Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Classic French Toast (Easy, Golden & Perfectly Sweet)

Sarah Smith
Nov 3, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

French toast with whipped cream and syrup on a black plate, garnished with a raspberry. Silver fork on a dark wooden table. Rich and inviting.

Few breakfasts feel as comforting and cozy as a plate of French Toast. With its golden edges, fluffy center, and warm hint of cinnamon, it’s the kind of recipe that makes mornings feel extra special — perfect for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or anytime you want a little comfort on your plate.

This classic French toast recipe keeps things simple: soft slices of bread dipped in a rich custard of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, then cooked until perfectly golden. Serve it alongside savory favorites like Biscuits and Sausage Gravy or a hearty Chicken, Mushroom & Cheese Omelet, and round out the meal with a cozy Hearty Breakfast Casserole when feeding a crowd. Finish with butter, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a breakfast everyone will love.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
4 large eggs
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch of salt
Butter, for cooking

For Serving:

Maple syrup
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar
Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until smooth.
Dip the Bread: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a little butter. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side.
Cook the Toast: Place the dipped bread onto the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for the Best French Toast

Use day-old or slightly stale bread — it soaks up the custard without getting soggy.
For extra richness, use brioche or challah bread.
Add a splash of orange zest or nutmeg for a flavor twist.
Keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the batch.

Final Thoughts

This Classic French Toast is everything breakfast should be — cozy, golden, and full of flavor. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions.

FAQ

Q: What type of bread works best for French toast? Brioche, challah, and thick-sliced Texas toast soak up the custard perfectly without falling apart.

Q: Why is my French toast soggy? The bread may be too thin or not stale enough. Using thicker, slightly dried-out bread helps it cook evenly.

Q: Can I make the custard ahead of time? Yes — mix the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla the night before and refrigerate.

Q: Can I make French toast in the oven? Absolutely. Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: How do I keep French toast warm for a crowd? Place slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until serving.