Our Croissant French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that combines the buttery flakiness of croissants with the warm, custardy goodness of French toast. This recipe is the perfect addition to your weekend brunch routine.

Today we are going to be taking a deeper look into the best breads to make French Toast with, and why this cozy recipe is ideal any time of year. So get your aprons on, it's time to get cooking!

Variations & Ingredient Notes

Call it what you will- Eggy bread, Bombay toast, French Toast, but this favorite recipe combines a lot of the elements we love about waffles and pancakes if you think about it. The crisp edge of the toast gives us that little crunch that we favor in waffles, but the soaked custard elevates the bread to a cake-like consistency. Arguably (but not really), this recipe comes together quicker than its aforementioned counterparts which is why we fancy a hot plate of toast some mornings when we're craving something minimalist but bougie.

For today's recipe, we used the Croissant bread to elevate the texture. The custard soaks deep into those flakey layers of the bread evenly and makes for the most wonderful outcome.

If you're feeling a little extravagant- like Nara Smith level- you can make your own Croissant loaf or buy one. Alternatively, here are a few other breads that will guarantee a delicious French Toast if you don't have croissant bread on hand:

Croissants - Obviously, you can use bakery croissants here. Simply slice in half and proceed with the recipe as directed. The outcome will be café-worthy no doubt.
Challah - A soft loaf that absorbs the custard perfectly. It's perfect if you're looking for an option that is free of both dairy and meat derivatives as it is Kosher. Pro Tip: Best to use bread that is slightly stale as it soaks up the custard more easily without falling apart. To do so, I slice the bread and leave it out overnight to dry out.
Brioche - This pastry bread is the traditional option. Its high fat and egg content gives it a rich and tender crumb which makes the dish feel even more indulgent.
Baguettes - This is a delightful use for leftover French bread and it serves as a perfect base for today's recipe as well.

These are my top choices for perfect French Toast. Remember, you want a bread that is hearty (sorry sandwich bread, you'll have to take a backseat for this one) and day-old bread is always preferred as mentioned above.

Everything else you'll need:

½ cup whole milk - full-fat milk is preferred for today's recipe. If you want to use a dairy alternative, almond and oat are my top two favorites as they don't interfere with the flavor profile as much as coconut milk would. Furthermore, oat milk is naturally creamier so that's a win.
¼ cup heavy cream - This is technically optional but it's one of those ingredients that while you may not miss it if you don't have it, if you do add it, you'll definitely taste the difference. And since we're talking about weekend breakfasts which are meant to be a treat, why not add a splash of cream for added richness?!
1 egg - You need eggs for the custard it acts as a thickening agent for the milk and cream.
1 teaspoon vanilla - like with all other dessert-style breakfasts, vanilla is a must. You can also add the tiniest bit of almond extract if you so desire.
2 tablespoons brown sugar - I like the flavor of brown sugar more than white sugar. Not to mention it adds a nice color to the custard. Of course though, if you only have plain granulated sugar on hand, it's an even exchange.
¼ teaspoon cinnamon - The warmth of cinnamon pulls everything together and plays into the molasses of the brown sugar too. You can also add a few gratings of nutmeg to compliment the cinnamon for a warmer note.
Pinch of salt - As with cake batters, you add a pinch of salt because it helps to bring out the flavors especially the sweetness. Also the sweet and slightly salty is a lovely combination if you ask me.

Finishing Touches & Final Thoughts

Despite its gourmet taste, Croissant French Toast is surprisingly easy to make. The golden-brown toast, drizzled with warm maple syrup, a pat of butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar, make for a beautiful presentation that looks as good as it tastes.

This is the perfect dish to serve for holiday brunches, weekend breakfasts, or just as an impromptu treat for yourself to brighten your day.

Furthermore, aside from its deliciousness, one of the best things about our Croissant French Toast is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs as well. Add a dollop of whipped cream, a handful of toasted nuts, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent twist. Get creative and make it your own.