The ultimate round-up of The Best French Toast Recipes! From traditional-style French toast to cozy overnight casseroles, try these fun and easy variations of a classic brunch recipe.
No matter where you live, odds are there is a local version of French toast that you know and love. Variations of this classic breakfast staple are found on millions of menus worldwide. But did you know that some of the first documented recipes for “French toast” date back as far as Ancient Rome? Throughout history, many recipes featured bread that’s cut into thick slices, soaked in milk and eggs, and then fried. Any way you slice it, French toast has stood the test of time.
How Long Have People Been Making “French Toast”?
As it turns out, French toast really isn’t named after the French at all! The recipe has had many names, and it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origins. The Romans called their version of bread dunked in milk “Pan Dulcis.” In 14th Century Europe, Germans named the dish Arme Ritter or “poor knights.”
Meanwhile, some early French recipes called it tostées dorées or pain doré (translating to “golden bread”). In France, French toast is now called pain perdu or “lost bread” – this is because the recipe was made with bread that had gone stale and would have been “lost” had it not been made into something delicious!
In the 17th Century, the name “French toast” appeared in an English cookbook. However, the term likely came from the way that the bread was cut: back then, “to French” essentially meant “to slice.” European settlers introduced the dish to the Americas, where it was likewise called French toast.
Call it what you will, French toast is an age-old favorite and one of our most beloved brunch foods. Below you’ll find 23 easy French toast recipes to try at home, from classic variations to overnight casseroles!
Classic French Toast Recipes
French toast made the old-fashioned way, in a skillet or on a griddle! These recipes are perfect to whip up and customize with all your favorite toppings.
Vanilla French Toast
Amp up the wow factor the next time you make French toast. This recipe is perfect for special occasions: with bold vanilla flavor, subtle hints of cardamom, plus a double-dip method for the richest texture possible!
Gluten-Free French Toast with Berries
Simple, tasty, and oh-so-easy, this healthy French toast recipe is also gluten-free! Made with wholesome ingredients and fresh fruit.
Vegan Pumpkin French Toast
Pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a vanilla-scented vegan custard make this vegan french toast recipe a total delight! It’s just as tasty as a traditional recipe, with the same delicately crisp exterior and pillowy soft inside, but you don’t need dairy or eggs to pull it off.
Caramelized Apple French Toast
A cozy breakfast or brunch idea that’s brimming with caramelized flavors. Fall apples sauteed in brown sugar are perfect for topping homemade cinnamon French toast!
Bailey’s Spiked French Toast
Is it breakfast? Is it dessert? Who knows, all that’s certain is that this is the ultimate French toast recipe. Soaked in Irish cream and drizzled with a spiked chocolate sauce!
Brioche French Toast
Level up from regular French toast to its slightly-more-sophisticated relative: Brioche French toast! This is the easiest recipe for French toast that’s extra fluffy and delicious.
Challah French Toast
Challah French toast is a popular variation that you can easily make at home. Exceptionally fluffy with thick slices of bread, the whole family will love it!
Peach French Toast
Load your French toast up with juicy peaches and a homemade bourbon maple syrup, for an unforgettable breakfast bursting with flavor.
Simple French Toast with Maple Syrup
Master the perfect French toast with this straightforward recipe that you can make in under 20 minutes! Serve up these crispy, tender slices with bacon and scrambled eggs for an effortless, complete breakfast.
Keto French Toast Sticks with Egg Loaf
A low-carb version of this most favorite brunch dish, made with a keto-friendly egg loaf! This recipe for easy French toast sticks will satisfy your cravings for French toast, keto diet intact!
Vegan French Toast (7 Ingredients)
Cater to almost any dietary needs with this ultra-easy vegan French toast recipe made with only 5 ingredients. Delicious and classic cinnamon French toast that’s also allergy-friendly!
Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
If you’ve never stuffed your homemade French toast with filings before, it’s about time that you start! This out-of-this-world recipe makes over classic French toast with a luxurious filling of spiced caramelized bananas and silky cream cheese.
Baked French Toast Casseroles
When it comes to make-ahead breakfasts, nothing beats a homemade French toast bake. These simple and convenient casserole ideas are great for the holidays and more!
Bourbon Apple Crisp French Toast Casserole
What happens when you combine an apple crisp with overnight baked French toast? You get this magnificent breakfast casserole! And to make things even tastier, this decadent recipe is made with bourbon custard. Yum!
Overnight Pumpkin Brioche French Toast
A delightfully cozy overnight French toast bake that you can make for the holidays, or just about any other time of the year! Made with thick brioche slices and bursting with pumpkin flavor.
Croissant French Toast Bake
Buttery croissants change the game when it comes to French toast recipes! This overnight breakfast bake is an overload of delicious: flaky croissants, melty cheese, maple syrup, and fresh juicy berries join forces beneath dollops of creamy yogurt!
Crockpot Eggnog French Toast Casserole
You’ll see your crockpot in a whole new light once you’ve used it to make this eggnog French toast casserole! The ultimate breakfast for the holidays, full of festive flavor.
Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole
Apple pie fans, get a load of this French toast bake! Your favorite dessert gets a breakfast-worthy makeover in this easy casserole that you’ll want to make for every holiday from here on.
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Bake
A fluffy and creamy overnight French toast casserole loaded with blueberries and topped with a sugary cinnamon streusel crumb. Great for entertaining and just as delicious for family breakfast!
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
A full monty breakfast! Cinnamon rolls soaked in pumpkin custard, topped with a crunchy topping of crushed Graham crackers and pecans. It’s exactly as impressive and indulgent as it sounds!
Cinnamon Streusel Apple French Toast Cups
Single-serving French toast cups are as adorable as they are delicious! Topped with a streusel topping, this fun twist on French toast is perfect for an easy make-ahead, grab-and-go breakfast.
Individual Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe (Baked or Microwave!)
Treat yourself with this easy overnight French toast casserole that’s the perfect size for one person! This recipe is super easy and gluten-free, too.
Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Indulge in the flavors of a blueberry cheesecake, jammed into an overnight French toast casserole! This easy breakfast is low effort with major reward!
Strawberry Shortcake French Toast Bake
This easy French toast casserole recipe is fruity, fluffy, and waiting to be dressed up with whipped cream and even more fresh strawberries!
Overnight Chai Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Complimentary flavors of spicy chai and creamy eggnog unite in this make-ahead French toast bake. Perfect for Christmas morning, the warm spices and tender, gluten-free French toast slices are like a hug that you can bake yourself!
French Toast in a Mug
Not really a casserole, but almost? This single serving french toast recipe comes together in less than 5 minutes and hits all those cozy breakfast vibes!
How to Fix Soggy French Toast
French toast can get soggy if you use the wrong bread (think thin slices, or fresh bread instead of day-old). Soggy toast also happens if the bread absorbs too much liquid, or if it soaks in the custard for too long. Not desirable, but also not a reason to throw in the towel.
It’s not too late to save your soggy French toast! You can fix it with a quick stint in an oven preheated to 350F. After the oven has heated up, turn it off, and then place the French toast into the residual heat to dry out for about 15 minutes.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover French toast slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure you let it cool to room temperature before storing it.
To reheat, you can zap individual slices in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until warmed through. If you like to have a slightly crisp edge, follow up the microwave with about 4-5 minutes in a toaster oven or regular oven that has been preheated to 350F.
Can French Toast Be Frozen?
French toast freezes well for longer storage. To freeze, allow the French toast to cool completely (use a wire rack to speed things along). Stack the toast with parchment paper between the slices, and then store the stack in a freezer-safe container. French toast will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, perfect for easy thawing and reheating at any time!
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