French Toast Recipe: How to Make Perfect French Toast

French toast, known as pain perdu ("lost bread") in France, is a breakfast and brunch dish made with old bread slices that are soaked in a milk and egg mixture and fried until golden brown and crispy. Often served with fresh fruit and a glass of orange juice, French toast is one of America's favorite breakfast foods.

French toast isn't actually French: The first recipe for French toast comes from the first-century Roman cookbook Apicius. During Roman times, the bread dish was sweetened with honey. Throughout the Middle Ages, French toast was known in both France and English-speaking regions as pain perdu, or “lost bread,” a reference to the dish's ability to use bread no longer at its peak. The term “French toast” was first used around the seventeenth century, but it referred to something slightly different than it does today: toasted bread slices soaked in a mixture of wine, sugar, and orange juice.

Once you've mastered classic French toast, take it to the next level with these variations.

1. 1. Cinnamon French toast: Most French toast recipes usually include a pinch of cinnamon in the custard mixture. For especially sweet spiced French toast, coat just-cooked cinnamon toast in cinnamon sugar.
2. 2. Peanut-butter-and-jelly French toast: Spread peanut butter and jelly on one slice of French toast and top with another.
3. 3. Pecan French toast casserole: If you're making French toast for a crowd, try baking it. Arrange the slices in a baking dish, and pour the custard mixture on top. Add a sprinkle of nuts and sugar to the top of the casserole.
4. 4. Eggnog French toast: Since eggnog already contains milk, eggs, and spices, it’s perfect for making eggnog French toast—just add bread and fry.
5. 5. New Orleans-style pain perdu: Made with French bread and dusted with powdered sugar, this version of French toast has a satisfying chewiness.
6. 6. Savory French toast: French toast doesn't have to be sweet. Skip the sugar and instead flavor the custard with cheese, herbs, or tomatoes, and top with a fried egg. This is a great choice for sourdough bread since its tanginess might overwhelm a sweeter French toast.

Try these tricks for making the best French toast.

1. 1. Don't use fresh bread. French toast is a great way to use up bread that's gone stale. If you're craving French toast and only have fresh bread, don't despair. You can dry out fresh bread in the oven. Arrange slices on a baking sheet and place in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
2. 2. Use brioche. The best bread for making classic French toast is brioche. It has a rich, eggy flavor and relatively tight crumb that soaks up all of the custard without becoming soggy. Challah, also an egg bread, is another great choice. Sandwich bread, such as pain de mie or a Pullman loaf, is another good option, but avoid sliced white bread, since the slices are often too thin to yield fluffy French toast.
3. 3. Serve French toast immediately. Avoid soggy French toast by serving it as soon as it’s ready. If you aren’t able to do so, keep French toast warm (or reheat it) in a low oven.
4. 4. Make French toast with half-and-half. For the richest, most delicious French toast, use equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. Store-bought half-and-half sometimes contains other ingredients, so it's best to make your own.