Challah French Toast Recipe: Fluffy, Easy, and Delicious Breakfast

French toast is a great way to use leftover bread and is very easy to make.  French toast is great for breakfast, especially with maple syrup! You can also enjoy easy french toast as a tasty treat or dessert any time :)

French toast taste can range from good to excellent.  The way to get the *excellent* french toast is to make it from challah bread!  Challah produces the yummiest french toast possible!

Challah french toast sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar is the king of french toast :)

Why You’ll Love Challah French Toast

• Incredibly Soft and Fluffy: Challah bread has a unique texture that absorbs the egg mixture beautifully, resulting in a soft and fluffy French toast with a slightly crisp exterior.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks looking to whip up something delicious quickly.
• Versatile for Any Meal: Enjoy this challah French toast for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert – it pairs perfectly with a wide range of toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or your favorite syrup.
• Great for Leftovers: French toast made with challah tastes fantastic when freshly cooked, but it’s also delicious the next day. Simply reheat in the microwave for a quick and tasty breakfast.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a comforting weekend breakfast, this recipe is sure to impress guests with its rich flavor and delightful presentation.

Ingredients You Need For Challah French Toast Recipe:

• 1 small challah, sliced – The star of the recipe! Its soft texture and slight sweetness make it perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.
• 2 eggs – Provides the base for the custard-like mixture that coats the bread.
• 2 cups of milk – Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, helping to create a rich and moist French toast.
• Powdered sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.
• Cinnamon – A sprinkle of cinnamon gives the French toast a warm, cozy flavor.
• 2 tbsp oil – Used to fry the bread slices, ensuring a golden-brown crust.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Challah French Toast

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for accurately measuring your ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl – Used to whisk the eggs and combine with the milk.
• Whisk – Helps to thoroughly blend the egg and milk mixture for an even coating.
• Non-Stick Frying Pan – Prevents the challah from sticking while frying, ensuring an even, golden crust.
• Spatula – Used for flipping the bread slices to cook both sides evenly.
• Large Plates – For placing the cooked French toast slices in a single layer before serving.

Directions How To Make Challah French Toast:

Whisk the eggs in a bowl, then pour in the milk and mix.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat (I use 2 frying pans on 2 burners, 1 tbsp of oil in each pan).

Dip each challah slice in the egg and milk mixture on both sides.  Put dipped challah slices on a frying pan.  Cook for 3 minutes (or until the underside is golden-brown), then flip each slice with a spatula and cook for another 3 minutes (or until both sides are golden-brown).

Remove from the frying pan unto large plates so the french toast pieces are in a single layer.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon.  Enjoy your french toast with maple syrup – YUM YUM!

French toast tastes best when eaten immediately, but is also pretty good even the next day after you reheat it in a microwave.  I usually make a large portion of french toast and save some for next day’s breakfast too :)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Challah French Toast warm with a generous drizzle of orange syrup for a classic, comforting flavor.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, for a burst of color and freshness.
• Pair with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a savory-sweet combination that’s sure to satisfy.
• For a decadent twist, top with a scoop of banana ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar – perfect for a special brunch or dessert.
• Garnish with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for a rich, sweet treat.

Tips for Success

• Use Day-Old Bread: Using slightly stale challah bread is ideal for making French toast. The firmer texture helps the bread soak up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy, resulting in perfectly cooked slices.
• Whisk the Egg Mixture Thoroughly: Ensure the eggs and milk are fully combined for an even coating on every slice. This prevents uneven cooking and helps create a custard-like texture in the French toast.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the slices in batches allows for better heat distribution and helps achieve a consistent, golden-brown crust. If you overcrowd the pan, the slices may steam instead of frying, resulting in soggy French toast.
• Adjust Heat as Needed: Keep the heat at medium-high to get a nice sear on each slice without burning. If the pan gets too hot, reduce the heat slightly to avoid scorching the bread.
• Serve Immediately for Best Results: French toast tastes best when served right after cooking. The exterior will be crispy, and the inside soft and fluffy. If you have leftovers, reheat them in a microwave or toaster oven to maintain the texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use Different Breads: While challah is ideal for its soft texture and slight sweetness, you can also use brioche, French baguette, or sourdough for a different flavor and texture. Brioche adds extra richness, while sourdough brings a slight tang that complements the sweet toppings.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. These alternatives will still provide the creamy texture needed for the egg mixture.
• Egg-Free Version: If you prefer to make this recipe without eggs, use a combination of milk and a little cornstarch or a flaxseed egg substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
• Add Flavors to the Egg Mixture: Enhance the flavor of your French toast by adding a dash of vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, or a splash of orange juice to the egg and milk mixture. These additions bring unique and subtle flavors that elevate the dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free challah or another gluten-free bread to enjoy this recipe without gluten. Ensure all other ingredients, like the powdered sugar and cinnamon, are also gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Allow any leftover French toast to cool completely before storing. Place the slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, separating each slice with a piece of parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze French toast, place the cooled slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents the slices from sticking together. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated French toast slices in a microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my French toast from becoming soggy?

To avoid soggy French toast, use slightly stale challah bread and make sure the slices are not too thick. Also, don’t soak the bread in the egg mixture for too long; just enough to coat both sides evenly. Cooking the slices on medium-high heat helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.

Can I make Challah French Toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare challah French toast ahead of time. After cooking, let the slices cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven when ready to serve. You can also freeze the French toast for up to 2 months and reheat from frozen as needed.

What are the best toppings for Challah French Toast?

Challah French toast pairs well with a variety of toppings. Classic options include powdered sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup. You can also add fresh fruit like berries or bananas, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey, caramel, or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While challah is recommended for its texture and flavor, you can use other types of bread like brioche, sourdough, or French baguette. Each bread will provide a different texture and taste, allowing you to customize the French toast to your preference.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

To make a healthier version, use whole-grain challah or another whole-grain bread and substitute low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative. You can also reduce or omit the powdered sugar and use natural sweeteners like honey or fresh fruit for toppings.

Other Easy Toast Recipes

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Toast: A quick and delicious breakfast treat made with toasted bread, melted butter, and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping.

Chocolate Hazelnut French Toast: Indulge in this rich French toast filled with creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.

Creamy Ricotta Breakfast Toast: A delightful morning toast topped with smooth ricotta cheese, honey, and a sprinkle of fresh fruits or nuts.

Savory Hummus Breakfast Toast: A nutritious and satisfying toast topped with creamy hummus, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Mediterranean Sardine Toast: A flavorful toast featuring sardines, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon, inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.

Fresh Tomato Breakfast Toast: A simple yet vibrant toast topped with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Sweet Honey Dessert Toast: A delectable dessert toast drizzled with honey and topped with your favorite fruits, nuts, or whipped cream.

Other Easy Recipes

• Healthy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Broccoli and Nuts
• Simple Moist Carrot Cake
• Homemade Blueberry Muffins