If you have a soft spot for breakfast that feels like a warm hug, then this Challah French Toast Recipe is going to become your new go-to weekend treat. Imagine rich, custardy slices of tender challah bread, soaked just right and cooked until golden, making every bite buttery, sweet, and a little bit indulgent. This dish combines the slightly sweet, fluffy nature of challah with a cinnamon-infused custard that’s pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re planning a leisurely brunch or a special family breakfast, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make this Challah French Toast Recipe shine, but each one plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and that perfect golden color. They’re pantry staples that come together in a flash, proving that sometimes simple is best.
- 6 large eggs: The heart of the custard, eggs bind everything and create that luscious, creamy texture.
- ¾ cup low-fat milk: Adds moisture and lightness without weighing the custard down.
- ¾ cup heavy cream: Gives richness and depth to the custard, making the French toast incredibly tender.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Offers a natural sweetness that balances the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, floral aroma that elevates the whole dish.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Brings a cozy spice note that’s classic in French toast but never overpowering.
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the custard perfectly balanced.
- 1 loaf day old challah, sliced ¾-inch thick: The star ingredient—its soft yet sturdy texture soaks up the custard wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter: For frying—adds a nutty richness and helps achieve that irresistible golden crust.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the butter from burning and helps the bread crisp evenly.
- Maple syrup: The perfect sweet finish when serving, though fresh fruit or powdered sugar are great too.
How to Make Challah French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Custard Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C) and setting a wire rack on a baking sheet—this setup keeps your French toast warm and crispy while you finish cooking all the slices. Next, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large baking dish until everything is fully combined and smooth. This custard mixture is where the magic begins as it soaks into the challah.
Step 2: Soak the Challah Slices
Place a few slices of your day-old challah into the custard, letting them soak for 1 to 2 minutes. Flip them occasionally to ensure every surface is saturated but not soggy. This step is crucial because challah’s open crumb structure means it drinks up the custard beautifully, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked.
Step 3: Fry the French Toast to Golden Perfection
Heat 1½ tablespoons each of butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The combo prevents burning while ensuring even browning. Fry the soaked challah slices for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. Transfer cooked slices to your wire rack in the oven to keep warm as you cook the rest. Remember to wipe your skillet clean for the next batches and add more butter and oil as needed to maintain that perfect cooking environment.
How to Serve Challah French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Once your Challah French Toast Recipe is ready, consider topping it with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture. A pat of butter melting over the warm slices is always a winner, alongside a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup to complement the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich and cozy French toast with crisp bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. A side of fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait can add a refreshing balance to the meal, making it feel both indulgent and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, layer your French toast with whipped cream and sliced bananas or create a stack topped with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. For a festive twist, serve it alongside a compote made from spiced apples or cherries to bring bright color and flavor that elevate your breakfast table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Challah French Toast Recipe pieces can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them from becoming soggy, separate layers with parchment paper so they retain their texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, flash freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month and make for a quick and delicious breakfast when reheated.
Reheating
For reheating, place frozen or refrigerated slices on a wire rack in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the French toast rubbery or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than challah for this recipe?
Absolutely! While challah is preferred for its texture and sweetness, brioche or even a sturdy country loaf can work well. Day-old bread is always best for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or coconut milk. Keep in mind that the end result may be slightly different in richness but will still be delicious.
How do I know when the custard soak is just right?
The bread should feel fully saturated but not so soft that it begins to break apart when handled. Usually, 1 to 2 minutes of soaking per side works well, but adjust based on how thick your slices are and how moist you want your French toast.
Can I prepare the custard mixture and bread soaking ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the custard and soak the bread a few hours ahead, but it’s best to cook the French toast fresh to avoid sogginess. If soaking overnight, keep the dish covered in the fridge.
What’s the secret to the perfect crispy exterior?
The combination of butter and vegetable oil in the pan helps create that ideal crispness without burning. Cooking over medium heat and not overcrowding the pan are also key to getting a golden crust.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing this Challah French Toast Recipe. It turns simple ingredients into a breakfast worthy of celebration, full of buttery richness, comforting spices, and golden goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a solo treat, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten your morning and become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
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Challah French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Challah French Toast recipe transforms day-old challah bread into a rich, custardy breakfast delight. Soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection, this dish is warm, comforting, and perfect for a weekend brunch. Served with maple syrup, it’s a classic take on French toast with a luxurious, slightly sweet flavor.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- ¾ cup low-fat milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon salt
Bread and Cooking
- 1 loaf day old challah (or brioche or other good bread), sliced ¾-inch (2-cm) thick
- Unsalted butter (about 3 tablespoons, divided)
- Vegetable oil (about 3 tablespoons, divided)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and prepare a wire rack placed on a baking sheet. This setup will keep the cooked French toast warm without making it soggy.
- Make the Custard: In a large baking dish, whisk together the eggs, low-fat milk, heavy cream, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Dip a few slices of the challah bread into the custard mixture, allowing them to soak until saturated but still holding together. Flip occasionally, soaking for about 1 to 2 minutes depending on your preferred moistness.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat 1½ tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1½ tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the soaked bread slices and cook them until they’re golden brown on each side, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Keep Warm: Once browned, transfer the cooked French toast to the wire rack in the preheated oven to stay warm while you cook the remaining slices.
- Repeat Cooking: Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels. Continue soaking and frying the remaining bread, adding more butter and oil as needed until all slices are cooked.
- Serve: Serve the Challah French Toast hot, drizzled generously with maple syrup.
Notes
- Day-old challah or brioche works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Adjust soaking time depending on bread thickness and desired custard texture.
- Keeping the cooked toast warm in the oven prevents sogginess and helps maintain crisp edges.
- Use a mix of butter and oil to prevent burning while still getting flavorful browning.
- For an extra touch, consider dusting with powdered sugar or adding fresh berries as a topping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
