Brunch is full of desserts masquerading as main dishes. Not that we're complaining — the more pancakes, waffles, and pastries, the better. But French toast may be our favorite DIY brunch staple. It's a lot more goof-proof than those pancakes that inevitably under- or over-cook, requires no special cooking equipment (we're looking at you, waffles), is easy to make ahead, and the perfect way to use day-old bread. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that it's totally delicious, either.
Of course, another reason we love French toast? There are endless delicious ways to make it at home. We've rounded up our favorite French toast recipes from around the web to ensure you'll win at brunch, no matter which way you slice it.
Bananas that are past their prime get a second life when they're stuffed into challah bread for a beautiful final act as your breakfast.
Photo: Courtesy of Damn Delicious.
Coconut Cream Pie French Toast
Pie for breakfast is generally a luxury reserved for the day after Thanksgiving. But with this genius recipe, you can now indulge year-round — no pie crust required.
Photo: Courtesy of Minimalist Baker.
This food mashup is cinnamon-sugar goodness on a plate, complete with cream cheese icing.
Photo: Courtesy of Damned Delicious.
French toast becomes a show-stopping dessert when it's transformed into a layer cake.
Photo: Courtesy of Confessions Of A Cookbook Queen.
Overnight Funfetti Cake Batter & French Toast Casserole
Or, if you can't wait until dessert, you can enjoy your French toast cake at brunch with this make-ahead casserole.
Photo: Courtesy of Life, Love & Sugar.
Soaked in hot chocolate and stuffed with ganache, this French toast is for serious chocolate-lovers only.
Photo: Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest.
A Wrong & Irresponsible Sandwich
Crème brûléed French toast makes this basically the greatest Monte Cristo sandwich, ever.
Photo: Courtesy of Lady And Pups.
Strawberry Cheesecake-Stuffed French Toast
Who says you can't have your (cheese)cake and eat it (for brunch), too?
Photo: Courtesy of Just A Taste.
We're nuts for this update on the classic French toast recipe.
Photo: Courtesy of Love Grows Wild.
Nutella Bacon Stuffed French Toast
Your French toast needs Nutella— trust us.
Photo: Courtesy of Domesticate Me.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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