French Toast That Stays Crispy on the Outside and Custardy on the Inside — Every Time
Make French toast that stays crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside with one simple secret: a little flour in the batter. Ready in 25 minutes, this is the weekend breakfast your family will beg for.
Equipment
- Griddle or large skillet
- Blender
- Spatula
- Baking sheet or plate
Ingredients
Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole milk (or 2%)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bread
- 8 slices stale thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
- as needed butter or neutral oil, for the griddle
Instructions
- Preheat your griddle to 350°F (or heat a large skillet over medium heat). Let it get fully hot before adding any fat — about 5 minutes.
- In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla. Blend on low until completely smooth, about 20 seconds. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes — this allows the flour to hydrate and improves texture.
- Dip each slice of bread into the custard, about 15 seconds per side. Do not over-soak; the bread should feel heavy but not soggy.
- Grease the hot griddle with butter or oil. Place the dipped bread slices onto the hot surface without crowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown with caramelized spots.
- Flip each slice and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden on the second side. The second side cooks faster because the griddle is already hot.
- Transfer to plates and serve immediately with butter, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Tips for Success: Use day-old bread for the best texture. If using fresh bread, dry it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Do not over-soak the bread — a quick dip on each side is enough. Let the custard rest 5 minutes after blending for a smoother texture. Cook over medium heat (350°F) to avoid burning the sugar. For freezing, flash freeze cooked slices then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes.