Follow these simple instructions to create delicious, golden-brown French Toast every time. This recipe is designed to be easy and straightforward, even for beginner cooks.

1. Prepare Your Custard Base: In a shallow dish or baking pan (large enough to easily dip bread slices), whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures all the ingredients are properly incorporated and the custard will be smooth. Don’t over-whisk, just whisk until everything is blended.
2. Slice Your Bread (If Needed): If you are using a loaf of bread that isn’t pre-sliced, slice it into ¾-inch to 1-inch thick slices. Thicker slices hold up better during dipping and cooking, resulting in a fluffier interior. If using pre-sliced bread like Texas toast, you can use it as is.
3. Soak the Bread: One at a time, gently place a slice of bread into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 15-20 seconds per side, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. The soaking time is crucial. You want the bread to absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy. Don’t let it sit for too long, or it might fall apart. For slightly stale bread, you might need to soak it a bit longer to ensure it’s properly moistened.
4. Preheat Your Cooking Surface: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Allow it to heat up properly before adding butter. A properly preheated surface will prevent the French Toast from sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Melt the Butter: Add about 1 tablespoon of butter to the preheated skillet or griddle. Let the butter melt completely and coat the bottom of the pan. You can use more butter as needed throughout the cooking process to prevent sticking and ensure golden-brown results. You can also use a combination of butter and oil for a higher smoke point if you prefer.
6. Cook the French Toast: Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot, buttered skillet or griddle. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning. Leave enough space between slices to allow for easy flipping.
7. Cook Until Golden Brown: Cook the French Toast for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bread and the heat of your pan. Keep an eye on the French Toast and adjust the heat if it’s browning too quickly or too slowly. You want a beautiful golden-brown crust and a cooked-through, custardy interior.
8. Check for Doneness: To check if the French Toast is cooked through, gently press the center with your finger. It should feel slightly firm and spring back. If it feels soft and soggy in the middle, it needs to cook a little longer. You can also insert a fork into the center; it should come out clean.
9. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the French Toast from the skillet and serve immediately. French Toast is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Place cooked French Toast on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess butter.
10. Repeat and Enjoy: Repeat steps 3-9 with the remaining bread and custard mixture, adding more butter to the pan as needed. Serve your delicious Easy French Toast immediately with your favorite toppings and enjoy!