There’s just something magical about the smell of French toast sizzling on a Sunday morning, isn’t there? It instantly takes me back to my nonna’s kitchen, that cozy haven filled with the most wonderful aromas. I remember one particularly chilly morning, my nieces and nephews were visiting, and I really wanted to bring that same comforting magic to their breakfast table, but gluten-free. So, I whipped up this Simple French Toast recipe. Watching their little eyes light up with that first bite… oh, it was pure joy and a memory I’ll always cherish. It proved to me that even the simplest dishes, made with a little heart, can create the sweetest moments. I’m Elena Brown, and as a Gluten-Free Culinary Storyteller and Recipe Heritage Specialist, sharing recipes like this one, which are both deeply nostalgic and wonderfully easy, is my passion.
Why You’ll Love This Simple French Toast
Honestly, making this French toast is such a breeze, and it tastes *so* good! Here’s why it’s become my go-to:
- Super Easy & Quick: Seriously, you can whip this up in about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy mornings!
- Comfort Food Central: It’s pure, cozy deliciousness. That warm, custardy flavor just hugs you from the inside.
- Versatile Flavors: It’s a fantastic base for all sorts of toppings. Syrups, fruits, powdered sugar – you name it!
- Kid-Approved: Little ones absolutely adore this, making it a winner for family breakfast recipes.
Ingredients for Your Simple French Toast
The beauty of this Simple French Toast is that it uses super common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! No fancy stuff needed here. Just grab these:
- 4 large eggs – Let ’em come to room temperature a bit before you start!
- 2/3 cup milk – I like whole milk for richness, but any kind works! That’s about 160 ml.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – This is my little secret for a fluffier French toast. About 30 grams.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – For just the right touch of sweetness. Around 50 grams.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances everything out perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The heart of that cozy French toast flavor!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A little splash makes a big difference. That’s 5 ml.
- 8 thick slices of bread – Don’t skimp here! Thick slices are key.
Equipment Needed for Simple French Toast
You probably have most of these things already! To make this Simple French Toast, you’ll need:
- A blender (for the super smooth batter alternative)
- A griddle or skillet (your cooking surface!)
- A shallow dish (if you’re not using a blender for the batter)
How to Make Simple French Toast: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this wonderful breakfast going! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it every single morning. Trust me, the aroma alone is worth it!
Preheating the Griddle or Skillet
First things first, let’s get your cooking surface ready. Preheat your griddle to about 350 degrees F (that’s 175 degrees C), or if you’re using a regular skillet, just get it nice and warm over medium heat. Make sure it’s lightly greased with butter or cooking spray – we want that perfect golden crust, not anything sticking!
Preparing the Batter
Now for the magic mix! The easiest way? Pop your eggs, milk, all-purpose flour (remember, that’s my little secret for a fluffier French toast!), sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract right into a blender. Give it a whirl until it’s super smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a blender handy, no worries! Just grab a shallow dish or bowl, whisk those eggs with the flour until there are no lumps, then add in all the other liquids and spices and whisk until everything is beautifully combined. For more tips on getting that perfect batter, you can check out classic French toast recipes for inspiration.
Dipping and Cooking the Bread
Grab those thick slices of bread – you know, the good stuff! Dip each slice right into that glorious batter, coating both sides really well. Let any excess drip off for a second. Then, carefully lay those soaked slices onto your hot, greased griddle or skillet. Let them cook for a few minutes on each side until they’re this gorgeous, golden-brown color. That’s the sign they’re ready to flip!
Serving Your Simple French Toast
Once they’re perfectly golden on both sides, slide them onto a plate. And there you have it! Simple French toast, ready to be devoured. Serve it up warm with a drizzle of your favorite syrup, maybe a little dusting of powdered sugar, or even some fresh fruit if you’re feeling fancy! It’s a breakfast that always feels special.
Tips for Perfect Simple French Toast
Okay, so making Simple French Toast is super easy, but I have a few little tricks up my sleeve that make it *extra* special. Think of these as my kitchen secrets for that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, custardy-on-the-inside bite every single time!
First off, the bread is KEY! Don’t use flimsy, thin bread. Go for something hearty, like thick-sliced challah, brioche, or even just good old day-old white bread. It soaks up that golden batter like a dream without falling apart. For my gluten-free pals, I’ve found some amazing bakery-style loaves that work wonders – you can see more ideas over on my recipes page!
And that batter? Make sure it’s smooth! If you’re whisking by hand, keep at it until there are no flour pockets. It makes all the difference. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re cooking. Give those slices some space to get nice and golden brown. Patience is a virtue, especially when it leads to deliciousness!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Simple French Toast
You know, the ingredients for this Simple French Toast are pretty forgiving, but a few little details really make it shine. Let’s chat about ’em!
That all-purpose flour? It’s like a little hug for your batter, helping it thicken up just right and giving the toast a beautifully fluffy texture instead of a soggy one. If you needed to make this gluten-free, you could totally swap it out for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend – I’ve tested it, and it works wonderfully!
As for the milk, I usually reach for whole milk because it adds a lovely richness, but don’t stress if all you have is skim or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. It’ll still be delicious! And the bread? Seriously, day-old is your best friend here. It’s less likely to fall apart when you dip it. But if fresh is all you have, just lightly toast it beforehand!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Simple French Toast
The best part about this Simple French Toast? You can totally get a jump on breakfast! You can make the batter a day or two ahead of time and just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a quick whisk before you use it, and you’re good to go!
And leftovers? Oh yes, there will be leftovers! Let them cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat wonderfully on a skillet or in a toaster for a quick morning treat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Simple French Toast
Got questions about making the perfect French toast? I’ve got you covered! This section answers some of the most common queries about whipping up this delicious, easy breakfast treat.
What kind of bread is best for French toast?
For the best results, go for thick-sliced, slightly stale bread like challah, brioche, or even just day-old white bread. It soaks up the batter beautifully without getting soggy!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! The batter for this Simple French Toast keeps well in the fridge for 1-2 days in an airtight container. Just give it a good whisk before you use it.
How do I prevent my French toast from getting soggy?
A few things help here! Using thick, slightly stale bread is crucial. Also, make sure your batter isn’t too thin – the flour helps with that! And don’t overcrowd the pan; give each slice room to get nice and golden and crisp.
Estimated Nutritional Information
So, when it comes to the numbers, keep in mind that these are just estimates for one slice of Simple French Toast, and they can totally change depending on the exact bread you use, the type of milk, or even how much syrup you drizzle on top! But generally, you’re looking at around 250-300 calories, with maybe 12-15g of fat, 8-10g of protein, and about 25-30g of carbohydrates per serving. It’s a hearty start to your day for sure!
Share Your Simple French Toast Creations!
Now that you’ve made this delicious Simple French Toast, I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Did you try it plain, or did you go all out with toppings? Please, leave a comment below and tell me your thoughts, or even give the recipe a star rating! It helps other home cooks find their new favorite breakfast recipes. And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations!
Simple French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your griddle to 350 degrees F or heat a skillet over medium heat.
- In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Alternatively, whisk the flour and eggs together in a shallow dish, then whisk in the remaining ingredients until combined.
- Dip each bread slice into the batter, coating both sides well. Place the coated bread slices onto the hot, greased griddle or skillet.
- Cook for a few minutes until the bottom of the bread is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Remove the French toast to a plate. Serve warm with syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Notes
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Gluten-Free Nutritionist & Family Meal Planning Expert
Working as a pediatric dietitian at Children’s Hospital of Denver, I kept meeting families overwhelmed by managing their children’s celiac disease. Parents stressed, kids frustrated, everyone eating bland boxed “gluten-free” products.
That’s when I realized my calling: creating practical, balanced gluten-free solutions for real families with busy schedules. I’ve developed 375+ family-friendly recipes focusing on lunch boxes, after-school snacks, and make-ahead dinners that actually work.
My meal planning system was featured in Parents Magazine, and I presented research at the Rocky Mountain Pediatric Nutrition Conference. My evidence-based approach ensures recipes meet both taste and health standards—families need solutions that work in the real world, not just perfect test kitchens.