice up your French toast with a blend of Indian spices like turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Serve with a side of mint chutney or yogurt.
19. Japanese Mochi French Toast
Use slices of mochi (glutinous rice cake) instead of bread for a chewy, unique texture. Dip in a sweetened egg mixture and cook until crispy.
20. Italian Panettone French Toast
Use slices of panettone, a traditional Italian Christmas bread, for a festive twist. The candied fruit and raisins in the bread add natural sweetness.
Healthy French Toast Recipes
21. Whole Grain French Toast
Use whole-grain or multigrain bread for a healthier option. Top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey instead of syrup.
22. Vegan French Toast
Replace eggs with a mixture of mashed bananas, almond milk, and flaxseed meal. Cook as usual and serve with maple syrup.
23. Gluten-Free French Toast
Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of coconut sugar.
24. Low-Sugar French Toast
Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit in the custard mixture. Serve with unsweetened applesauce or fresh fruit.
25. Protein-Packed French Toast
Add a scoop of protein powder to the egg mixture for an extra boost of protein. Use high-protein bread and top with Greek yogurt.
Seasonal French Toast Recipes
26. Pumpkin Spice French Toast
Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the custard mixture for a fall-inspired treat. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
27. Apple Cinnamon French Toast
Sauté sliced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar, then use them as a topping for your French toast. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
28. Peppermint French Toast
Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the custard mixture for a festive twist. Top with crushed candy canes and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
29. Berry Bliss French Toast
Use fresh summer berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries as a topping. Add a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing treat.
30. Gingerbread French Toast
Add gingerbread spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to the custard mixture. Serve with a drizzle of molasses for a holiday-inspired breakfast.
Creative French Toast Recipes
31. French Toast Casserole
Layer slices of bread in a baking dish, pour the custard mixture over the top, and bake until golden. Perfect for feeding a crowd.
32. French Toast Sticks
Cut bread into sticks before dipping and cooking. Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or fruit compote.
33. French Toast Cupcakes
Bake French toast in muffin tins for individual servings. Top with whipped cream and a cherry for a fun, portable breakfast.
34. French Toast Waffles
Cook your French toast in a waffle iron for a crispy, grid-like texture. Serve with butter and syrup.
35. French Toast Pancakes
Combine the best of both worlds by making French toast-inspired pancakes. Add cinnamon and vanilla to your pancake batter, then top with syrup.
Dessert-Inspired French Toast Recipes
36. Tiramisu French Toast
Incorporate espresso and cocoa powder into the custard mixture. Layer with mascarpone cheese and dust with cocoa powder for a tiramisu-inspired treat.
37. Red Velvet French Toast
Use red velvet cake slices instead of bread. Dip in the custard mixture and cook until crispy. Top with cream cheese frosting.
38. Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake French Toast
Spread a layer of cheesecake filling between slices of bread, then dip and cook. Top with a blueberry compote for a tangy-sweet combination.
39. Caramel Apple French Toast
Sauté apples with caramel sauce, then use them as a topping for your French toast. Add a drizzle of extra caramel for a decadent finish.
40. Chocolate Lovers French Toast
Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips to the custard mixture. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Unique French Toast Recipes
41. Savory Mushroom and Thyme French Toast
Top your French toast with sautéed mushrooms and fresh thyme for a gourmet twist. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
42. Coconut French Toast
Add shredded coconut to the custard mixture for a tropical flavor. Serve with a drizzle of coconut syrup and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
43. Matcha Green Tea French Toast
Incorporate matcha powder into the custard mixture for a vibrant, earthy flavor. Top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey.
Conclusion
French toast is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any taste, dietary preference, or occasion. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, classic or creative, there’s a French toast recipe here for everyone. So, grab your favorite bread, whip up a custard mixture, and start experimenting with these 43 delicious recipes. Bon appétit!