Denny’s French Toast (Easy Recipe)

Jump to Recipe

Denny’s French Toast (Easy Recipe)

There’s something timeless about Denny’s French toast. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday at home or a quick weekday treat, these golden slices always hit the spot. Now, you can create that same delicious experience in your own kitchen, with a recipe that’s straightforward yet packed with the signature flavors you love.

Breakfast lovers know French toast as one of life’s simple pleasures. Warm, soft slices of custard-soaked bread cooked to a tender finish and paired with melted butter, powdered sugar, and syrup—it’s a classic for a reason. If you want to treat yourself or share a comforting meal with family, this Denny’s French Toast recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients for Denny’s French Toast

• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 slices Texas toast (or thick white bread)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the pan)
• Butter, powdered sugar, and maple syrup (for serving)

Why This Recipe Works

Denny’s French toast stands out because it’s both crispy around the edges and perfectly pillowy in the middle. The secret comes from the combination of a well-balanced custard, the right choice of bread, and careful pan-frying that gives each slice a rich flavor and velvety texture.

• Flavor balance. A touch of cinnamon and vanilla lifts the custard, while salt keeps the sweetness in check.
• Thick-cut bread. Texas toast, challah, or brioche works best—they hold up to soaking and deliver the desired fluffy bite.
• Proper soaking technique. Letting the bread sit in the custard, rather than a quick dip, helps lock in the flavor without turning mushy.

When you start with quality ingredients and follow these tried-and-true methods, you’ll get French toast that’s every bit as appealing as what you’d find in the diner.

The Best Bread for French Toast: Your Options

The bread you use truly shapes the final product. Here’s what works best:

You want each slice to be 3/4 to 1 inch thick. This heft allows it to soak up the custard for a creamy center while achieving crispness on the outside.

Tip: Day-old or slightly stale bread performs better. Fresh bread tends to fall apart when soaked, but drier slices absorb the mixture and cook up perfectly.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Denny’s French Toast

1. Prepare the Custard

Crack the eggs into a wide, shallow bowl. Add the milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Use a whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth—no pockets of flour or strings of egg white. If you dislike any lumps, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.

2. Soak the Bread

Lay the slices of Texas toast into the custard, pressing down gently to ensure the mixture soaks into both sides. Let each slice rest in the mixture for 20–30 seconds per side. The goal is for the bread to be heavy but not falling apart.

3. Heat the Pan

Set a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add about a half tablespoon of butter. Swirl the pan to coat evenly. When the butter foams and sizzles (but doesn’t brown), it’s time to add the soaked bread.

4. Cook the French Toast

Add two or three slices at a time, depending on your pan size. Cook each side 1 to 2 minutes, until deeply golden—edges should be crisp while the center remains soft. Flip gently with a spatula. Add more butter between batches if needed.

5. Keep Warm

If you’re making a large batch, place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. They’ll stay warm and retain their texture while you finish cooking the rest.

6. Serve

Stack warm slices on plates. Top with softened butter, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Serve with fresh fruit or crispy bacon if you want to channel that full diner spread.

Tips for Perfect French Toast at Home

• Use room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can cause the custard to separate or cook unevenly.
• Whisk thoroughly: The flour needs to dissolve completely for a silky custard.
• Experiment with flavor: Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or swap vanilla for almond extract for a twist.
• Test your bread: If the slice holds together after soaking, you’re good to go. If it falls apart, switch to a firmer loaf or let it stale longer.
• Low and slow: High heat burns the outside before the inside cooks. Medium to medium-low heat is your friend.
• Leftovers: Store extra slices in the fridge. Pop them in the toaster or oven to restore their crispness.

Variations and Add-ins

French toast is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ways to customize your breakfast:

• Berry French toast: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
• Stuffed French toast: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or nut butter between two slices before dipping.
• Cinnamon-sugar: Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over the toast while hot.
• Savory twist: Skip the cinnamon and sugar, add a pinch of black pepper, and serve with ham or eggs.

Serving Suggestions

Denny’s French toast is the star, but adding sides makes every breakfast feel like an occasion. Try it with:

• Crispy bacon or sausage links
• Scrambled or fried eggs
• Hash browns
• Sliced bananas or sautéed apples
• Greek yogurt and honey

If you’re serving a crowd, assemble a breakfast board with toast slices, toppings, and sides for everyone to enjoy.

Storing and Reheating

French toast stores well and can be reheated without losing texture.

• To store: Allow slices to cool, then stack them with wax paper or parchment in an airtight container.
• For freezing: Freeze the slices in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-proof bag for up to three months.
• To reheat: Use the toaster for a crispy finish or microwave at half power until warmed through.

Common Troubleshooting

• Soggy French toast: Your bread may have been too fresh or left in the custard too long. Next time, use day-old slices and reduce soaking time.
• Custard leaking out: The heat is too low. Turn up the skillet moderately to “set” the custard faster.
• Burnt outside, raw center: Lower your heat to avoid scorching while allowing the inside to cook gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk each work. The flavor may change slightly, but the method is the same.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute with gluten-free sandwich bread, and ensure your flour is GF as well.

Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Yes. Mix it the night before and refrigerate. Give it a good stir before using.

What toppings work besides syrup?
Try fresh whipped cream, fruit compote, chocolate-hazelnut spread, or even yogurt and granola.

The Joy of Homemade French Toast

Making Denny’s French toast at home means you get all the appeal of a diner breakfast without even leaving the house. The process takes just minutes, and the results can brighten any morning. From the creamy, custardy center to the crisp, golden edges, this recipe gives you the best of everything. Gather your favorite people (or just your appetite), pour yourself some coffee, and dig in to a breakfast that never goes out of style.