The best French toast recipe for Trader Joe’s Braided & Sliced Brioche, no soggy centers, no bland flavor, and ready in 15 minutes.

If your French toast always turns out too wet, too eggy, or falls apart in the pan, this recipe fixes all of those problems. Brioche is naturally rich and slightly sweet, so it doesn’t need much added sugar. The result is golden, buttery French toast with a soft custardy center and perfectly crisp edges.

A Little Memory From My Childhood

Growing up, we called this dish “Grenki” (Гренки). Whenever a loaf of bread sat on the counter for a couple of days and wasn’t perfectly fresh anymore, my family would dip it in eggs and milk and fry it in a pan.

Back then we usually used a plain white loaf, so we added sugar to the milk mixture. Looking back, we were basically making French toast without even realizing it.

That’s why I especially love making French toast with brioche. Brioche is already rich, buttery, and slightly sweet, so all it needs is a light dusting of powdered sugar and some fresh berries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✓ Perfect custard ratio (not soggy)

✓ Works beautifully with brioche

✓ Ready in 15 minutes

✓ Family-friendly breakfast

✓ Great way to use day-old bread

✓ Freezer-friendly

Tools You’ll Need

• Large shallow bowl
• Whisk
• Large skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Powdered Sugar Shaker
• Cooling rack (optional)

If you love a cozy breakfast, this classic French toast is a must-try. For an amazing twist, you can even make it using slices of my no sugar add Oat Banana Bread. And if you’re looking for more morning inspiration, don’t miss my other favorite Toast Recipes: Easy Caprese Toast  Strawberry Goat Cheese Toast  Burrata Bruschetta with peaches

The Secret Ratio

• Many recipes use too many eggs, which creates an omelet-like texture.
• For soft, custardy French toast:
• 2 eggs + ¾ cup milk = perfect custard for 6 slices of brioche
• This ratio coats the bread without making it heavy or eggy.

Ingredients for the best brioche toast

Makes 6 slices

• 6 slices Trader Joe’s Braided & Sliced Brioche or any other brand
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (for the pan)

For Serving

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh strawberries
• Blueberries
• Maple syrup (optional)

You may also like:

Instructions

1: Make the Custard

In a shallow bowl whisk together:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Whisk until completely smooth.

2: Dip the Bread

Dip each slice for about:

• 10–15 seconds on the first side
• 5–10 seconds on the second side

Do not soak for too long.

Brioche absorbs liquid quickly.

3: Heat the Pan

Melt butter over medium heat.

The pan should be hot enough that the butter gently sizzles but doesn’t brown immediately.

4: Cook

Cook French toast for:

• 3–4 minutes per side

Until deeply golden brown and lightly crisp.

5: Serve

Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries.

Serve immediately.

Natalia’s Best Tips for perfect breakfast French toast

Use Slightly Stale Brioche

Bread that is 1–3 days old absorbs custard better and stays fluffy inside.

Don’t Oversoak

The most common mistake is soaking brioche too long.

A quick dip is enough.

Cook Over Medium Heat

High heat burns the outside before the center cooks.

Let Excess Custard Drip Off

Shake gently before placing into the skillet.

Keep Warm

Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing the batch.

Variations for French toast

Berry French Toast

Top with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast

Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle while warm.

Stuffed French Toast

Add cream cheese between two slices before dipping.

Protein French Toast

Add 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder to the custard.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my French toast soggy?

Usually because:

• Bread is too fresh
• Bread soaked too long
• Too much milk
• Pan wasn’t hot enough

Can I use fresh brioche?

Yes, but day-old brioche gives the best texture.

Can I make French toast without vanilla?

Absolutely.

Vanilla adds flavor but isn’t required.

Why does French toast taste too eggy?

Too many eggs.

The 2 eggs to ¾ cup milk ratio prevents that.

What milk works best?

Whole milk gives the richest texture, but:

• 2% milk
• Oat milk
• Almond milk

all work well.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes.

Store in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer.

What to Serve With French Toast

• Fresh berries
• Crispy bacon
• Breakfast sausage
• Whipped cream
• Maple syrup
• Scrambled eggs