Challah bread: As the star of this dish, challah bread provides a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet foundation. Its dense yet fluffy texture makes it exceptional at absorbing the custard without becoming mushy, ensuring a tender and flavorful French toast every time. Opt for slightly stale challah for the best absorption.

Eggs: These form the crucial base of our creamy custard mixture, imparting a rich flavor and helping to bind all the ingredients together. They contribute significantly to the golden color and custardy texture of the cooked French toast, creating that irresistible soft interior.

Milk: Integral for adding essential creaminess and moisture to the custard, ensuring that the French toast remains incredibly moist and tender after cooking. You can use any type of milk, from whole milk for extra richness to a lighter alternative for dietary needs.

Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla extract is a game-changer, infusing the custard mixture with a warm, sweet, and aromatic note that perfectly complements the challah’s natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Ground cinnamon: This classic spice adds a comforting warmth and subtle sweetness, creating a beautiful aromatic layer that pairs exquisitely with the rich challah bread and vanilla. It’s a signature flavor that evokes classic breakfast comfort.

Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness in the custard mixture and amplifying all the other flavors. It prevents the dish from tasting overly sweet and brings out the best in every ingredient.

Butter: Used generously for cooking the French toast, butter is key to achieving that coveted golden-brown, crispy exterior and adds an unparalleled richness and depth of flavor. It also helps to prevent sticking to the griddle or skillet.

Achieving the perfect balance of crispy exterior and custardy interior in your French toast hinges on a simple yet crucial technique: using slightly stale challah bread. Fresh bread, while delicious, can be too soft and tends to absorb too much of the egg mixture too quickly, leading to a soggy and less appealing result. When the bread is a day or two old, it loses some of its moisture, making its structure firmer and more receptive to soaking up the custard without disintegrating. This allows it to hold its shape better during cooking and develop that desirable golden crispness.

If your challah bread is fresh, don’t fret! You can easily prepare it for French toast by drying it out slightly. Simply arrange the slices on a baking sheet and place them in a low oven, around 200°F (95°C), for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave them uncovered on a counter for a few hours or overnight. This gentle drying process helps the bread absorb the custard mixture more evenly and thoroughly, preventing sogginess and ensuring that each bite delivers a delightful contrast between a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, custardy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. This small step makes a significant difference in the final texture and enjoyment of your Challah French Toast.

• Challah bread – Substitute with brioche bread: Brioche is an excellent alternative due to its similar rich, buttery flavor and soft, slightly dense texture, making it perfect for soaking up the custard and achieving a similarly luxurious French toast.

• Challah bread – Substitute with Texas toast: For a thicker, heartier French toast, Texas toast (or any thick-cut white bread) is a sturdy option. Its substantial slices hold up well to soaking without becoming overly saturated, ensuring a good bite.

• Eggs – Substitute with flax eggs: To make this recipe vegan, create flax eggs by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg required. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it forms a gel. This plant-based binder works surprisingly well.

• Eggs – Substitute with silken tofu: Another vegan alternative, blend ¼ cup of silken tofu per egg until smooth. This substitution provides a creamy texture to the custard mixture and helps achieve a soft interior in the French toast.

• Milk – Substitute with almond milk: For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk works beautifully. It maintains the necessary liquid consistency and subtly nutty flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

• Milk – Substitute with coconut milk: If you enjoy a hint of tropical flavor and extra creaminess, full-fat coconut milk can be a delightful substitute. It adds a rich texture and a subtle, pleasant coconut aroma to your French toast.

• Vanilla extract – Substitute with maple syrup: Instead of vanilla, you can incorporate a tablespoon or two of maple syrup directly into the custard. This adds a natural sweetness and that distinctive, beloved maple flavor directly into the bread.

• Vanilla extract – Substitute with almond extract: For a different aromatic profile, a small amount of almond extract can provide a sophisticated, slightly nutty, and sweet flavor that beautifully complements the challah.

• Ground cinnamon – Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: To introduce a richer, more complex warm spice blend, use pumpkin pie spice. This blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, adding a festive and deeply aromatic flavor profile, perfect for fall mornings or for a hint of something different. Pumpkin pie spice can transform the flavor profile.

• Ground cinnamon – Substitute with nutmeg: If you prefer a more singular warm spice, a pinch of freshly grated or ground nutmeg offers a subtly sweet, earthy, and highly aromatic flavor that can stand in for cinnamon and add depth.

• Salt – Substitute with sea salt: Fine sea salt can be used in the same quantity as regular table salt, providing a clean, crisp salinity that enhances flavors without adding any harshness. Flaky sea salt can also be sprinkled on top for a finishing touch.

• Salt – Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger flakes and a less concentrated salinity by volume than table salt. If substituting, use about 1.5 times the amount of kosher salt compared to table salt to achieve a similar level of seasoning.

• Butter – Substitute with coconut oil: For a dairy-free option or a subtle tropical note, coconut oil is an excellent choice for cooking. It provides a similar browning and crisping effect to butter and imparts a delicate coconut flavor.

• Butter – Substitute with margarine: If you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative that behaves very similarly to butter, margarine is a reliable option for cooking your French toast slices, ensuring a golden finish.

• To ensure optimal texture and prevent sogginess, always allow the cooked challah French toast to cool completely. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a wire rack for proper air circulation, which helps excess steam escape.

• For short-term storage, stack the cooled slices with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Stored this way, they will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• If you wish to preserve your French toast for a longer duration, freezing is an excellent option. Begin by laying the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This flash-freezing step prevents the slices from sticking together. Freeze until solid, which typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.

• Once the slices are individually frozen, transfer them to a heavy-duty resealable freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. Ensure as much air as possible is removed from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months for best quality.

• To reheat frozen French toast in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen slices on a baking sheet, ideally covered with aluminum foil to maintain moisture. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and lightly crisped.

• Alternatively, for a quick and crispy reheat, you can use a toaster or toaster oven. This method is particularly effective for achieving a wonderfully crisp texture, similar to freshly made French toast. Adjust settings as you would for regular toast, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

• For the fastest reheating option, use the microwave. Place a single slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, checking for doneness. Be aware that this method often results in a softer, less crispy texture.

• When ready to serve, no matter how you’ve reheated it, top your French toast with your favorite toppings like warm maple syrup, a handful of fresh berries, or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for a fresh finish.

• Oven Method: For French toast that tastes as good as freshly made, the oven is your best friend. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the leftover challah French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Crucially, cover the slices loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents them from drying out and helps retain their inner softness while gradually re-crisping the exterior. Bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are heated all the way through and the edges are slightly crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method: This is a fantastic option for reheating smaller batches or when you’re short on time. Set your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices directly on the rack or on a small, non-stick baking tray. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, making sure to check halfway through to prevent overcooking or burning. This method is incredibly quick and efficient, producing a lovely crispy exterior.

• Microwave Method: For the fastest reheating solution, the microwave works, but with a trade-off in texture. Place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel; this is essential to prevent them from drying out and becoming rubbery. Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking to see if they’re heated through. Expect a softer texture with this method, as crispiness will be minimal.

• Skillet Method: To regain some of that delicious original crispiness, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil). Once the butter is melted and shimmering, place the French toast slices in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have a golden, slightly crunchy crust. This method is great for achieving a fresh-off-the-griddle taste.

• Air Fryer Method: The air fryer is excellent for reheating French toast and bringing back its crispy glory. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the French toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method is unparalleled for restoring a wonderfully crispy exterior without drying out the interior, making it a top choice for leftovers.

• Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl is crucial for comfortably whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt, providing ample room to create a smooth, consistent custard mixture.

• Whisk: An indispensable tool for thoroughly blending the egg mixture. A good whisk ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated, preventing lumps and creating a uniform custard for optimal bread absorption.

• Griddle: A large, flat griddle is ideal for cooking multiple coated challah bread slices simultaneously and evenly. Its expansive surface allows for efficient cooking, producing consistent golden-brown results across all slices.

• Large skillet: As a versatile alternative to a griddle, a spacious large skillet with a heavy bottom can also be used effectively to cook the bread slices, providing excellent heat retention and even browning.

• Spatula: A sturdy, flat spatula is essential for safely and easily flipping the delicate bread slices. This ensures they cook evenly on both sides, developing that perfect golden crust without tearing.

• Measuring cups: Accurate measuring cups are necessary for precisely portioning liquids like milk, guaranteeing the correct ratio for your custard and preventing an overly thin or thick mixture.

• Measuring spoons: Small, precise measuring spoons are vital for adding exact quantities of vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced and not overpowering.

• Bread knife: If your challah bread isn’t pre-sliced, a sharp, serrated bread knife is indispensable. It allows you to cut thick, even slices that are crucial for French toast, preventing crushing and ensuring ideal absorption.

• Plate: A simple plate or serving platter is needed for neatly serving the freshly cooked French toast, allowing for easy presentation and topping application.

• Serving utensils: Forks, knives, and perhaps a large spatula or tongs are the necessary serving utensils that complete your breakfast setup, allowing everyone to easily enjoy this delightful dish.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Streamline your morning by whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt the night before. Store this mixture covered in the refrigerator, and simply give it a quick whisk in the morning before dipping your bread. This cuts down significantly on prep time.

Pre-slice bread: If you’re using a whole loaf of challah bread, slice it into your desired thickness in advance. Store the slices in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature (or slightly air out for staleness) to have them ready to go, making your morning routine much smoother.

Use a large griddle: To maximize efficiency, utilize a large griddle or a spacious skillet that can accommodate multiple slices of French toast simultaneously. Cooking several pieces at once will significantly reduce the overall cooking time, allowing everyone to enjoy hot French toast together.

Quick toppings: Have all your favorite toppings ready and accessible before you start cooking. This means warming your maple syrup, washing and arranging fresh berries, and having powdered sugar in a shaker. This ensures immediate serving once the French toast is ready, minimizing delays.