French Toast

Sweet, Simple, and So Nostalgic: French Toast

When I was little, my mom had this magical way of turning everyday ingredients into something special. One of my absolute favorites? Her French toast.

Though back then, I didn’t know it by that name. To me, it was just “Mom’s egg bread.”
She’d take slices of white bread - often slightly stale or left over from the day before - dip them into a sweet egg mixture, and fry them gently in a pan with butter until golden brown. Then came the final touch: a generous sprinkling of sugar on top, like edible fairy dust.

I remember the warmth of the kitchen, the sound of the eggs being whisked, and the buttery aroma filling the air. It was comfort food in its purest form. No heavy cream, no complicated spices, no overnight soaking - just something warm, sweet, and made with love.

Now that I’m older, I know there’s a fancy name for this dish. In some cookbooks and cafés, it’s called pain perdu, or “lost bread.” But honestly? I still prefer Mom’s humble version. It’s quick, it’s cozy, and every bite feels like a hug from the past.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this nostalgic treat. Chances are, you already have them at home:

• Eggs – The base of the custard mixture.
• Sugar – To sweeten the egg mixture and for sprinkling over the finished toast.
• White bread – Or any bread you like. Slightly stale bread works best because it holds its shape better when soaked.
• Butter – For frying. It gives the toast a beautiful golden crust and rich flavor.

Optional (but fun!):

• A splash of milk
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon or nutmeg
• Powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving

How to Make It

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated steps - just a pan, a bowl, and a few minutes of your time.

1. Make the Egg Mixture

Crack a couple of eggs into a bowl and add a generous amount of sugar. Don’t be shy - the sweetness is part of the magic! If you like, you can add a splash of milk or a few drops of vanilla extract for extra richness and aroma. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and a little frothy.

2. Soak the Bread

Dip slices of bread into the egg mixture, letting them soak for a few seconds on each side. You want them to be well-coated but not soggy. If your bread is thicker, let it sit a little longer. Thinner bread will soak up quickly.

3. Fry Until Golden

Heat a pan over medium heat and add a knob of butter. Once it’s melted and starts to sizzle slightly, gently place your soaked bread slices in the pan. Cook each side until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.

That’s it! Super simple, super cozy French toast.

The best part of French toast is how endlessly customizable it is. You can keep it plain and simple - like I had it as a kid - or dress it up depending on your mood.

• Classic: Sprinkle with granulated sugar, just like Mom did.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting over the top adds a pretty, snow-like finish.
• Maple Syrup: For that classic brunch feel.
• Fruit: Fresh berries, banana slices, or sautéed apples add brightness and texture.
• Jam: A spoonful of blueberry or raspberry jam pairs beautifully with the soft toast.
• Whipped Cream: For a touch of indulgence.
• Nutella or Peanut Butter: A fun twist for kids (and grown-ups too).

The simple version is the best!

There are fancier versions of French toast out there. Recipes that call for brioche or challah soaked overnight in a custard of cream, eggs, vanilla, and sugar. Some are baked, stuffed, or crusted in cereal. And while those are delicious in their own right, there’s something about this pared-down version that just hits differently.

It’s the simplicity. The nostalgia. The way it turns a few humble ingredients into something that tastes like home.

Even now, when I wake up on a lazy Sunday morning, I find myself reaching for the eggs, the sugar, and a couple slices of bread. I stand at the stove, just like my mom did, watching the bread turn golden in a pool of butter. The smell takes me right back to those childhood mornings, when life felt slower and sweeter.

And the best part? It’s ready in under 10 minutes. No prep the night before, no waiting. Just comfort food made on a whim.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the simplest things really are the best.
This French toast isn’t about showing off or impressing anyone. It’s not about creating the perfect Instagram brunch. It’s about warmth. Memory. Ease.

It’s about taking what you already have in your kitchen and turning it into something special - not because it’s fancy, but because it’s familiar. Because it brings joy.

Whether you’re making breakfast for your kids, your partner, or just yourself, this quick and cozy French toast never disappoints. It’s sweet, soft, slightly crisp at the edges, and endlessly comforting.

So next time you have some bread and a few eggs lying around, try this simple version. No measuring cups, no timers - just go by feel, like Mom did.
You might find yourself smiling with every bite.

Here’s to sweet, simple mornings.