Ingredients:

  • 4 large Eggs
  • 240 ml Whole milk
  • 30 g Granulated sugar
  • 5 ml Ground cinnamon
  • 5 ml Pure vanilla extract
  • 1.25 ml Salt
  • 8 slices Brioche or Challah bread, thick-cut
  • 30 g Unsalted butter
  • 15 ml Neutral oil

Instructions:

  1. Whisk the custard. In a shallow baking dish, combine the 4 eggs, 240 ml milk, 30 g sugar, 5 ml cinnamon, 5 ml vanilla, and 1.25 ml salt. Note: Use a vigorous motion to ensure the egg whites are fully integrated into the milk.
  2. Prep the bread. Slice your brioche or challah into 2.5 cm thick pieces. Note: Ensure they are uniform so they cook at the same rate.
  3. Soak the first side. Place slices into the custard for 45 seconds. Watch for the liquid level to drop as the bread drinks it up.
  4. Flip and repeat. Carefully turn the bread and soak for another 45 seconds. The bread should feel heavy and saturated.
  5. Heat the fats. Add 30 g butter and 15 ml oil to your skillet over medium low heat. Wait for the butter to stop foaming and turn a quiet sizzle.
  6. Add the bread. Place the soaked slices into the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Note: Leave at least 2 cm of space between each slice.
  7. Sizzle and sear. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Wait until the edges look golden and the bottom is mahogany brown.
  8. The final flip. Turn the slices and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. The bread should puff slightly in the middle as the eggs cook through.
  9. Rest and serve. Remove from the pan and let sit for 1 minute. Note: This allows the steam to redistribute so the center isn't too wet. | Method | Time | Texture | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Classic Skillet | 8-10 mins | Crispy & Custardy | Standard Sunday morning brunch | | Fast over High heat | 4-5 mins | Seared but dry core | Using thin, cheap white bread | | Oven Baked | 25 mins | Uniformly soft | Feeding a large group at once | The skillet method is my favorite because you get that direct contact with the butter. There is nothing like the sound of that first slice hitting the pan — it’s a gentle, inviting sizzle that promises a great morning. If you enjoy the process of making breakfast from scratch, you might also like my [Classic Crepes Recipe](https://easychefideas.com/recipes/crepes-celestes-the-easiest-classic-crepe-recipe/) for another French inspired treat.