The Best French Toast You'll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality) | Epicurious 101

In this edition of Epicurious 101, professional chef Frank Proto demonstrates how to make french toast that is guaranteed to rival what's available at your favorite breakfast spot.
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0:00 Bring The Pain (Perdu)
0:32 Chapter One - Bread
2:06 Chapter Two - Batter
3:56 Chapter Three - Soaking The Bread
4:44 Chapter Four - Cooking The French Toast
6:41 Chapter Five - Plating
7:50 Good to the last drop
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[@Lida.535]

Ingredients: • bread (challah) • nutmeg + orange zest + salt + sugar • 2 cups of heavy cream • brandy • vanilla extract • 4 eggs Enjoy with lots of butter and lots of syrup!🍞🧈🍁

[@PoptartParasol]

Thank you ❤

[@asit1]

Thanks. That's a once a year dessert. Too rich!

[@echognomecal6742]

Forgot to include the secret ingredient: An ambulance ready & waiting outside.

[@cl3100]

How much brandy ?

[@VocalFox]

But how much of everything? Not really a recipe without measurements

[@rushnerd]

I know the vast majority of people get french toast completely wrong (the drying out the bread steps, making a proper custard, soaking it etc) but this is next level. As a chef I am completely impressed. I need to try this out sometime. I don't think the brandy is overkill at all, it would be an amazing flavor compliment! Chef Frank and Saul never fail to completely dazzle and entertain me to no end.

[@MikeR65]

And you are a chef?!

[@heirloomacres7445]

Grand Marnier

[@godaistudios]

I understand the feeling. I went to culinary school myself, but Frank just has all these next level things that make me go, "Why didn't I think of that?" and it just adds to the knowledge for the rest of us.

[@olivierroussin4432]

Do you think amaretto instead of brandy can be great?

[@cassiablack1094]

Personally I like bourbon (something with maple or vanilla notes preferred) or fireball, depending on whether I’m feeling fancy 😅

[@NuggDavis]

It's not that I don't want to eat it, it's that I can't eat it without dying.

[@deadbeef576]

Once you start you cant stop and you start licking the hot pan

[@cathysmith8583]

I literally was thinking the same thing. Soooooo much butter and cream😮

[@otravoyadnoe]

IKR! my pancreas almost died just watching it

[@CleoS-vx5pd]

Agreed. Why not just do away with the bread and chug a pint of melted butter + cream to ensure you hit that dangerous cholesterol level! 🤢 I KNOW it’s supposed to be an occasional treat but jeez. Think of your poor body.

[@jaboi7709]

@@CleoS-vx5pd this is so dramatic

[@JoeM13392]

Frank! I made this for my wife tonight! Amazing!!!!! This recipe is without doubt the best French toast either of us has ever had. It’s perfect! Bravo!

[@elishakaneeth]

breakfast for dinner makes a happy wife 👍

[@kylieroginski700]

I love this comment

[@adanorozco8910]

Did you add brandy?

[@shaddonon]

No immersion blender? Mix the nutmeg into your sugar; each sugar granule catches nutmeg in its imperfections-avoids clumping! :)

[@djWOOF]

Did you even watch the video

[@djWOOF]

3:48

[@maxineb9598]

​@@djWOOFSometimes everybody blinks and misses a part of what is being watched. And sometimes we forget what we saw and post a tip that had previously been mentioned.

[@eklectiktoni]

@@djWOOF Not everybody owns an immersion blender. 🤷🏾‍♀OP was offering a helpful alternative.

[@djWOOF]

@@eklectiktoni ah. misunderstood his/her comment

[@TwilightLink293]

This looks amazing! But I can already feel my heart clog up by just watching Frank eat it.

[@MikeR65]

I hope you really don’t think that.

[@cindywilliams3542]

I agree but only on special occasions would probably be ok, not as bad for you as a rib eye or bacon!!!

[@laosvegas7494]

who eats french toast to be healthy

[@Michael-ep7lx]

Same. Looks delicious, but....

[@polakhomie]

@@laosvegas7494for real tho

[@justingarfield581]

At this point this is Frank's channel and we're here for it.

[@mango850]

For those of us pastry chefs who weigh every ingredient, 4 eggs is close to 200g, maybe a bit more depending on specific egg size, while two American cups of milk/cream = 450g. About 2-1, liquid to eggs if you're making a big batch.

[@savonaaaron]

I made this today and my wife said it was the best French toast she’s ever had. Thank you!!!!

[@smellyfella5077]

Decades ago when I was in France I had Pain Perdu (I:E; French Toast) several times at different eateries and it was mind blowing. However, whenever I asked if they had syrup I got a look of "What?" and they knew I was an American Tourist. Authentic made Pain Perdu (French toast) doesn't need any syrup, just butter melted on top with a light dusting of powdered sugar...it's really that delicious.

[@meta4four]

That would be because maple syrup is indigenous to North America, thus there would be no reason for France to favour it, nor would there be any reason for it to be "traditional" to their pain perdu preparation. However, just because someone does something one way, it doesn't mean that it can't be improved. There is nothing inherently "better" about powdered sugar, in fact maple syrup is considerably more flavourful.

[@JoakimLarsson570]

@@meta4fourIt makes the dish sweeter though, obviously depending on the amount added. Americans' and Europeans' pallets are generally speaking not in agreement regarding what's an enjoyable degree of sweetness in food. Quite different cultures in that respect. I remember how my family and I were perplexed by this the first time we made a visit across the pond, especially concerning the foods that in our minds weren't supposed to taste sweet at all.

[@MordorProject]

Actually French toast doesn’t really have anything to do with pain perdu. Pain perdu recipe is quite simple. A stale baguette, half liter of milk, three eggs and 50 g of sugar. That’s it. Back in the time, poor people would make pain perdu to not letting braid go to waste and of course, at that time maple syrup wasn’t even produced in France. Even though we know now about maple syrup, we still don’t really are big consumers of it. It’s just not part of our culture.

[@Ptitnain2]

​Maple syrup is mostly French-Canadian.

[@AD-jq7ow]

Usually we eat it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chantilly

[@fairdose]

Whenever I have leftover eggnog after Xmas, I use that to make French Toast

[@TheWorld_2099]

That’s interesting… Going to keep that in mind

[@BPRescue]

Now that is an interesting spin on Holiday flavored foods. If this is still committed to memory when Christmas rolls around I will try it. Seems only fair you should remind me...

[@glossaria2]

The only thing that plate needs is some sliced strawberries. I love the bright tang of fresh fruit to complement the richness of French toast. 🍓😊

[@stevehutnikoff5964]

Don't forget about bacon!

[@juice28rsx]

Petition for an ingredient list. French toast looks amazing. Going to try this either today or tomorrow minus the 2 lbs of butter

[@gabrielsantiago6656]

He’s clearly obsessed with salt and butter, but hey, it’s his recipe and French toast

[@deannacheng2234]

I love the details in his instructions and how he consistently explains the why of things. Thank you.

[@funnycat4241]

Yeah especially when he tells you how much sugar you need and doesn't say "just add some sugar"

[@verhagen5]

I’ve looked everywhere for the actual recipe. I’m glad it’s not just me. How much nutmeg… who knows! 😂

[@MAYBE673]

I am a french toast lover and this is the first recipe i’ve seen that actually gives this beautiful meal its deserved love and attention haha i cant wait to try this..without the brandy

[@gordonhamnett1289]

Great 101 series, excellent humor and wonderful results!!

[@aunslaught3299]

Thanks for this recipe Frank! I used some of the principles you shared (dry bread, soak in custard, low heat) to make myself some really lovely french toast this morning. Thanks for making it easy to learn new skills and feel more comfortable and confident in the kitchen.

[@BeIIaLuna]

Butter on the bottom when plating??? Omg why have I never thought of that! This recipe looks like the best French toast I’ve ever seen and I will be trying it soon! Ty for this video!

[@deficator750]

because your trying live past 40 remember

[@HigkeyRegarded007]

@@deficator750lmaooo

[@seowth]

It's a once in a lifetime rendition of French Toast

[@dhLotan]

Kinda gross/excessive and I even like butter.

[@GaryInHell]

@@dhLotanYeah I love butter and syrup on French toast but way too much butter in this video

[@JOE52525]

You make this look so scrumptious!!!!! Thank you!!!

[@Colopty]

Just when I've gotten into french toast again Frank shows up to help me step up my game. Thanks Frank!

[@lawrenceredmacher4382]

I planned earlier this week to make french toast tonight for dinner. and just now (2 hours before dinner) I wondered if epicurious ever made a video about french toast so I searched it and was very surprised to find one released just hours ago 😂

[@Duramaxjon]

I have always made mine with challah, milk, eggs, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. I will have to try this recipe because it’s totally different and I love custard with nutmeg anyways

[@kpnitrl38]

I really enjoy your content. Clear and concise.

[@jchomedog2887]

This is your best recipe Frank. Great job 👏🏻

[@LTG22]

My dad used to use Kings Hawaiian Bread in the round pan version. Amaze.

[@bcask61]

This is basically my exact Christmas breakfast recipe. I use Gran Marnier instead of brandy. Make that orange zest pop. Add some beautiful link sausage and it’s time to eat.

[@Michael-yk1lm]

It's rare when a recipe exceeds my expectations, usually due to me over hyping or messing something up. This one absolutely exceeded my expectations. Amazing!!!

[@stephenkrupa2901]

French toast is my favorite! im definitely going to have to try this.

[@toregenekhatun480]

I love this recipe but I live in a food desert there is no bakery in a 40 mile radius, may find someone that bakes cakes or cookies but breads not a chance! Thanks Frank for this and the end was just perfect!

[@Ibis333]

You can always make your own...

[@rachelreeves6627]

I love real maple syrup, but sometimes it's too sweet for me as i tend to prefer savory flavors. I love homemade blueberry syrup using frozen blueberries though. If they are frozen and heated slow in a pot, you don't need to add more sugar to make the syrup if you like just a medium sweet or have to watch your sugar. Just heat it slow and gently squish the blueberries as they cook. Freezing them already helped break the cells to let the juices out like adding sugar would, so you just cook them low and slow until they reduce to the consistency you want using the natural sugar in the blueberries.

[@SundaysChild1966]

Ohhh stop it! lol

[@TenkawaBC]

Go with "Grade A Dark" or "Grade B" maple syrup. Avoid any that say "light" or "golden". (Grade A Dark used to be called Grade B, but people didn't like buying anything marked as B, so they changed the name. It is just less filtered) The dark ones have way more maple flavour, so you need less to get the great flavour, and thus it isn't as sweet.

[@rachelreeves6627]

@@TenkawaBC Thank you!

[@PurpleHaze2k9]

I take a similar approach to pan frying sandwiches. If you go nice and slow then everything comes to a beautiful golden brown.

[@reginaldknowles3890]

Just made this. Swapped out the brandy for apple juice and added some cinnamon, black and raspberries on top at the end. Turned out Beautifully👌👌👌 So much flavor. Yo, he's not kidding about the orange zest.

[@kayanncee8291]

OMG! That is the best looking french toast I have ever seen. Thanks a lot, Chef Frank! Now I have to bake some challah to make this! (Because in my opinion, homemade challah is the way!) I can’t wait to try this!

[@tombambo9435]

Burgers should be next! Would love to see how Frank makes his own burgers

[@harvvee7267]

French burgers?

[@amaljay8158]

Start by raising a calf

[@harvvee7267]

@@amaljay8158 half calf for beginners

[@bichpham2906]

Just follow ed your recipe and my French toasts came out so delicious! Thank you chef!

[@ginnyweatherbee7941]

Never thought to put a bit of butter under the first piece of French toast, it’s a great idea

[@franck3279]

As long as it’s not ketchup

[@jbjacobs9514]

Always!

[@phuntsokdolma]

Great recipe and instructions! One idea for a variation is to use Finnish Nisu bread which is like challah, but delicately scented with cardamom.

[@deadbeef576]

Or Brioche so the french toast at least has one french ingredient in it :D

[@wizkid915]

Yeah I’ll just run to my local Finnish bakery 😂

[@BPRescue]

@@deadbeef576 I 2nd the brioche bread. It is of great flavor and holds up well making excellent French Toast.

[@lisahodges8299]

At last a chef that can translate French properly. Love the recipe. Birdy

[@shelleychirkut5719]

OMG....my Hubby & I loved this recipe! I had to substitute Coconut Milk for the Heavy Cream & Used West Indian Plait Bread but it still came out perfect ❤

[@hisbigal]

I make a brioche bread, then I cut it up into slices and use it for French toast. I then wrap up the cool unused slices and store in the freezer. When I want some, I just take out a couple slices and reheat them.

[@johndoeii8926]

Butter with butter with a bit of cream and eggs. Sweeten with sugar and top it off with syrup. Oh, there is some bread in there as well. My doctor won't approve, but I think I like it!

[@johnnyxmusic]

I’m not at all certain about that sugar. Who am I to question a chef at this level. I mean after all you don’t really need it to brown or caramelized the toast, toast the eggs and the customer is going to do their thing. And then, of course she’s gonna add maple syrup. And maybe powdered sugar.

[@aaf877]

I love these videos, but could we get some measurements of these ingredients?

[@johnbhend8565]

Love your content! Thanks Frank!

[@nancywhite2014]

Chef Frank, you are so awesome! Thanks for sharing your recipe. I will definitely try this out soon 😋

[@harvvee7267]

Thank you so much! I agree

[@danielsebag1759]

Now I want to make French toast last time was a disaster. I’m gonna try your recipe. Thanks.

[@tylerhutter8972]

Epicurious deserves more subscribers! Every single video is stunning!

[@franck3279]

I agree (iI only discovered it a year ago), but almost 5million subscribers, that’s alredy quite successfull for a non-cat video channel.

[@nancymurphy6344]

Frank, the immersion blender has been my secret for years!!! Thank you for letting me you use this too!!! Holy moly! The best!

[@beastmastreakaninjadar6941]

Challah absolutely is the best bread for French toast. We used it for breakfast in the dining hall I worked at. It's awesome.

[@J-146]

Frank the G.O.A.T !!!

[@sheryl7837]

My husband loves, loves French toast. Me, not a fan, however, I am going to make this for my guy and I might just have to give it a taste. ☺️

[@Orlanzepol123]

By far the best recipe for French toast. I think the orange 🍊 and brandy is what really kicked up a notch above the rest.

[@TheTrueMac]

there are a lot of small bits of really helpful information in this vid, thanks

[@BenjaminBenson25]

I see Frank. I click. Then press like. It's simple.

[@costanzathemage]

Perfect timing. I've just started to cook again after years of, well, not cooking. I plan to make French Toast on Sunday.

[@AmberS-V]

Franks love of maple syrup makes me so happy lol Thank you for another amazing recipe!!

[@wisdomsounds777]

Thank you so much for your Divine love for food!!!!😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@DessertGeek]

Challah truly makes such great french toast! I've also found when I'm doing an overnight bake or bread pudding that shokupan or Japanese milk bread also works wonderfully! It's how I use up leftover bread if I don't have the time or energy to watch a pan.

[@avneesh1991]

Am I the only one who thought of making this with brioche?

[@moonbunn1]

​@@avneesh1991i did too

[@BradiKal61]

Not even a mention of cinnamon? Its pretty standard in my french toast

[@ourfamilyaccount]

Agreed; I associate French toast with cinnamon as a main ingredient. If I make his, I'll add 2 teaspoons or so.

[@bigrivtodagled8210]

Just add cinnamon!

[@Beast-mf7br]

don't forget a splash of vanilla extract!

[@1999tenorio]

same! cinnamon and vanilla extract

[@kapri5095]

Okay just add it. Leave out his seasoning and add what you want to add. He’s a chef and is showing one way of making French toast. Maybe he doesn’t like it. Maybe he prefers orange zest with nutmeg and brandy. Pretty sure his French toast is wonderfully tasty. It’s best to watch these videos for others ideas and tips, tricks. Great video!!

[@user-bs1dt3vm9v]

It's look amazing..the best french toast..

[@tmo7734]

Thanks, Chef. I enjoy all of your videos. That said, the very best French toast I’ve ever had, believe it or not, was at Bob’s Big Boy. In fact, it was the only thing on the menu that I enjoyed. What made it unique and delicious was that they deep-fried it. Oh yeah, tasty and crunchy with plenty of butter and syrup. Best wishes. - Tim

[@quantx6572]

my mouth is watering, these look AMAZING!

[@u235u235u235]

but you didn't make it so why do we care about your looks comment?

[@harvvee7267]

shut up watermouth

[@vickyloka]

I really want to try french toast with maple syrup sometime, it looks like it'd be delicious! We make it very differently in Brazil usually lol. For starters, we usually make our custard with sweetened condensed milk instead of sugar, so it's sweeter and creamier, even if you use regular milk instead of cream, but also, we usually roll them in a mix of sugar and cinnamon ofter cooking, so I never considered the syrup.

[@peachgumdrop8067]

ooo that sounds delicious!

[@freemagicfun]

That is the cream that is most common here in the Philippines too. It is a bit too sweet for a lot of stuff, but would be perfect for this. You should use the cinnamon sugar... and syrup! 😎

[@janedoooo]

I love the way he does things

[@katiekade7615]

Wow, learned so much. I can't wait to try this!

[@jbangtan]

after making this and making a few alterations because I was sharing it with my dad, I can proudly say this is the best French Toast i’ve made (so far at least) edit: my dad also says it’s the best he’s had so far

[@Cerus98]

If you altered the recipe you didn’t make the same thing. So you can’t say it’s the best.

[@JimmyBrazy]

Long Live Chef Frank!

[@chicken2jail545]

This looks amazing!

[@stevennelson9050]

Looks amazing!!!!

[@TheKirik71]

My heart almost stopped by just watching this.. I need to cook this asap

[@xx10meg10xx]

Did anyone else have issues with it being soggy in the middle and not being cooked through? I tried the recipe a few different times at different temps and for different durations and haven’t had any luck yet! Love frank’s pancake recipe so really want to master this too!

[@DrStout_onYT]

I do all of this, but add the step of baking the French toast in the oven for about 15 minutes on 375°. Insures that it’s done, and the outside is nice and crispy.

[@marinacunningham5679]

This is the best thing since sliced bread 😉 We didn't have brandy but we tried the recipe and it was superb ❤

[@Topdim79]

Looks amazing.

[@chillchicken4827]

I was seriously about to make French toast, then this vid popped up.

[@swizzler8053]

You still made it?

[@cathyheston3029]

Did you say it out loud around your phone?

[@ryan992100]

SAME!!! Literally bought the ingredients yesterday morning

[@jelllybeanxo]

@@cathyheston3029how does that even link?

[@dlegette7]

@@jelllybeanxoYour telling me youve never said something around your phone and the ad for that specific thing “randomly” popped up

[@elenagomez4548]

Challah and brioche bread is the only bread I’ll use for French toast! I also cut mine super thick haha except I use cinnamon instead of nutmeg or sometimes both. But this looks fantastic I’m gona have to try cooking it in butter next time I don’t know why I’ve never thought to do that😂

[@user-dq2zx2ei4m]

Facts

[@Beast-mf7br]

wtf?? why would you not put butter in the pan? lol

[@Duramaxjon]

@@Beast-mf7br I’ve always used vegetable oil to cook French toast, never thought of using butter but I guess I’ve never thought it needed it either

[@harvvee7267]

you should try naan

[@IC-WhizWit215]

Thank you Frank! Nailed it and made my best French Toast (just subbed the brandy for rum). You’re awesome.

[@trohnb8104]

He seems like a great and fun teacher. I’m ready to put this video to test. Let’s get going on my French toast.

[@naejin]

French Toast = Best breakfast food IMO.

[@jss309]

Reducing the syrup will make it thicker helping it stick better and adds more flavorful too.

[@gracehope8505]

That looks amazing 😊, I am definitely going to try this!

[@raphaelchaitas1107]

I love this guy.

[@BitesTheDusto]

Frank never disappoints

[@naomiarram5187]

Okay, I don't even like French toast, and I'm still gonna watch the whole thing. Because, Frank. [And Frank, if you're out there, I make a wicked challah!]

[@user-wr9vy6ko2c]

my mouth is watering, these look AMAZING!. my mouth is watering, these look AMAZING!.

[@CharlieRoss719]

Made it. Loved it. It felt a bit like soaking my dried challah in eggnog, but wow... amazing!

[@dexmeetsdexter]

Where’s the cinnamon ?

[@evanjacob8463]

Chef Frank out here providing us with entertainment and education. o7

[@harvvee7267]

more like eatucation

[@jollyhaobijam8917]

Looks yum... I am going to try it.. Definitely ..

[@FusionC6]

Frank is the best Frank.

[@dugjay]

It's like bread pudding in a skillet!!

[@chaoticallyprofessional9528]

Frank is like a calm Joshua Weissman

[@DarElBarka]

I love this guy. None of that "healthy" nonsense. I'm definitely going to make this

[@ealston0826]

Thank you for the recipe. I have always made it with Brioche, now that I switched breads, my mother does not want it any other way. I macerate some fruit in brandy or grand marnier and use for topping. Just fabulous with a mimosa on the side 🙂

[@4SilentCrow]

I don't know but I think even Gordon might wanna hire this chef.

[@kylebeatty7643]

Frank is a more rounded instructor and seems a lot more grounded in reality. GR chases fame and finds himself in weird non culinary cul de sacs.

[@sharcam2010]

i would love to see him tackle a salad

[@jodyjulius2700]

love this so much 🙂🙂🙂🤗 Hi Chef I hope you doing well.

[@XXSLEDGEHAMMER360XX]

I agree to this. Ty

[@cathyheston3029]

Cinnamon?🤤

[@ramidia2839]

This is my exact method except the orange and brandy. I like nutmeg and cinnamon. The family never complains. And when they see me with a fresh loaf of challah on a Friday they KNOW Saturday breakfast is going to be awesome.

[@issiport5978]

100%. I swear this is the real reason we have 2 on Friday hahaha

[@michaeljacob9381]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@gtrfreak]

Just like it was hard for me to resist stirring the pancake batter, its going to be hard leaving that bread out and then leaving it to soak in the batter for more than 30 seconds 😅