Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French toast is incredibly soft and custardy with a lightly crisp exterior. The buttermilk gives it a unique depth of flavor while helping create a tender texture. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sweet toppings and fresh fruit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Thick slices of brioche, challah, Texas toast, or French bread
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, for cooking
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas, for serving (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and salt until smooth.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
- Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for 15–30 seconds per side without becoming overly saturated.
- Let any excess custard drip off before placing the bread onto the hot skillet.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Stuffed French Toast: Fill two slices of bread with sweetened cream cheese before dipping in the custard.
- Berry French Toast: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Banana Foster Style: Serve with caramelized bananas and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans over the finished French toast.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Dust with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar immediately after cooking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Buttermilk French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster, oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat to restore its crisp exterior. Freeze individual slices with parchment paper between them for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven.
FAQs
What is the best bread for French toast?
Brioche, challah, Texas toast, and day-old French bread are excellent choices because they absorb the custard without falling apart.
Why use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess that enhances the flavor and helps create a tender, creamy texture.
Can I make French toast ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the slices in advance and reheat them in the oven or toaster when ready to serve.
Should I use fresh or stale bread?
Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
Can I freeze French toast?
Yes. Freeze cooked slices in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Use thick bread, avoid oversoaking the slices, and cook over medium heat so the custard cooks through completely.
Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?
Yes. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to make a buttermilk substitute.
Can I add extra spices?
Absolutely. Cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, or a pinch of cloves add wonderful flavor.
What toppings go well with Buttermilk French Toast?
Maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, powdered sugar, toasted nuts, honey, fruit compote, and butter are all delicious options.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free milk with a little lemon juice to mimic buttermilk, along with dairy-free butter for cooking.
Conclusion
Buttermilk French Toast is a delicious twist on a breakfast classic, offering a perfectly crisp exterior, a soft custardy center, and a rich flavor enhanced by tangy buttermilk. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or any morning when you want something extra special. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
