IHOP French Toast Recipe

Bring the cozy diner vibe home with this ihop french toast recipe, made with fluffy bread, eggs, milk, and a kiss of vanilla. It’s golden, luscious, and skillet-sizzling good.

Warm, eggy slices that puff up beautifully then crisp ever so slightly at the edges? Yes please. This is French toast that gets it. Whether you’re after a laid-back brunch or just something buttery and golden to pair with coffee and silence on a Sunday morning, this one checks the box. The flour thickens the batter just enough to cling to each slice (bye-bye soggy bread), and that quick hit of vanilla smells like you’ve secretly lit a candle labeled “Breakfast in Paris.” Ready to ditch boxed mix joylessness for something real and pan-to-plate fast? Let’s grab some bread and get things sizzling.

Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!

Why You’ll Love this IHOP French Toast

We’re not reinventing the wheel here—it’s French toast. But this version hits all the right notes without trying too hard.

Golden and crisp on the outside: The flour works magic, giving that picture-perfect texture IHOP fans know by heart.
Custardy and tender inside: The egg and milk soak turns plain bread into breakfast royalty (no soggy peasant slices here).
No fancy ingredients necessary: If you have eggs, milk, and bread, you’re nearly there. The rest is pantry stuff.
Ready in under 15 minutes: Even if someone’s hangry (yourself included), peace is just a skillet away.
Fully customizable: Sweet, savory, fruity, nutty—this toast plays well with anything you throw at it.
Smells like a Sunday morning dream: Vanilla-scented air, buttery sizzles, and that soft whiff of toasted sugar.

Ingredient Notes

Let’s take a quick peek at what goes into this golden stack. You don’t need much, but a few smart choices make all the difference.

Thick bread: Choose something sturdy, like brioche or Texas toast. It holds the custard without falling apart and gives that plush inside texture.
Eggs: These bind and enrich the batter. If your bread’s dry, the eggs help bring it back to glorious life.
Milk: Helps loosen the eggs just enough for soaking. Whole milk is ideal, but any kind works (even almond milk, in a pinch).
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth and makes the whole kitchen smell like you have a well-loved baking habit.
Flour: This little secret thickens the batter so it clings to the bread rather than disappearing into it.
Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the toast lightly without turning it into dessert—unless you’re into that.
Salt: A tiny pinch balances the sweet and makes all the flavors pop (trust me, don’t skip it).
Butter (for the skillet): Gives those crisp, lacy golden edges and adds rich flavor as you fry.

How To Make This IHOP French Toast

Once you’ve got your ingredients lined up and your skillet heating, this moves faster than you’d think. Just don’t wander off mid-fry. Your toast needs you.

Make the batter: In a big bowl, whisk your eggs until they’re smooth and frothy (give them a good minute). Then, stir in the milk, vanilla, flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk until it’s nice and lump-free. This mix should be silky, not runny.
Preheat and butter the skillet: Get a large nonstick skillet or griddle going over medium heat. Melt about a teaspoon of butter to coat—when it foams and smells nutty, you’re good to go.
Dip the bread: Now for the messy, satisfying part. Dip each slice of bread into the batter and let it hang out for a few seconds per side. Don’t let it drown, just a cozy little soak so it’s thoroughly coated.
Cook until golden: Place each slice onto your hot skillet and leave it alone for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll hear light sizzling and see golden edges forming. Flip gently and repeat on the other side. Do them in batches if needed. Add more butter as you go—it keeps the edges deliciously crisp.
Serve warm and enjoy: Stack ’em up, slap on a pat of butter (melty pool optional but encouraged), pour over syrup, and go to town. Or add toppings like fresh berries, chopped pecans, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Storage Options

So you went a little wild and made a double batch—first of all, proud of you. Leftover French toast is a blessing in disguise.

Toss cooled slices into an airtight container and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 days—reheat them in a skillet for that fresh-off-the-griddle feel.

Freezing? Totally doable. Let the slices cool completely, then lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually (this prevents weird toast clumps). Once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay good for a month or two.

To reheat frozen slices, pop them in the toaster or warm them gently in a skillet. The microwave works too, but fair warning—it sacrifices crispness. Desperate mornings call for desperate measures, though.

Variations and Substitutions

Feeling creative? French toast is basically a blank canvas soaked in vanilla dreams. Here are a few ways to remix it.

Different bread choices: Swap in challah, cinnamon swirl, or even croissants. Just avoid anything too thin or airy—it’ll fall apart.
Dairy-free options: Use oat or almond milk, and sub in oil or plant-based butter for the skillet. Easy and still tasty.
Add cinnamon or nutmeg: Half a teaspoon of either will cozy things up instantly. Great in winter or when you’re feelin’ extra.
Sweet toppings twist: Think blueberry compote, honeyed ricotta, or a drizzle of tahini and maple syrup (trust me).
Savory-style French toast: Skip the sugar and go in with herbs, cheese, and maybe even a tomato topping. Breakfast-for-dinner vibes.
Kid-friendly fun: Cut into sticks and serve with little dipping cups of syrup or fruit sauce. Mini forks optional but adorable.

What to Serve with IHOP French Toast

Now that you’ve got a plateful of golden deliciousness, it helps to have a few sides that round things out. It’s French toast’s party, but here’s how to keep it lively.

A crisp smoky slice of bacon makes a nice contrast to the sweet softness of the toast. The saltiness cuts through the syrup in all the right ways. Or if you’re feeling fancy, go for prosciutto—you deserve it.
Mornings feel extra special with fresh fruit on the table. Try mixed berries, sliced bananas, or peach wedges. Bonus points for seasonal choices or something like a little crispy smashed potato salad if you like mixing salty and sweet.
Coffee, of course. A strong cup cuts the richness and makes the whole experience about 82% more complete. Add a splash of cinnamon to the brew if you really want to lean in.
Yogurt or whipped cream works wonders. The tang of yogurt balances the sweetness, and whipped cream? Well, it’s just fun.
For dessert-style brunch (because who’s judging?), a little slice of this Neiman Marcus cake fits right in. Sweet meets sweeter, and everyone’s happy about it.

Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sandwich bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sandwich bread, just try to go with a thicker-cut variety if possible. Standard sliced bread will work, but it might absorb the batter a little too eagerly and fall apart in the pan if soaked too long. Just give it a quick dip and be gentle with the flip.

Why is there flour in the batter?

Great question! The flour thickens the batter just enough to help it cling to the bread, giving you those fluffy, golden edges. Without it, the batter can be a bit runny, which often leads to soggy slices. It’s a small twist that gives big IHOP-style payoff.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook the French toast, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge or freeze it for later. Reheat in a skillet or toaster for the best texture. The batter itself is best used fresh, though, so go ahead and make that part right before you’re ready to cook.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Just substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free variety and use gluten-free flour in the batter. It’ll still turn out golden and delicious, though textures may vary slightly depending on your bread choice. A sturdier slice is best here.

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

Get 5 recipes to simplify your life: