Traditional French toast has a long and flavorful history rooted in tradition. Despite its name, French toast didn’t actually originate in France. Versions of this beloved dish date back to ancient Rome, where stale bread was soaked in a milk and egg mixture before being fried. However, the French later perfected and popularized the dish as pain perdu, or “lost bread,” giving it the French name we use today.
Classic French Toast
In French households, pain perdu was a clever and delicious way to avoid food waste. Leftover bread was transformed into a warm, comforting breakfast, often sweetened with sugar or honey. Over time, this simple recipe became a cherished tradition, especially on weekends or during special family meals. French families passed the recipe down through generations, and it remains a staple in French cuisine.
The tradition of French toast eventually spread around the world. In the United States, it became a breakfast favorite served with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fruit. While the toppings and techniques may vary, the heart of traditional French toast—a mixture of eggs, milk, and bread—has stayed the same. Many still choose French bread for its sturdy texture and ability to soak up the custard mixture beautifully.
French toast is more than just food, it represents comfort, tradition, and the magic of turning everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether served at a French café, a family brunch, or a holiday breakfast table, this dish brings people together.
Even today, French toast is celebrated for its ability to adapt—whether you keep it classic or add your own flair. No matter how it’s prepared, the tradition of French toast continues to honor its humble French origins while remaining a global favorite. It’s a timeless dish with a rich past and a delicious future.
Ingredients
- 8 slice bread
- 2 eggs large
- 2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Mix eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
- Heat the skillet to medium and melt butter in it.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Place the dipped bread slices in the skillet.
- Cook until the bottom is browned, then flip and cook the other side until browned.
- Remove the cooked bread from the skillet.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- erve with maple syrup if desired.
Nutrition
Not as great as everyone says. I mean, it’s just sawed up bread in milk. 🤔
Why do I need 2 cups of milk? Seems like too much for just a few slices! 🤔
The milk helps create a custard-like mixture that soaks into the bread. It makes it super moist and delicious! Trust the recipe! 😊
Taste guud!!! I made this for my bro and he was super happy.
This was amazing! The kids loved it!
So glad to hear that! My kids can be picky, but I think they’ll love this too!
It’s just bread dipped in eggs? I don’t get what’s so special about it. My mom’s was way better.
French toast with cinnamon is life! I can’t believe how easy this was to make.
This is just like my grandma used to make, so nostalgic! I love it. Much better than store-bought!!
I accidentally spilled cinnamon into the egg mix, but it turned out super delish! Browned toast for the win! All good!
Cinnamon in the egg mix?! That’s bold! But honestly, it sounds kinda good. I’ll have to try that sometime! 🍞
Perfect breakfast for lazy Sundays! I used brioche bread, yum! 10/10 would recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love French toast! But honestly, the real trick is using stale bread. It holds the mixture better, ya know? Just a thought!
This was okay but I expected more flavor. Maybe I did something wrong? 😕
Boring recipe. Just eggs and bread, like, where is the excitement? Can’t believe people rave about French toast.
Really easy to make but too sweet for my taste. I prefer it plain. 🤷♂️
Too sweet? Really? I think it’s perfect as it is, especially with syrup! But everyone has their preferences, I suppose.
I get what you mean! I like it plain too. Sometimes the sweetness can be overwhelming. Just butter for me!
OMG this French toast was amazing!! I added some fresh berries and it took it to the next level. Will make again! 🥰
It turned out okay… but I prefer mine a bit crunchier.
I agree! A little crunch makes all the difference. Maybe try toasting the bread a bit longer next time?
But French toast ain’t suppose to be crunchy! It’s meant to be soft and sweet. You’re doing it wrong!
I think you forgot to put an instruction to serve it with fruits. Just saying.
I’m not sure if I did this right. The bread got kinda soggy. 🙁