French toast is one of those nostalgic, crowd-pleasing breakfasts that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you're cooking for a lazy weekend morning, serving up something extra special for mother's day breakfast in bed, or hosting a brunch celebration, this classic dish is the perfect base for creativity.
Let’s start with the basics—and then level it up with fun, flavorful twists that will make your French toast anything but ordinary.
The Basic French Toast Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or challah)
Pro tip: Slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mix without getting soggy. - 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk (we recommend Smith Brothers milk for its fresh, rich flavor!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Butter for the pan
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds per side.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the slices until golden brown on each side, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Serve warm with syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.
3 Creative Ways to Level Up Your French Toast
1. Flavor Your Milk Base
Why stick with plain milk when you can infuse your custard with flavor?
Strawberry Milk: A fun twist for kids and adults alike. Use Smith Brothers strawberry milk to add fruity sweetness to your french toast.
Eggnog: Perfect for the holidays—swap in Smith Brothers eggnog for a rich, spiced eggnog french toast.
Chai Powder or Spices: Stir chai powder, cardamom, or even cocoa powder into your milk mixture for a bold, aromatic experience.
Tip: when using sweetened milk mixture, the sugars may cause your French toast to burn more quickly. Adjust by reducing the heat slightly and increasing the cook time.
2. Stuff It with Something Sweet
Turn your French toast into a decadent, filled delight by making a stuffed version. Add your filling between two slices of bread, then press the bread slices together gently to keep the filling in. Carefully dip the "sandwich" in the egg mixture and cook as usual.
Ricotta + Lemon Zest: Mix a dollop of ricotta with a sprinkle of lemon zest, then spread it evenly between two slices of bread before dipping and cooking. Top with berries and honey for a brunch-worthy finish.
Chocolate: Spread Nutella or melted chocolate inside, then sprinkle chocolate chips over the top for dessert-style French toast.
Nut butter or cookie butter: Spread your favorite nut butter or cookie butter inside.
3. Bread Swap: Go Bold
Your bread makes all the difference. Shake things up with:
Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Extra cinnamon means extra cozy flavor.
Fruit & Nut Bread: Raisin, cranberry, or apricot breads add natural sweetness and texture.
Sweet Hawaiian Rolls: Slightly sweet and pillowy soft—leave them whole and sprinkle with cinnamon or icing after cooking for indulgent mini French toast bites!
