Start your morning with the irresistible aroma and comforting taste of perfectly crafted French toast.
Whether you prefer classic recipes passed down through generations or crave innovative twists on this beloved breakfast staple, these ten variations will transform your breakfast routine.
From decadent stuffed varieties and seasonal fruit toppings to savory interpretations and make-ahead options, you’ll discover exciting new ways to elevate this humble dish.
Get ready to explore everything from classic cinnamon-vanilla to indulgent chocolate-hazelnut and even a Japanese-inspired matcha creation that will revolutionize your brunch game.
Classic Cinnamon French Toast
Classic Cinnamon French Toast is the perfect breakfast comfort food that transforms simple bread slices into a warm, custardy delight.
This recipe creates golden-brown, perfectly spiced French toast that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients:
• 8 thick slices of day-old bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Butter for cooking
• Maple syrup for serving
Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow bowl.
Dip each bread slice into the mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 seconds per side. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter.
Cook the soaked bread for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Pro Tip: For the best results, use slightly stale bread as it absorbs the custard mixture better without falling apart.
If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly before dipping to help it hold its shape during cooking.
Nutella Stuffed French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this indulgent Nutella Stuffed French Toast.
This heavenly combination transforms ordinary bread into a luxurious morning treat that will make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy brunch spot.
The warm, melted Nutella oozes between two perfectly golden-brown slices of French toast, creating an irresistible sweet experience.
Ingredients:
• 8 slices of thick-cut brioche bread
• 4 tablespoons Nutella
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Optional: Fresh berries and maple syrup
Spread Nutella between two slices of bread to create sandwiches.
Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Keep your heat at medium-low to ensure the outside doesn’t burn before the inside warms and the Nutella melts.
For extra decadence, warm your Nutella slightly before spreading to make it easier to work with.
Caramel Apple French Toast
Treat yourself to a decadent breakfast with this Caramel Apple French Toast.
This indulgent dish combines the classic comfort of French toast with the beloved flavors of caramel apples, creating a perfect weekend brunch centerpiece that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn morning.
Ingredients:
• 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for garnish
Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Dip each bread slice into the mixture, allowing it to soak for 30 seconds per side. Meanwhile, sauté the apple slices in butter until tender.
Cook the soaked bread in a buttered skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
Top with sautéed apples and drizzle with warm caramel sauce. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, use day-old bread as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly before starting the recipe.
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast
Indulge in the perfect weekend breakfast with this decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast.
This recipe combines the richness of cream cheese, the sweetness of fresh blueberries, and the classic comfort of French toast into one irresistible dish that will make you feel like you’re dining at a luxury brunch spot.
Ingredients:
• 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
• Powdered sugar for garnish
Spread softened cream cheese on four bread slices and top with blueberries.
Cover with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Dip each sandwich into the mixture, coating both sides.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Let your cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before spreading.
This ensures smooth application and prevents tearing the bread. For extra decadence, warm your maple syrup before serving.
Peanut Butter Cup French Toast
Transform your breakfast into a decadent treat with this Peanut Butter Cup French Toast.
This indulgent dish combines the classic comfort of French toast with the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, creating a breakfast that feels like dessert but still delivers that satisfying morning meal experience.
Ingredients:
• 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
• Maple syrup for serving
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chopped peanut butter cups for topping
Whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla in a shallow dish.
Spread peanut butter on four bread slices and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Top with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, coating both sides well.
Cook in buttered skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Let your sandwiches sit in the egg mixture for 30 seconds on each side to ensure proper absorption, but don’t soak them too long, or they’ll become soggy and fall apart during cooking.
Serve immediately while the chocolate is still melty.
Coconut Macadamia French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this tropical twist on classic French toast.
The combination of coconut and macadamia nuts creates a delightfully crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, custardy center.
This indulgent breakfast treat will transport you to a Hawaiian paradise with every bite.
Ingredients:
• 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Maple syrup for serving
• Fresh berries for garnish
Whisk together eggs, coconut milk, and vanilla in a shallow dish.
Combine shredded coconut and macadamia nuts on a plate.
Dip each bread slice in the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for 30 seconds per side.
Press both sides into the coconut-macadamia mixture.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook each slice for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Keep your French toast warm and crispy by placing finished pieces on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while cooking the remaining slices.
This prevents the bottom from getting soggy and ensures everyone can enjoy their breakfast hot and fresh.
Bananas Foster French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this decadent Bananas Foster French Toast.
This indulgent dish combines classic French toast with the rich, caramelized flavors of New Orleans’ famous Bananas Foster.
Perfect for special occasions or when you want to transform ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary experience.
Ingredients:
• 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
• Pinch of salt
Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Dip each bread slice into the mixture, allowing it to soak for 30 seconds per side.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the French toast until golden brown.
In a separate pan, melt butter and brown sugar, add bananas, and cook until caramelized.
If using rum, add it carefully and let the alcohol cook off.
Pour the banana mixture over your French toast and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: For the perfect caramelization, use bananas that are ripe but still firm.
Overripe bananas will become too mushy during cooking and won’t hold their shape in the caramel sauce.
Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast
Transform your breakfast into a decadent dessert-inspired feast with this Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast.
This indulgent dish combines the classic comfort of French toast with the luxurious flavors of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries, creating a perfect weekend brunch centerpiece.
Ingredients:
• 8 thick slices of brioche bread
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup strawberry jam
• Maple syrup for serving
• Powdered sugar for dusting
Mix eggs, milk, and vanilla in a shallow dish.
Spread softened cream cheese on one side of each bread slice.
Dip the bread in the egg mixture, then cook on a buttered griddle over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
Top with fresh strawberries, warmed strawberry jam, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pro Tip: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier spreading, and don’t soak the bread too long in the egg mixture – about 20 seconds per side is perfect to prevent soggy French toast.
Bourbon Pecan French Toast
Start your day with a luxurious twist on classic French toast.
This Bourbon Pecan French Toast combines the warmth of bourbon, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the richness of vanilla-infused custard to create a breakfast that feels like dessert.
Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Ingredients:
• 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Maple syrup for serving
• Pinch of salt
Soak your bread slices in the whisked mixture of eggs, cream, bourbon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes per side.
Meanwhile, toast the pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook each slice for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Top with toasted pecans, brown sugar, and warm maple syrup.
Pro Tip: For the best results, use day-old bread as it absorbs the custard mixture better without falling apart.
If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly before soaking to achieve the perfect texture.
Orange Marmalade French Toast
Orange Marmalade French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite.
This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of orange marmalade with rich, custardy bread for a bright and indulgent morning treat that will wow your family or brunch guests.
Ingredients:
• 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade, plus extra for serving
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
• Powdered sugar for garnish
Whisk together eggs, milk, 1/4 cup orange marmalade, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow dish.
Dip each bread slice in the mixture, allowing it to soak for 30 seconds per side. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the bread for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Warm the remaining marmalade and drizzle over the toast before serving. Dust with powdered sugar.
Pro Tip: Let your bread get slightly stale before making French toast – day-old bread absorbs the custard mixture better without falling apart.
For extra orange flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to your egg mixture.
Final Thoughts
Now you have 10 delicious ways to elevate your French toast game!
Whether you prefer the classic cinnamon-vanilla version or want to experiment with creative toppings and flavors, these recipes will help you create the perfect breakfast treat.
Remember to use slightly stale bread for the best texture, and don’t rush the soaking process.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and spices to your taste.
With these recipes in your arsenal, you’ll never look at French toast the same way again!
