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4.4 from 96 votes

Challah French Toast

Challah French toast is a classic breakfast treat. It's fluffy and perfect with maple syrup drizzled on top. Make this recipe for weekend breakfast, weeknight breakfast-for-dinner, or holiday brunch!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
11 hrs 20 mins
Total Time
12 hrs
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 437 kcal
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 lices challah bread sliced ½-inch thick
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided (for cooking)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Stale the bread by setting it out on a cooling rack uncovered overnight.
  2. Whisk milk, egg yolks, sugar, melted butter, salt, and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Transfer milk mixture to 13x9-inch baking pan.
  3. Working with 3 slices of bread at a time, dip into custard for 20 seconds. Using a spatula turn bread over and soak for another 20 seconds. (Bread should be saturated but not falling apart.) Transfer soaked bread to baking sheet or tray and continue until all bread is soaked.
  4. Heat ½ tablespoon of butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. When foaming subsides, use slotted spatula to transfer 2 slices soaked bread to skillet until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until second side is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes longer. Wipe out skillet with paper towels. Repeat cooking remaining bread, 2 pieces at a time, adding ½ tablespoon of butter for each batch. The French toast should be served immediately, but can be kept warm in a 200-degree oven until served.

Notes

  • Nutritional values are based on one serving
  • Bread: Use Challah, brioche or another hearty bread like Italian, sourdough, or a sturdy wheat bread.
  • Take the time to stale the bread overnight: This ensures that the bread is dry enough to soak up the custard mixture without falling apart. If the bread is too soft, it can't soak up as much custard. As a result, you will lose a lot of flavor. If you forget to set the bread out the night before, don't panic! Just place the bread in a 300 degrees F oven for about 15 minutes. Halfway through, turn the slices of bread over.
  • Don't turn up the heat: Although it takes a little longer to cook, I promise you, this classic French toast is worth it! The lower heat ensures that the custard cooks all the way through the bread, while also browning the outside. At a higher temperature, the bread browns much too quickly without the inside cooking through. This will cause your French toast to be mushy.
  • Keep it indulgent! I beg of you – please do not try to make this recipe healthier by lowering the fat and/or calories. If you try to use low-fat milk, egg whites instead of yolks, etc., you’ll have some texture issues. More importantly, you will lose so much flavor! Challah French toast is not an everyday meal, but it's definitely one you want to enjoy to its fullest when you do make it!
  • Serving Suggestions: Butter and maple syrup (classic!), a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a fruit compote or syrup.
  • French Toast Casserole: Looking for a make-ahead option that's perfect for holiday mornings? Try my Baked French Toast Casserole with Praline Topping.

Nutrition Information

Calories 437kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 42g (14%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 23g (35%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Cholesterol 332mg (111%) Sodium 492mg (21%) Potassium 264mg (8%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 17g (34%) Vitamin A 885IU (18%) Calcium 223mg (22%) Iron 2.8mg (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 437

% Daily Value*

Calories 437kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 42g 14%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 332mg 111%
Sodium 492mg 21%
Potassium 264mg 6%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 17g 34%
Vitamin A 885IU 18%
Calcium 223mg 22%
Iron 2.8mg 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.