There’s something undeniably comforting and indulgent about French toast—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and topped with syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar. Whether you’re enjoying a lazy Sunday morning with family or hosting friends for brunch, French toast is always a winning dish. It’s versatile, easy to make, and absolutely delicious!
In this post, we’ll explore the best French toast recipes that are perfect for a weekend brunch. Whether you prefer classic French toast, something a little more decadent, or a healthier version, there’s a recipe here for you. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering ideas that will have everyone asking for seconds!
1. Classic French Toast with Maple Syrup 🍁
The classic French toast recipe is a timeless favorite. With only a handful of ingredients, you can create this crispy, golden breakfast dish that pairs perfectly with maple syrup.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Butter for frying
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Whisk the ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt.
- Prepare the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Let the excess drip off.
- Fry the toast: In a large skillet, heat a little butter over medium heat. Cook each slice of bread for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve your French toast warm, topped with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
2. Cinnamon Sugar French Toast 🍪
For those who love a little extra sweetness, cinnamon sugar French toast is a must-try! The combination of warm cinnamon and sugary goodness makes this variation a brunch favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (your choice of bread)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter for frying
- Cinnamon sugar mixture (½ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon)
- Maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
- Whisk the egg mixture: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Coat the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Cook the toast: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the bread slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Dust with cinnamon sugar: Immediately after cooking, sprinkle the warm French toast with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve: Serve your cinnamon sugar French toast with maple syrup or honey for an added touch of sweetness.
3. Stuffed French Toast with Cream Cheese and Berries 🍓
Elevate your French toast game with stuffed French toast filled with a rich and creamy cream cheese filling, then topped with fresh berries for the ultimate indulgence. This decadent version will take your brunch to a whole new level.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (like brioche or challah)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Butter for frying
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Maple syrup or whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stuff the bread: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture between two slices of bread, creating a sandwich.
- Make the egg mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and sugar.
- Dip and cook: Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve your stuffed French toast warm, topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup or whipped cream.
4. Savory French Toast with Avocado and Poached Eggs 🥑
If you’re craving a savory twist on French toast, try this recipe with creamy avocado and perfectly poached eggs. It’s a satisfying, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for brunch.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of sourdough or whole wheat bread
- 2 large eggs (for poaching)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or cilantro) for garnish
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the toast: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toast the bread slices until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Poach the eggs: Bring a pot of water to a simmer and carefully crack the eggs into the water. Poach the eggs for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Prepare the avocado: Mash the avocado with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble: Spread the mashed avocado on each slice of toast, then top with a poached egg.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired. Enjoy this savory French toast for a healthy and delicious brunch option.
5. Banana Foster French Toast 🍌
Bring a little New Orleans flair to your brunch with Banana Foster French toast. This indulgent version of French toast features caramelized bananas in a rum sauce, making it a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of brioche or challah bread
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Make the toast: Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Cook the bread in a skillet with butter until golden brown on both sides.
- Caramelize the bananas: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and brown sugar. Add the banana slices and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bananas are soft and caramelized. If using rum, add it to the skillet and cook for another minute.
- Serve: Serve your French toast topped with the caramelized bananas and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Final Thoughts
French toast is the ultimate brunch dish that can be customized in so many ways. From the classic maple syrup version to stuffed French toast or a savory option like avocado and poached eggs, there’s something for everyone. These recipes are easy to prepare, and the results will have your guests coming back for more!
So, next time you’re planning a weekend brunch, skip the usual and try one of these delicious French toast recipes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, these mouthwatering options are sure to impress.
