French Toast Recipe with Buttermilk

Traditional french toast gets a tangy twist just by adding a little buttermilk to this classic recipe. You won’t believe the enormous flavor addition this small change can make to this popular breakfast dish. My entire family loves French toast with buttermilk, especially the kids. I know your family will love it too.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love making delicious French toast. It’s the perfect breakfast and so much simpler and faster than making homemade pancakes or waffles.

My favorite french toast is this recipe that uses buttermilk instead of regular milk. The buttermilk gives the flavor an amazing yet subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the syrup so well.

Here are just a few other reasons to fall in love with this simple recipe.

• My oldest son gave this recipe a 10/10. That is a huge endorsement coming from him!
• You can whip this recipe together in just a few minutes. It can even be made ahead of time!
• Breakfast OR dinner. Either way, everyone will be happy.
• You can go wild with toppings or just put some out and let everyone choose their own!!

Recipe Ingredients 

The ingredients for this buttermilk french toast recipe are pretty standard for the most part.

• Bread - Use thick slices of bread for best results. My favorite bread choices are french bread, challah, sourdough, brioche bread or Texas toast.
• Buttermilk - Grab some from the grocery store or make your own homemade buttermilk using a few simple ingredients!
• Eggs - I use large eggs for this recipe.
• Granulated sugar - can be replaced with agave, honey, or maple syrup.
• Vanilla extract - Flavoring extracts are very concentrated, so be careful not to use too much. You could also try a little almond extract for something different.
• Cinnamon - You can also try a little fresh ground nutmeg along with the cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Salt - You might choose to omit this if you are using salted butter.
• Butter - Used to cook the french toast pieces on the skillet.

How to Make French Toast with Buttermilk

Follow these simple instructions for the best french toast every time.

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt.

Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish or pie plate.

Step 2

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter on the skillet before each batch.

Step 3

Dunk each slice of bread fully into the vanilla, buttermilk, egg mixture, ensuring both sides of the bread are well coated.

Transfer soaked bread slices to the hot skillet and cook over medium heat until golden brown on each side, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Repeat the process with the remaining pieces of bread.

Step 4

Drizzle the cooked french toast with fresh berries, butter and syrup and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

• Other sweetener options that can be used for egg mixture: maple syrup, agave
• Thick bread works best for french toast.
• Let bread sit in the batter for 20 seconds or so. But not too long or you’ll just have soggy french toast and eggy bread.
• Don’t let your burner get too hot or the toast will burn quickly on the outside and not enough on the inside!! Again, eggy bread.

Buttermilk vs Milk in French Toast

Buttermilk is a great way to give the batter a little extra flavor. It’s a little tangy and a lot tasty!

Tips & Tricks

• You can use half buttermilk and half heavy cream for an even more decadent french toast.
• Be sure to dredge your bread fully in the egg mixture to completely coat the bread.
• Allow excess french toast batter to drip from the bread before transferring it to the hot pan to avoid soggy french toast.
• Try not to mess with the french toast while it’s cooking. Look for the steam coming from under the toast as an indicator it’s time to flip or it’s done to golden perfection and ready.

French Toast Toppings

The classic topping for French toast is softened butter and a drizzle of real maple syrup. But here are some of my favorite toppings for a truly delicious breakfast treat.

• Fresh fruit or berries
• Fruit slices
• Sauteed apples
• Fruit pie filling
• Caramel sauce 
• Chocolate sauce
• Powdered sugar
• Blueberry maple syrup, or other flavored or infused syrup

What to Serve with French Toast

French toast can make a great breakfast all on its own. But here are some other great ideas for what to serve with your french toast for an even more amazing breakfast. 

• Bacon
• Sausage links or patties
• Scrambled eggs or egg bites
• Hash browns or hashbrown casserole
• Strawberry yogurt and granola parfaits
• Toast or English muffins with jam
• Fruit salad
• Oatmeal
• Orange juice or mimosas

How to Store Leftover French Toast

Let any leftover French toast cool fully before attempting to refrigerate them. I like to do this on a wire rack. Condensation will absolutely ruin a good piece of French toast.

Stored properly in an airtight container or sealed freezer bag, these will be at their best in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How To Freeze French Toast

• Allow the French toast to cool completely. 
• Cut some parchment paper or wax paper into squares and place a square between each piece so the slices of bread don’t stick together when freezing.  
• Place the French toast in a freezer safe ziplock bag or container. 
• Stored properly, the French toast will be good for 2 months.

How to Reheat French Toast

You can reheat French toast in the microwave or in your regular old toaster or toaster oven! My preferred method is the toaster.

• To reheat in the microwave, place 2 to 3 pieces of French toast in a single layer on a plate with a paper towel under and over them. Heat in 30 second increments, checking every thirty seconds. 
• If you reheat them in the toaster or toaster oven, don’t leave them in too long. 

What to Do with Leftover French Toast

There are so many great options of recipes you can make with leftover french toast. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Turn it into a casserole or breakfast bake
• Turn into a sandwich like a classic Monte Cristo
• Transform it into an amazing bread pudding
• Just reheat it and eat it. My favorite way.

Best French Toast Recipes

• Sourdough French Toast
• Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
• Apple French Toast Casserole 
• Eggnog French Toast