Crunchy French Toast

By Adeline

Published on June 11, 2025

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of cinnamon, vanilla, and toasted bread wafting through the kitchen. That’s the magic of crunchy French toast—a nostalgic favorite that turns simple ingredients into a morning masterpiece. The golden crust gives way to a soft, custardy center that tastes like a warm hug on a lazy weekend.

This recipe takes a beloved breakfast classic and adds a satisfying twist—literally! With a crispy cereal coating, it’s perfect for cozy brunches, special occasions, or just because. I still remember the first time I made this version for my kids on a rainy Sunday morning. The look on their faces after the first bite? Pure joy. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, crunchy French toast is an irresistibly fun way to start the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crunchy French toast isn’t just delicious—it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s why this version deserves a permanent spot on your breakfast table:

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside: The contrast of textures is unbeatable. The golden crust made from crispy rice cereal or corn flakes adds a fun, crunchy twist to the traditional version.
Kid-approved and family-friendly: This breakfast is always a hit with little ones (and big kids too!). It’s the perfect weekend treat or birthday breakfast surprise.
No fancy ingredients required: You likely already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor.
Versatile and customizable: Swap in your favorite cereal, top with berries or whipped cream, or even drizzle with warm nut butter. This recipe plays well with your personal twist.
Ideal for meal preppers and busy mornings: Make a batch ahead, refrigerate or freeze, then toast up for a quick and satisfying breakfast on-the-go.

If you’re a comfort food lover, weekend brunch host, or parent looking for a fun breakfast win, this crunchy French toast delivers every single time.

Ingredients for Crunchy French Toast

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best crunchy French toast at home:

4 large eggs – The base of the custard; use fresh eggs for a rich flavor.
⅔ cup milk – Whole milk works best for creaminess, but any milk will do.
¼ cup all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the custard so it coats the bread evenly.
¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness without overpowering the dish.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A must for warmth and cozy flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and that classic French toast aroma.
8 thick slices of bread – Texas toast or Sara Lee® Artisan bread is perfect; day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard without getting soggy.
2 heaping cups crispy rice cereal or crushed corn flakes – This is what gives the French toast its signature crunch.

Substitutions and Tips

Milk Options: Use almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. Just avoid very thin milks like skim, which may result in a runny custard.
Bread Choices: Brioche, challah, or even slightly stale French bread all work wonderfully. Just make sure the slices are thick.
Cereal Crust: Want a different texture? Try using crushed granola, panko breadcrumbs, or even frosted flakes for a sweet touch.
Add Zest: A pinch of orange or lemon zest in the custard adds a fresh twist that brightens the flavor.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Chef Tip: Crush your cereal slightly, but don’t pulverize it into dust. You want texture, not powder, for the best crunch factor.

Best Type of Bread to Use

The bread you choose can make or break your crunchy French toast. You want something thick, sturdy, and able to hold custard without turning into mush. Here are the top picks and why they work so well:

Texas Toast: This is a breakfast favorite for good reason. It’s thick-cut and sturdy, which makes it ideal for soaking up the custard while keeping its shape during cooking.
Brioche: Buttery, slightly sweet, and ultra-soft, brioche brings a luxurious texture and rich flavor. It toasts beautifully while staying tender inside.
Challah: This braided bread is eggy and slightly sweet, perfect for French toast. It absorbs the custard mixture evenly and holds up well in the pan.
Day-Old French Bread: Slightly stale French bread works surprisingly well. Its firmer structure develops a wonderful crunch after cooking, giving your toast a rustic vibe.

Breads to Skip

Avoid fresh white sandwich bread—it’s too soft and thin, which leads to soggy results. Also, skip any thin-sliced bread, as it won’t provide the satisfying crunch this recipe is all about.

Pro Tip: Let your bread dry out a little before using. Day-old bread or a quick toast in the oven helps it soak up custard without falling apart. This simple trick leads to perfect crispy edges every time.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy setup to make amazing crunchy French toast, but a few key tools will make the process smoother and the results more consistent.

Must-Have Tools

Mixing Bowl – A medium or large bowl for whisking the egg and milk mixture. Go for one with high sides to avoid splashing.
Whisk or Fork – To fully blend the eggs, flour, and cinnamon without clumps.
Shallow Dish or Pie Plate – Perfect for dipping the bread slices evenly into the custard mix.
Large Nonstick Skillet or Griddle – You’ll want enough space to cook multiple slices at once with a golden, even sear.
Spatula – A wide spatula makes flipping easier and cleaner.

Nice-to-Have Extras

Baking Sheet with Wire Rack – Great if you’re making a big batch. You can keep the cooked slices warm and crisp in a 250°F oven.
Food Processor or Zip-Top Bag – For crushing your cereal coating. A rolling pin or even a mug works in a pinch.
Tongs – Helpful for coating the dipped bread in cereal without getting your hands messy.
Cooling Rack – Keeps the bottom crust crispy if you’re letting slices rest before serving.

Pro Tip: Always preheat your pan! A hot skillet means the outside gets crunchy fast while the inside stays soft and custardy.

How to Make Crunchy French Toast

You’re just a few simple steps away from serving up golden, crispy perfection. Here’s how to make crunchy French toast that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor.

Step 1: Prep the Custard

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. The flour helps create a slightly thicker custard that clings better to the bread. Whisk until there are no lumps.

Chef Tip: Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. This helps the flour hydrate and results in a silkier texture.

Step 2: Crush the Cereal

Add your crispy rice cereal or corn flakes to a large zip-top bag and crush gently with a rolling pin. You want coarse, crumbly pieces—not dust. Then, pour the crushed cereal into a shallow dish or plate.

Pro Tip: A mix of fine and chunky bits creates the most satisfying crunch.

Step 3: Dip the Bread

One slice at a time, dip the bread into the custard mixture. Let each side soak for about 5 seconds—just enough to absorb flavor without getting soggy. Then press each slice into the crushed cereal, coating both sides well.

Helpful Hint: Don’t rush. Letting the bread soak up just the right amount of custard is key to that soft, pillowy interior.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. Once hot, add the coated slices. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

Listen for the sizzle—that’s how you know your pan is at the right temperature.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Transfer to a serving plate or baking rack. Serve immediately with maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Success

Here are a few kitchen-tested tips to make your crunchy French toast extra delicious—and avoid those common breakfast mistakes.

1. Use Day-Old Bread

Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better and holds its structure. If your bread is fresh, pop it in the toaster or oven for a few minutes to dry it out just a bit.

2. Don’t Oversoak the Bread

Let each slice sit in the custard for just 4–5 seconds per side. Any longer, and it may turn mushy before you even get it in the pan.

3. Crush the Cereal with Texture in Mind

Don’t over-crush your cereal into powder. Aim for a coarse crumb—this gives that craveable crunch we’re after.

4. Cook on Medium Heat

Too hot, and the coating burns before the inside cooks. Too low, and your toast will be pale and soggy. Medium heat is the sweet spot for even, golden browning.

5. Keep the First Batch Warm

Making a big batch? Place cooked slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet and keep them in a 250°F oven. This keeps them warm and crispy until you’re ready to serve.

Watch Out For:

Cold pan = soggy results.
Too much milk in the custard = diluted flavor.
Skipping salt = surprisingly bland French toast.

Bonus Tip: Want to get ahead? Mix your custard the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk in the morning before dipping the bread.

How to Store Crunchy French Toast

Whether you’re meal prepping or managing leftovers, storing crunchy French toast the right way keeps it tasting fresh and crispy. Here’s how to do it right:

At Room Temperature

Crunchy French toast is best served warm, but if you’re holding it for 1–2 hours (like during a brunch buffet), place the cooked slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 250°F oven. This keeps the outside crisp while staying warm inside.

Safety Note: Don’t leave it out longer than 2 hours at room temperature to avoid food safety risks.

In the Refrigerator

If you’ve got leftovers, let the slices cool completely before storing.

Storage Time: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheating Tip: Reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat until crisp again. Avoid the microwave—it makes the coating soggy.

Freezing Tips

Crunchy French toast freezes like a dream if stored correctly.

To Freeze: Arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 1–2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Storage Time: Up to 2 months.
Reheating from Frozen: Toast in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until hot and crispy. No need to thaw.

Pro Tip: Place a piece of parchment paper between slices before freezing to prevent them from sticking together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes French toast crispy?

The crunch comes from the outer coating—in this case, crushed crispy rice cereal or corn flakes. Unlike traditional French toast, which is only pan-fried, this version adds texture with the cereal layer that crisps up beautifully when cooked in a hot skillet.

What is the trick to not soggy French toast?

It’s all about balance. Use thick, slightly stale bread, don’t oversoak it in the custard, and always cook on a preheated pan. Letting the custard mixture rest a few minutes before dipping helps, too. And remember—low heat = soggy results.

How to make toast really crunchy?

To make your French toast really crunchy, coat it in crushed cereal that’s coarse, not powdered. Then cook it on medium heat in a well-heated pan with just enough fat to crisp the surface. Pressing down gently with a spatula while cooking can help build even more crunch.

Should French toast be soft or crunchy?

That depends on the style, but crunchy French toast offers the best of both worlds: a crisp, golden exterior and a warm, custardy center. If you’re looking for variety and texture, this recipe hits the sweet spot.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun, crave-worthy twist on a breakfast classic, this crunchy French toast hits all the right notes. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table—whether it’s a cozy Sunday morning or a special brunch celebration.

From the golden cereal coating to the soft, cinnamon-kissed center, each bite is full of texture and warmth. So pull out your skillet, grab your favorite bread, and make a batch that tastes like comfort with a crunch. Your kitchen is about to be the happiest place in the house.