When it comes to breakfast comfort foods, few dishes rival the golden perfection of French toast — crisp on the outside, soft and custardy inside, and brimming with warmth. But when you introduce buttermilk into the mix, this beloved classic reaches new heights of flavor and texture.
Buttermilk French toast offers a richer, tangier, and more luxurious taste experience than the traditional version. The buttermilk infuses the bread with a subtle tartness that complements sweetness beautifully while keeping the inside extra tender and the outside perfectly golden. If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels indulgent yet homey, this recipe will quickly become a weekend favorite.
Why Buttermilk Changes Everything
The secret weapon here is buttermilk — that slightly tangy, creamy ingredient often overlooked in breakfast recipes. Its gentle acidity softens and hydrates the bread better than regular milk, leading to a texture that’s custardy but not soggy.
Buttermilk also enhances caramelization, giving your French toast a beautiful golden crust when cooked. The result is a dish that’s rich, complex in flavor, and irresistibly soft inside. Pair it with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit, and you’ve got the ultimate breakfast comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For about 8 slices of buttermilk French toast, gather:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
- A pinch of salt
- 8 slices of thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
Optional toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas
- Whipped cream
- Caramelized apples or honey butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined — this mixture is what gives your French toast its creamy interior.
2. Preheat Your Pan:
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small pat of butter. Allow it to melt and coat the surface evenly.
3. Dip the Bread:
Dip each slice of bread into the buttermilk mixture, letting it soak for about 10–15 seconds per side. Don’t leave it too long, or the bread will become soggy. You want it saturated but still firm enough to handle.
4. Cook to Perfection:
Place the soaked slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning — medium to medium-low works best for an even cook.
5. Keep Warm:
Transfer cooked slices to a baking sheet and keep them in a 200°F (90°C) oven while you finish the rest. This ensures your French toast stays warm and maintains its crisp exterior.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Stack your slices high, top with butter, syrup, and fruit, and enjoy the irresistible combination of crispy, creamy, and tangy flavors.
Best Bread for Buttermilk French Toast
Choosing the right bread makes a huge difference. You want something sturdy that can absorb the buttermilk custard without falling apart. Here are a few great options:
- Brioche: Buttery and soft, this bread gives a rich, dessert-like French toast.
- Challah: Slightly sweet and eggy, it’s perfect for a soft yet structured slice.
- Texas Toast: Thick-cut and simple — ideal for soaking up flavor.
- French Baguette: For a slightly chewier texture with crispy edges.
If your bread is a day old, even better! Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more evenly and holds its shape better during cooking.
Tips for the Perfect Buttermilk French Toast
1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients:
Cold eggs and buttermilk can cause uneven soaking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before mixing.
2. Don’t Oversoak:
The bread should be well-coated but not dripping. A quick dip ensures a custardy center without being mushy.
3. Keep the Heat Moderate:
Low to medium heat is key. Too hot, and your toast will brown before cooking through; too low, and it will turn rubbery.
4. Butter Smartly:
Use butter for that rich flavor, but wipe off excess fat between batches to prevent burning. A light layer is all you need for that golden crust.
5. Experiment with Flavor:
Add a splash of orange zest, almond extract, or brown sugar to the batter for extra depth.
Delicious Topping Ideas
Half the fun of French toast is dressing it up! Here are some ideas that complement the tangy richness of buttermilk:
- Classic: A drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Berry Bliss: Top with mixed berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted almonds or pecans for texture.
- Caramel Apple: Add sautéed apples in brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Coconut Dream: Add shredded coconut and a drizzle of honey.
- Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and top with fried eggs, bacon, or smoked salmon.
Healthier Variations
While traditional buttermilk French toast leans indulgent, you can easily make lighter versions:
- Use Whole-Grain Bread: Adds fiber and texture.
- Swap Sugar for Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness without refined sugar.
- Use Olive Oil Spray Instead of Butter: Reduces saturated fats.
- Add Protein: Top with Greek yogurt and nuts for a balanced meal.
Even with these tweaks, you’ll still get all the satisfying richness of the original.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
French toast is perfect for meal prep or entertaining, and buttermilk keeps it moist even when reheated.
- To Refrigerate: Store cooled slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet.
- To Freeze: Lay slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- To Make Ahead: Prepare the custard mixture the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply dip and cook.
Why Buttermilk French Toast Feels Special
There’s a reason this variation feels so comforting — it captures the warmth of home-cooked breakfasts while offering a refined twist. The tangy buttermilk cuts through the sweetness of syrup, the crispy edges provide satisfying texture, and the inside melts in your mouth.
It’s versatile, too. You can make it a weekend indulgence with whipped cream and berries or a weekday energy booster with peanut butter and sliced bananas. Every variation brings out the cozy simplicity that makes this dish so beloved.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your buttermilk French toast with:
- A side of crispy bacon or sausage links for a salty balance.
- Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing touch.
- A cup of hot coffee, chai, or spiced tea to complete the cozy breakfast experience.
- Warm buttermilk syrup or honey butter for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
You can even transform it into French toast casserole for a brunch crowd by layering slices in a baking dish, pouring over the custard, and baking until puffed and golden.
Final Thoughts
Buttermilk French toast is everything you love about breakfast — warm, soft, flavorful, and full of comfort. The addition of buttermilk adds tang, tenderness, and a depth of flavor that elevates this simple dish into something truly special.
It’s proof that small tweaks can make classic recipes extraordinary. With every bite, you get a perfect mix of buttery crispness and creamy sweetness — the kind of breakfast that turns an ordinary morning into something memorable.
So next weekend, whisk up some buttermilk, dip your favorite bread, and treat yourself to the golden, custardy joy of homemade Buttermilk French Toast.