Best Bread for French Toast

Best Bread for French Toast: Choosing the Perfect Loaf for a Delicious Breakfast

French toast is a beloved breakfast classic, but did you know that the type of bread you use can make all the difference? The perfect French toast should be crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and full of rich flavour. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or a gourmet twist, choosing the right bread is key.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best types of bread for French toast, what makes them special, and how to elevate your next breakfast.

What Makes a Great Bread for French Toast?

Not all bread is created equal when it comes to French toast. The best bread should have the following characteristics:

✅ Thick Slices – Thin slices will fall apart when soaked in the egg mixture. A good French toast bread should be at least ¾ to 1 inch thick.

✅ Slightly Stale Texture – Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaked. Day-old or slightly dry bread absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart.

✅ A Sturdy Crumb – Soft, airy bread can turn mushy. Look for a loaf with some structure so it holds up to soaking and frying.

✅ Mild but Rich Flavor – Since French toast relies on the bread for its foundation, choose bread with a neutral yet slightly sweet or buttery taste.

Best Types of Bread for French Toast

1. Brioche – The Ultimate Choice

🥇 Best for: Buttery, rich, and indulgent French toast

If you want the best possible French toast, brioche is the way to go. This buttery, slightly sweet, and fluffy bread soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without falling apart. Once cooked, it develops a crisp exterior while staying soft and custardy inside.

✅ Best for: Classic French toast, stuffed French toast, and sweet variations

✅ Flavor profile: Buttery, slightly sweet, and rich

✅ Where to find it: Bakeries, specialty bread shops, or Atome Bakery’s Baguette Brioche

Try it with: Powdered sugar and fresh berries for a decadent treat.

2. Baguette Viennoise – Soft, Sweet & Perfectly Balanced

🥈 Best for: A slightly sweet, buttery French toast with a tender crumb

Baguette Viennoise is an underrated but incredible choice for French toast. This lightly sweet, buttery, and soft bread is somewhere between a classic baguette and a brioche. It has just enough richness without being as heavy as brioche, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a balanced texture—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

✅ Best for: Delicate, slightly sweet French toast that absorbs custard beautifully

✅ Flavor profile: Buttery, slightly sweet, tender but structured

✅ Where to find it: Bakeries, specialty bread shops, or Atome Bakery’s Baguette Viennoise

Try it with: A dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for a perfectly balanced breakfast.

3. Sourdough – A Slightly Tangy Twist

🥉 Best for: A more complex flavour and firmer texture

If you love a little tang in your breakfast, sourdough makes an unexpected but fantastic French toast. The firm structure of sourdough prevents it from becoming too mushy, and the slight tanginess contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the custard and toppings.

✅ Best for: A gourmet, slightly tangy French toast variation

✅ Flavor profile: Slightly tangy, hearty, and firm

✅ Where to find it: Artisan bakeries, local bread shops, or Atome Bakery’s Sourdough Loaf

Try it with: A sprinkle of sea salt, honey, and fresh fruit for a sophisticated touch.

4. French Baguette – Classic & Crunchy

🥖 Best for: Rustic, crispy-edged French toast

A day-old French baguette is excellent for French toast, especially if you prefer a firmer, more structured bite. Its crispy crust and chewy interior create a contrast in textures, making every bite interesting. Since baguettes are denser, they require a longer soak in the custard mixture to soften properly.

✅ Best for: Classic, crispy French toast

✅ Flavor profile: Neutral with a slight chewiness

✅ Where to find it: Bakeries, grocery stores, or Atome Bakery’s Sourdough Baguette

Try it with: A dusting of powdered sugar and a side of warm maple syrup.

5. Whole Wheat Bread – A Healthier Alternative

🌾 Best for: A nutritious, fibre-rich option

If you’re looking for a healthier twist, whole wheat bread can be a good choice. It has more fibre and nutrients than white bread, though it may not absorb custard as well due to its denser texture.

✅ Best for: A healthier, less indulgent French toast

✅ Flavor profile: Earthy, nutty, and slightly hearty

✅ Where to find it: Grocery stores, homemade or Atome Bakery’s wholewheat loaf

Try it with: Greek yogurt, honey, and fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast.

Pro Tips for Making the Best French Toast

✔️ Use Day-Old Bread – Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard without becoming soggy.

✔️ Slice It Thick – At least ¾ to 1 inch thick for the best texture.

✔️ Let It Soak – Give each slice 20-30 seconds per side to absorb the egg mixture fully.

✔️ Cook on Medium Heat – Too high, and it burns; too low, and it stays soggy.

✔️ Use Butter – Butter is the secret sauce of any French cuisine!

✔️ Experiment with Flavors – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, or citrus zest to the custard for an extra flavour boost.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Bread for French Toast?

The best bread for French toast depends on the style you’re going for:

🥇 For the richest, most indulgent French toast: Brioche or Viennoise

🥈 For a tangy, complex flavour: Sourdough loaf

🥖 For a rustic, crunchy texture: French Baguette

🌾 For a healthier option: Whole Wheat Bread

No matter which bread you choose, the key to perfect French toast is quality ingredients and proper technique.

👉 Looking for the perfect bread for your next French toast? Try our freshly baked at-home Brioche, Baguette Viennoise, Sourdough Baguette, Sourdough Loaf or Wholewheat sourdough loaf for a delicious, artisanal twist!