Indulge in the Best Fluffy Buttermilk French Toast: A Delightful Breakfast & Brunch Recipe
If you’re a devoted fan of light and airy homemade buttermilk pancakes, prepare to elevate your breakfast game with our incredible Buttermilk French Toast. This recipe takes the classic comfort of French toast and infuses it with a delightful tangy richness, transforming a simple dish into an extraordinary culinary experience. Imagine thick slices of your favorite crusty bread, generously coated in a luxurious batter of rich buttermilk and eggs, then delicately sweetened with just a hint of pure maple syrup. Each slice is then cooked to a breathtaking golden-brown perfection in sizzling melted butter, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior that gives way to an unbelievably soft, custard-like interior. It’s a breakfast revelation that will have you coming back for more!
This exquisite Buttermilk French Toast isn’t just a meal; it’s an occasion. Serve it proudly alongside savory wedges of Cougar Gold Quiche and hearty Country Potatoes to orchestrate a truly special and memorable start to any day, whether it’s a relaxed weekend morning or an elegant brunch spread.
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⭐ Why You’ll Love Buttermilk French Toast
What sets Buttermilk French Toast apart from its traditional counterparts? It’s all about balance and texture. Our recipe ensures that the French toast itself isn’t overtly sweet, making it the perfect canvas for your favorite, often indulgent, toppings. Whether you prefer a drizzle of decadent syrup, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scattering of vibrant fruit, or simply a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, the mildly sweet base allows your chosen accompaniments to truly shine without overwhelming your palate.
The subtle sweetness comes from a touch of pure maple syrup incorporated directly into the batter, offering a natural and complex flavor profile that pairs exquisitely with the creamy, slightly tangy buttermilk. This carefully crafted balance makes it the ideal way to savor sweet jams, a medley of fresh berries, rich Homemade Honey Butter, or any luxurious syrup you fancy. Unlike recipes that lean heavily on sugar in the batter, our version gives you control over the final sweetness, letting you customize each bite.
But the true magic lies in the texture. Fresh from the hot skillet or griddle, each warm slice of French toast boasts a wonderfully lightly crispy golden-brown exterior. This gives way to an interior that is astonishingly tender and almost custardy, dissolving delightfully in your mouth. The buttermilk contributes significantly to this luxurious, tender crumb, creating a mouthfeel that is both comforting and deeply satisfying.
Beyond its incredible taste, making Buttermilk French Toast is also a fantastic and resourceful way to utilize ingredients you might already have on hand. It’s especially brilliant for transforming day-old French or Italian bread into something truly spectacular, preventing food waste. And, of course, it’s the perfect solution any time you find yourself with extra buttermilk in the refrigerator. If you’re looking for another delicious use for buttermilk, be sure to keep our recipe for Buttermilk Chicken Tenders on hand!
Pro Tip: For the absolute best Buttermilk French Toast, always use thick slices of bread, ideally between ¾” to 1″ thick. This thickness is crucial for absorbing enough batter to achieve that coveted custardy center without becoming soggy, ensuring a perfect crispy crust.
🍞 Ingredients to Have on Hand
Crafting the perfect Buttermilk French Toast requires a few key ingredients, each playing an essential role in achieving that signature flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Scroll to the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and precise measurements.
- Bread: The foundation of exceptional French toast! Opt for a sturdy loaf like French or Italian bread and slice it into thick portions—between ¾” and 1″ thick. This generous thickness is paramount. It allows the bread to absorb a substantial amount of the buttermilk and egg mixture, leading to that coveted smooth, custard-like interior while maintaining enough structural integrity to crisp up beautifully on the outside. Day-old bread is often preferred as it’s slightly drier and absorbs the batter more effectively. (Scroll down for more details on ideal bread types and substitutions.)
- Buttermilk: This is the true game-changer in French toast. Buttermilk introduces a creamy texture and a distinct, subtle tang that significantly elevates the flavor beyond what regular milk can offer. The acidity in buttermilk also helps to tenderize the bread, contributing to that incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry, we’ll cover how to make a quick substitute below.
- Maple Syrup: A dash of pure maple syrup in the batter provides the perfect touch of sweetness, a natural complement to the creamy buttermilk. It’s crucial to remember to use real maple syrup and not pancake syrup. There’s a big flavor difference: pure maple syrup offers a rich, nuanced sweetness, while pancake syrup is typically corn syrup with artificial flavors.
- Eggs: The binding agent that creates the custardy texture. Eggs are essential for holding the batter together and providing richness.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile, enhancing the sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors in the French toast, preventing it from tasting flat.
- Butter: Used for cooking each slice to achieve that irresistible golden-brown crust and a rich, buttery flavor.
Pro Tip: While real maple syrup might seem a little more expensive upfront than artificial pancake syrup, it’s a worthwhile investment. Once opened, it will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to a year, ensuring you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy its natural goodness again and again with this French toast and other breakfast delights!
📖 Smart Substitutions & Flavor Variations
Don’t have every ingredient on hand or simply want to try something new? Here are some excellent substitutions and exciting ways to customize your Buttermilk French Toast:
- Bread: A thick, sturdy slice of bread remains a must for achieving that ideal crispy-on-the-outside, custardy-on-the-inside texture for Buttermilk French Toast. However, you have several excellent options:
- Brioche or Challah: These rich, eggy breads are natural choices for French toast, offering an incredibly tender crumb and luxurious flavor. Slice them thickly for the best results.
- Sourdough Bread: For a delightful twist, sourdough adds a subtle tang that complements the buttermilk beautifully. Ensure it’s not too airy.
- Texas Toast: If you prefer pre-sliced bread, look for Texas Toast, which is typically sliced much thicker than regular sandwich bread, ensuring it can hold up to the batter.
- Day-Old Bread: Regardless of the type, slightly stale or day-old bread is always preferred. Its drier texture absorbs the batter more efficiently without disintegrating, leading to a superior final product.
- Maple Syrup: If you’re out of maple syrup or prefer a different type of sweetness, you could substitute the three tablespoons of maple syrup for ¼ cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, or honey. Granulated sugar will provide a clean sweetness, brown sugar will add a subtle caramel note, and honey will lend a distinct floral sweetness. Adjust to your taste preferences.
- Add Spices: For a cozy and aromatic touch, whisk a ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the egg and buttermilk mixture. You could also experiment with allspice, cardamom, or even a tiny dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth that surprisingly enhances sweet flavors.
- Citrus Zest: Grate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the batter for a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Alcoholic Boost: For an adult twist, a splash (about 1 tablespoon) of Grand Marnier, rum, or bourbon can add sophisticated depth to the batter.
🥞 Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Buttermilk French Toast
Making delicious Buttermilk French Toast is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve breakfast perfection every time:
- Step 1: Prepare the Bread. Begin by slicing your loaf of French or Italian bread into generous portions, ideally between ¾” and 1″ thick. Consistency in thickness is key here for even cooking. Discard the end pieces or save them for another use, such as croutons. (Photo #1 shows the sliced bread.)
- Pro Tip: Always opt for day-old bread when making French toast. Dryer bread soaks up the buttermilk and egg mixture much better than fresh bread, which can become soggy too quickly. If your bread is very fresh, you can lightly toast the slices or leave them out on the counter for a few hours to dry them out slightly.
- Step 2: Assemble Your Ingredients. Gather all your ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and butter. You’ll also need a wide, shallow baking dish or a pie pan – this will be your vessel for blending the buttermilk and eggs and dipping the bread. (Photo #2 illustrates the gathered ingredients.)
- Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients. Crack the eggs directly into your chosen baking dish or pie pan. Pour in the buttermilk. (Photo #3 shows eggs and buttermilk in the dish.)
- Step 4: Add Flavorings. Now, add all of the remaining batter ingredients: the pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Make sure to hold off on the butter for now, as that will be used for cooking. (Photo #4 displays all batter ingredients together.)
- Step 5: Whisk Until Blended. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all of the ingredients in the dish. Start by breaking up the egg yolks, then continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, uniform, and slightly frothy. (Photo #5 demonstrates the whisking process.)
- Step 6: Ensure Smooth Batter & Heat Skillet. Continue to whisk until all of the ingredients, especially the eggs, are completely blended into a homogeneous batter. Any visible streaks of egg yolk mean you need to keep whisking! Meanwhile, place a large skillet or griddle on the stove over medium heat and allow it to preheat. A well-heated pan is essential for a golden crust. (Photo #6 shows the fully whisked batter.)
- Step 7: Soak the Bread. Once your skillet is hot, melt a tablespoon of butter in it, ensuring it coats the entire cooking surface. While the butter melts, place three slices of your prepared bread into the buttermilk and egg mixture. Allow each side to soak for approximately 20 seconds. This is a crucial step to achieve the custardy interior without oversaturation. Lift each slice and allow any excess batter to drain back into the dish for a few seconds before transferring to the skillet. (Photo #7 shows the bread soaking.)
- Step 8: Cook the French Toast. Carefully place the soaked bread slices into the hot skillet with the melted butter. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. (Photo #8 illustrates slices being added to the skillet.)
- Pro Tip for Batch Cooking: If you are cooking Buttermilk French Toast in batches, it’s vital to wipe out the skillet between each batch. Use several paper towels to carefully remove any burnt butter remnants. Be very careful, as the skillet will be hot! Add a fresh tablespoon of butter before cooking the additional slices. Reusing the same butter will cause it to burn, impart a bitter flavor to your French toast, and prevent that beautiful golden crust.
- Step 9: Monitor Cooking & Keep Warm. Cook the bread slices for about 2 minutes on each side, or until each slice is beautifully golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp. Keep a close eye on the heat; you may need to lower it slightly so the bread doesn’t cook too fast and burn on the outside before the inside cooks through. The goal is a thoroughly cooked, custardy center. (Photo #9 shows French toast cooking in the skillet.)
- Step 10: Serve and Enjoy! As each batch finishes cooking, transfer the slices to a baking sheet and place them in a warm oven (preheated to 175°F/80°C) to keep them warm while you finish the remaining batches. Once all the French toast is cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Serve immediately with your choice of optional toppings. (Scroll down for a wealth of ideas on what to serve with Buttermilk French Toast!) (Photo #10 shows French toast being moved to a baking sheet.)
💭 Recipe FAQs: Your Buttermilk French Toast Questions Answered
While you technically can use regular white bread, thick slices (between ¾” and 1″) work best for French toast. Regular sandwich bread is typically quite thin and can struggle to maintain its shape after soaking up the egg and buttermilk mixture. This often results in a floppy, overly soggy French toast that lacks that desirable crispy exterior and custardy filling. If you’d like to use pre-sliced bread, I highly recommend opting for Texas Toast, which is specifically a thicker style of sandwich bread designed for robust preparations like this.
It’s incredibly easy to make your buttermilk substitute at home! Simply pour 1 tablespoon of either fresh lemon juice or white vinegar into a liquid measuring cup. Then, add enough whole or 2% milk to reach the 1-cup line. Gently stir and let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. You’ll notice the milk starting to curdle and thicken slightly, which means it’s ready. This Buttermilk French Toast recipe calls for just ¾ cup, so you’ll have a perfect amount after preparing your homemade substitute.
Buttermilk French Toast is truly at its peak when served fresh from the skillet. However, leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, simply allow the slices to cool completely, then place them between sheets of waxed paper to prevent sticking. You can then either stack them on a plate covered with plastic wrap or transfer them to a zipped-top food storage bag. To reheat, remove the waxed paper and warm each slice in the microwave on half power until hot and heated through. For a crispier reheat, you can also warm them in a toaster oven or on a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat until golden and warmed through.
Absolutely! Preparing the batter ahead is a fantastic time-saver, especially for busy mornings or when hosting brunch. Simply whisk all the batter ingredients together as directed in a large bowl or airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick whisk before dipping your bread slices. This can actually enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Preventing soggy French toast comes down to two main factors: your bread and your soaking time. Firstly, use slightly day-old, sturdy bread sliced thick (¾” to 1″). This provides a good structure for absorption. Secondly, stick to the recommended soaking time of about 20 seconds per side. Over-soaking will lead to a dense, soggy interior. Also, make sure your skillet is properly preheated and you’re using fresh butter for each batch to ensure good browning and a crisp crust.
🍓 What to Serve with Buttermilk French Toast: Top Ideas
The beauty of Buttermilk French Toast lies in its versatility. Its balanced sweetness makes it a perfect partner for a wide array of toppings and side dishes, allowing you to customize your breakfast or brunch experience every time. Here are some fantastic ideas:
- Fresh Fruit: The ultimate classic pairing! Bright, sweet, and slightly tart berries beautifully complement the rich French toast. Pile high with sliced strawberries, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, or a vibrant medley of mixed seasonal fruit. For an extra touch of elegance, consider preparing a Fresh Fruit Tart to serve on the side.
- Maple Syrup: A must-have! I am an unwavering big fan of pure maple syrup; there is always a bottle proudly residing in my refrigerator. In my extensive experience—many years of buying and enjoying countless bottles of maple syrup—the less expensive store brands are usually just as good as the big brand names, offering the same rich, natural sweetness. Don’t reserve it just for French toast; use maple syrup to top Blueberry Baked Oatmeal, sweeten your coffee, or add to Banana and Carrot Muffins for natural depth.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple yet elegant and classic way to add a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness to French toast. A light dusting of powdered sugar not only looks beautiful but tastes wonderfully subtle. This is precisely how I used to eat French toast as a kid. Every. Single. Time.
- Softened Butter or Flavored Butters: A pat of softened unsalted butter melting into the warm French toast is pure bliss. For an extra special treat, try Homemade Honey Butter or cinnamon butter.
- Crispy Bacon, Savory Sausage, or Hearty Ham: The perfect savory contrast to the light sweetness of French toast. Crisp bacon strips or juicy sausage links (pork or chicken) are incredibly satisfying. A thick slice of marmalade-glazed ham is also a delicious option, especially for a more substantial brunch. And let’s be honest, all these savory meats taste even better when drizzled with a little maple syrup!
- Breakfast Casseroles: For a truly hearty and diverse flavor combination, consider serving your French toast alongside a savory breakfast casserole like Green Chile Egg Casserole and creamy Cheesy Grits. The blend of sweet and savory is irresistible.
- Chopped Nuts: Elevate the texture and flavor by sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts on each serving. They add a delightful crunch and a warm, nutty taste that pairs beautifully with maple syrup and powdered sugar. Save any leftover walnuts for a batch of moist Crockpot Banana Bread.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert-for-breakfast experience, a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a fantastic choice.
- Fruit Compotes or Sauces: Homemade fruit compotes (like berry, apple, or peach) or warm fruit sauces (such as a raspberry coulis) can add a gourmet touch.
🍯 More Breakfast & Brunch Inspiration
Buttermilk French Toast is an excellent, comforting, and delicious way to get the day started. If you loved this recipe and are looking for more morning meal ideas, here are a few more inspirations to enjoy alongside your breakfast coffee or tea. Explore our full collection for endless possibilities!
- Orange Rolls
- Starbucks Copycat Egg Bites
- Croissant Bread Pudding
- Green Chili Egg Casserole
If you tried Buttermilk French Toast or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback truly brightens my day!
Recipe Card
Buttermilk French Toast
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 slices sturdy bread – such as French, Italian, or Brioche, ¾” – 1″ thick
Optional Toppings
- Extra Pure Maple Syrup
- Softened Butter or Homemade Honey Butter
- Fresh Berries or Sliced Fruit
- Chopped Nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts)
- Powdered Sugar for dusting
- Whipped Cream
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prep the Ingredients
- Slice a loaf of French or Italian bread into 8 thick slices, between ¾” and 1″ in width. Discard the end pieces or save them for another purpose. Set the sliced bread aside.
- Preheat your oven to a warm setting, approximately 175°F (80°C). This will be used to keep your cooked French toast warm while you prepare the remaining batches.
- In a wide-rim baking dish or pie pan, combine the eggs, buttermilk, salt, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend all the ingredients until smooth and slightly frothy, ensuring no streaks of egg yolk remain.
Cook and Keep Warm
- Heat a 9″ – 12″ skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet and allow it to melt and lightly sizzle, coating the pan evenly. While the butter melts, place three slices of bread into the buttermilk and egg mixture. Allow each side to soak for about 20 seconds.
- Lift each soaked slice of bread, allowing any excess batter to drain off back into the dish for a few seconds. Carefully place the slices into the hot skillet.
- Cook the bread for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until each slice is beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep a close watch on the heat; you may need to lower it slightly to prevent burning while ensuring the interior cooks through to a custardy texture.
- Transfer the cooked French toast slices to the prepared baking sheet and place them in the warm oven to keep them hot while you proceed with the remaining batches.
- Between each batch, use paper towels to lightly wipe out any browned or burnt butter remnants from the skillet. Add another fresh tablespoon of butter before cooking the next set of slices. Repeat this process until all the bread has been cooked.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once all the Buttermilk French Toast is cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Arrange the French toast on plates and serve immediately with your choice of optional toppings: an extra drizzle of pure maple syrup, a dollop of softened butter or honey butter, an abundance of fresh fruit, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy your delicious homemade breakfast!
Notes
If you cook French toast using a large griddle instead of a skillet, you can use a larger baking dish to soak more bread slices at once and cook them simultaneously on the griddle, increasing efficiency.
For an even richer flavor, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of butter in the batter (instead of cooking with it) or brush a little melted butter on the cooked French toast immediately before serving.
Carbohydrates: 79g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0.4g
Cholesterol: 191mg
Sodium: 1174mg
Potassium: 309mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 17g
Vitamin A: 574IU
Calcium: 162mg
Iron: 6mg
Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database, so they’re just a rough estimate not an exact science.
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