My sister’s 30-minute challah French toast recipe is better than any diner’s. It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, of course topped with a slab of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup!
There’s something extra special about starting your day with a classic breakfast. My sister’s challah French toast is everything you want in a traditional recipe. It’s soft and fluffy on the inside with golden, crispy edges. With a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, it’s got just the right amount of warm flavors. The secret ingredient? Challah bread. Challah has a rich, slightly sweet taste, and is sturdy so it won’t get soggy. Top with Homemade Butter and a big splash of maple syrup of course, or get crazy and pile on some fresh berries with a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a beauty.
Taking only 30 minutes from start to finish, there’s just enough time to prepare a batch of Homemade Breakfast Sausage or some crispy bacon to serve on the side. Restaurant-quality breakfast or breakfast-for-dinner is served!
Ingredients
- Challah – challah is a braided, traditional Jewish bread that is rich, slightly sweet, and has a tender yet dense crumb. This is the shining star ingredient! Sub with brioche bread if preferred.
- Eggs – eggs provide structure and richness.
- Whole milk – whole milk thins out the egg mixture allowing it to coat the bread evenly while also adding a creaminess and richness to the mixture.
- Buttermilk – buttermilk will add the slightest tangy undertones while making the French toast extra tender.
- Salted butter – salted butter creates a golden, crispy crust.
- Vanilla extract – vanilla extract will add a subtle sweet vanilla flavor.
- Cinnamon – a sprinkle of cinnamon adds that classic French toast flavor.
How To Make Challah French Toast
Learn how to make challah French toast! Full instructions in the recipe card; this is an outline!
- Add.
Add eggs to a shallow bowl or dish.
- Beat.
Lightly beat the eggs.
- Whisk.
Add whole milk, buttermilk, vanilla, and cinnamon to the eggs and whisk until combined.
- Dip.
Dip 3 pieces of bread into the egg mixture, letting the bread sit in the mixture for about 20 seconds per side.
- Melt.
In a large pan over medium heat, add 1 ½ tablespoons butter and let it melt.
- Cook.
Add 3 slices to the pan and cook until deep golden brown, about 4-8 minutes per side.
- Repeat.
Repeat the process for the other 3 slices of bread.
- Serve.
Serve immediately with more butter, maple syrup or other toppings.
Other Types Of Bread To Use For French Toast
You can still make French toast if you don’t have challah bread on hand. The best bread for French toast is dense with a sturdy texture, allowing it to soak up the custard mixture without getting too soggy. While challah is my favorite, you can use brioche or even Texas toast instead. Both brioche and Texas toast are more delicate than challah bread, so I would recommend soaking them for half the amount of time, about 10 seconds per side.
Tips And Tricks
- Choose a slightly stale challah loaf. When choosing your challah loaf, find one that is a touch on the stale side as it will absorb the custard mixture well without becoming soggy.
- Slice the challah thickly. Thick challah slices are key for this recipe! Aim for about 1-inch thick slices so they become saturated but you can still handle them.
- Dip for 20 seconds. Dipping each slice of challah into the mixture for 20 seconds each side ensures the slice doesn’t become oversaturated and soggy, while also allowing for enough flavor to be soaked up! It’s the perfect balance.
Recipe Video
Serving Suggestions (Toppings!)
The topping options for challah French toast are endless! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Maple syrup – the real stuff!
- Homemade Butter
- Berries added to the hot pan with the residual butter for 1-2 minutes for a quick warm berry compote
- Powdered sugar
- Homemade Whipped Cream
- Dash of cinnamon
- Pumpkin Butter for extra fall flavor!
- Peanut butter and bananas
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love!
Mary’s Challah French Toast
Ingredients
- 6 thick slices of challah or brioche bread, about 1 inch thick slices
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- Toppings of choice, butter, maple syrup, berries, powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl or dish, add eggs. Lightly beat.
- Add whole milk, buttermilk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Whisk until combined.
- Dip 3 pieces of bread in egg mixture, letting bread sit in mixture for about 20 seconds per side.
- Preheat a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 ½ tablespoons butter. Let melt.
- Add bread to pan, and let cook until deep golden brown, about 4-8 minutes per side.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
