Buttermilk French Toast

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Buttermilk French Toast
Published June 15, 2025

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Buttermilk French Toast is made with hearty French bread, tangy buttermilk, a handful of eggs, and sweet vanilla. It’s a flavor boost on traditional French toast and such a tasty way to start the day!

Buttermilk French Toast is very similar in taste to buttermilk pancakes, and it’s a great way to use up stale bread. It’s a hearty breakfast that pairs perfectly with a fresh fruity syrup drizzled atop and sweet whipped cream if you want to indulge a little.

It’s one of those recipes that you don’t really need a recipe, it’s maybe just more of an idea that you hadn’t yet thought of making yet.

Most of you have probably made traditional french toast with milk, eggs and cinnamon. This version is nearly identical with cinnamon being optional and of course buttermilk is used in place of milk.

Possible Flavor Variations

There are several flavoring options to switch things up as well. Possible variations include adding alternative extracts such as coconut, almond, rum or lemon extract, or you could opt to include 1 1/2 tsp of cinnamon.

The main reason I usually don’t add cinnamon here is because it leaves room for so many topping options that may not pair well with that traditional abundance of cinnamon and lets the buttermilk flavor shine as well. I personally love it with fresh strawberry syrup or blueberry syrup with the sweetened whipped cream of course. Real maple syrup is another obvious choice, or try buttermilk syrup, or homemade jam.

Other great options are topping with fresh fruit such as bananas, raspberries or peaches and a drizzle of honey. You can even cut the bread slices thicker, cut a slit in the middle and stuff with fruit, Nutella, or jam before cooking.

Or try using cinnamon swirl bread in place of plain French bread. So many options!

Buttermilk French Toast Recipe Ingredients

For this French toast you only need FOUR ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 5 eggs
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 10 (3/4-inch) slices hearty French bread, or brioche
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) and/or 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

How to Make French Toast with Buttermilk

• In a shallow dish whisk together buttermilk, eggs, sugar and vanilla until well blended (it may seem to curdle at first, keep whisking until smooth).
• Heat non-stick or cast iron griddle over medium-low heat or heat an electric griddle over medium-high heat.
• Working with one slice of bread at a time dip in buttermilk mixture for about 20 seconds per side (or until just soaked, each loaf of bread will vary).
• Butter griddle in the spot you’ll add the slice then transfer the buttermilk mixture coated bread slice to griddle.
• Cook until golden brown on bottom, about 1 to 2 minutes, turn (can butter griddle again when lifting), and cook until golden brown on opposite side and cooked through to center, about 1 to 2 minutes longer. If needed reduce burner temperature if slices are browning too quickly.
• How to keep French toast warm: Slices can be kept warm in a 200 degree oven as you finish remainder.

Which Pan to Use to Cook French Toast

You can use an electric griddle, cast iron griddle, or a non-stick stovetop griddle to cook french toast. Each option has its benefit.

The electric griddle can fit and cook more slices at once and it tends to cook most evenly, the cast iron skillet offers superior browning (if you like those rustic browned edges) but does however only work on a gas stove, and a non-stick griddle makes for easy clean up.

Can I Use the Buttermilk Substitute Here?

For this recipe you can use the buttermilk substitute which would be 1 1/2 cups minus 1 1/2 Tbsp milk mixed with 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice or plain vinegar. Whisk the two ingredients together and let it rest for 5 minutes before using in the recipe. I recommend using any percentage of fat but skim milk.

Can I Make French Toast with Just Egg Yolks?

Yes, French toast can be made with just egg yolks without the egg whites. It’s a great way to use up leftover egg yolks and produces a slightly richer more custard-like flavor. Use 7 egg yolks in place of 5 whole eggs of the recipe.

Storing the French Toast

• Let it cool for about 30 minutes before storing.

• Buttermilk French toast will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• It freezes well for up to 3 months.
• To reheat use a toaster or toaster oven for a better texture. A microwave will make it soggy.

More Homemade Breakfast Recipes to Try

• Baked French Toast Sticks
• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Classic French Toast
• Crepes
• German Pancake
• Overnight Baked French Toast