The Best French Toast
French toast constitutes the cornerstone of our brunch board, as its warm, cinnamon-scented aroma is universally inviting. The secret to the perfect French toast boils down to a richly flavored custard imbued with a mélange of sugar, cinnamon, brandy, and vanilla. Using thick slices of day-old bread such as brioche or challah adds a touch of decadence and texture that holds up to the custard without falling apart.
Ingredients
- 4 Eggs Large
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream or Milk
- 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Cup Brandy or Rum (Optional)
- 2 Tsp Vanilla Paste or Extract
- 12 Slices Day-Old Brioche or Challah Bread Thick Slices
- 2 Tbsp Butter or Cooking Spray
Instructions
Prepare the custard mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream (or milk), sugar, salt, cinnamon, brandy (if using), and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will form the custard base for soaking the bread slices.
Select a suitable pan:
- To ensure each slice of bread is evenly soaked and flavored, use a large rectangular pan that allows all slices to be laid out flat in a single layer. Avoid stacking the bread, as this can lead to inconsistent soaking and potentially soggy or under-flavored pieces. Working in batches may be necessary.
Soak the bread:
- Dip your choice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring each side is thoroughly coated. Let the bread soak for 10 minutes on each side. This step is crucial for achieving the quintessential French toast texture—crispy on the outside while remaining soft and custardy inside.
Heat the skillet:
- Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of butter to coat the surface. Wait for the butter to melt and lightly bubble, indicating that the pan is at the perfect temperature for cooking the soaked bread.
Cook the french toast:
- Place the custard-soaked bread slices into the pan without overcrowding. Cook each piece for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until the edges begin to brown to a beautiful golden hue.
- Carefully flip the slices over and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes on the opposite side. The medium-low heat allows the custard inside the bread to cook through and set without burning the exterior.
Check for doneness:
- Once both sides have reached a consistent color and the French toast feels firm but springy to the touch, indicating the custard is fully cooked, remove the slices from the pan.
Keep warm and serve:
- As you continue cooking the remaining slices, avoid stacking the cooked French toast on top of each other, as this can lead to a soggy texture. Instead, arrange each piece side by side on a wire rack or keep them warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven until ready to serve.