Top 7 All-Time-Favorite French Toast Recipes

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Macro close-up of cinnamon French toast in white kitchen with syrup detail and apartment skyscraper view in daylight.

Why You’ll Love This French Toast Roundup

Whether you’re a brunch master or a lazy Sunday cook, French toast is the golden, cinnamon-scented comfort food that never disappoints. With its crispy edges, custardy center, and endless topping options, it’s the breakfast MVP—and this curated list celebrates the best of the best.

Inspired by Food Network’s 29 French toast ideas, we’ve narrowed it down to 7 all-time favorites that go beyond basic. From indulgent banana fosters to fruit-stuffed Hawaiian rolls, there’s a toast for every craving and crowd.

1. Classic Cinnamon French Toast

A cozy classic that’s impossible to mess up—and even harder to resist. Rich custard, a hit of cinnamon, and a buttery skillet give this version its signature golden finish.

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of brioche or challah bread
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Butter for cooking

Instructions:

  1. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  2. Dip bread slices and coat well.
  3. Pan-fry in butter over medium heat until golden.
  4. Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar.

🔗 Try The Suburban Soapbox version

Macro close-up of cinnamon French toast in white kitchen with syrup detail and apartment skyscraper view in daylight.

2. Texas French Toast Bananas Foster

The ultimate brunch dessert. Sweet, caramelized bananas over thick Texas toast with a splash of rum (optional, but encouraged).

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices of Texas toast
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup dark rum (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Make a basic custard and soak Texas toast.
  2. Pan-fry until golden.
  3. In another pan, melt butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  4. Add bananas and caramelize.
  5. Pour the warm banana sauce over toast and serve.
Macro bananas foster French toast in white kitchen with detailed caramel texture and skyscraper view in sunny apartment.

3. Cherry and Nutella Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast

This one’s for the sweet tooths—think chocolate-cherry pastry disguised as breakfast.

Ingredients:

  • 12 Hawaiian rolls
  • 1 cup cherry pie filling
  • ½ cup Nutella
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Butter for cooking

Instructions:

  1. Slice and stuff rolls with Nutella and cherry filling.
  2. Make a simple custard and dip the stuffed rolls.
  3. Cook on a buttered skillet until crisp and golden.
  4. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Macro cherry Nutella French toast in white kitchen with rich close-up and skyscraper apartment view in bright daylight.

4. Baked Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Make-ahead magic for a crowd. Great for holidays, brunch parties, or sleepy Sunday mornings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Layer bread cubes in a greased casserole dish.
  2. Mix custard and pour over bread.
  3. Cover and chill overnight.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
  5. Add pecans before baking if using.
Macro baked French toast casserole in white kitchen with detailed texture and apartment skyscraper skyline in sunlight.

5. Vanilla French Toast

Simple and elegant. Vanilla takes the spotlight with just enough cinnamon to warm things up.

Ingredients:

  • 6 slices bread
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Butter for cooking

Instructions:

  1. Whisk custard ingredients.
  2. Dip bread and pan-fry until golden.
  3. Serve with syrup or berries.
Macro vanilla French toast in white kitchen with syrup details and clear city skyscraper apartment view in daylight.

6. French Toast with Mixed Berries

For those who want something fresh and fruity. A great way to use up that carton of berries.

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of bread
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup fresh mixed berries
  • Butter for cooking

Instructions:

  1. Whisk custard ingredients.
  2. Dip bread, cook in butter until crisp.
  3. Top with berries, syrup, or powdered sugar.
Macro berry-topped French toast in bright white kitchen with fruit detail and daylight skyscraper apartment view.

7. Alton Brown’s French Toast

A chef’s version of the classic. Day-old bread + warm honey = next-level brunch.

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices day-old challah or brioche
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons honey, warmed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Butter for cooking

Instructions:

  1. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, honey, and salt.
  2. Dip bread slices and rest on a rack for 1–2 mins.
  3. Cook in butter until golden on both sides.
  4. Serve with your favorite toppings.

🔗 View Alton’s full recipe

Macro French toast with honey in white kitchen, crispy texture with sunny apartment view of skyscrapers in background.

Final Thought

Whether you love your French toast classic and buttery or oozing with Nutella and bananas, this list has something for everyone. These top picks deliver flavor, texture, and that little indulgent sparkle we all deserve at breakfast.

So grab your eggs, your bread, and your skillet—and Stir the Taste into the morning.

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