Easy French Toast with Caramel Sauce

Soft, gooey, and decadent, this Easy French Toast is soaked in a sweet caramel sauce and baked in a single skillet for an indulgent breakfast or brunch or a sweet dessert you’ll adore! 

What Is Caramel Skillet French Toast? 

The best way to start the day, caramel skillet french toast is an easy recipe that’s bursting with flavor. We took traditional french toast recipes and made them even better with the addition of a sweet caramel sauce topping. Plus, broken into pieces similarly to monkey bread, this recipe comes together in a single skillet, making it perfect for serving a crowd. Not only is it absolutely scrumptious, but it’s also: 

• Budget-friendly

• Quick to make 

• Customizable

• Great for holidays, Sunday brunch, game day, and more 

Is French Toast Actually French? 

Contrary to popular belief, French toast is not actually French at all! The truth is that the recipe has been around for years and years and has been dated all the way back to 300 A.D. when it was listed in a Roman cookbook. In fact, the French referred to the classic breakfast dish as Roman bread for centuries. It was referred to as French toast until French immigrants began popularizing the dish in America. Today, the recipe exists all across the globe in many flavors and variations and (outside of the U.S.) is often referred to as lost bread. 

What Is the Best Bread for Easy French Toast? 

Really, any bread can be used. However, for the best results, we recommend using a thick loaf like Texas toast, Challah, or Brioche, and make sure it’s stale! This allows it to easily absorb the liquid without falling apart. 

Ingredients Needed

For this easy French toast, we took the traditional ingredients needed and added items to create a homemade caramel sauce, too! Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Bread – We used Texas toast, but any thick, crusty bread loaf will work.

• Eggs – These help lock in moisture, creating the moist center and crisp outside we love. 

• Milk – For an extra rich taste, we use whole milk, but skim milk or a milk alternative can be used in its place.

• Half and Half – This creates an extra creamy and decadent taste.

• Vanilla Extract – Used to sweeten the recipe.

• Sea Salt – Helps enhance the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.

• Butter – Forms the base of the caramel sauce.

• Brown Sugar – Combines with butter for a sweet flavor and soft sauce. 

• Corn Syrup – Prevents the sugar from crystallizing, keeping your caramel smooth. 

How to Make Easy French Toast in a Skillet

This skillet French toast is so simple you’ll never go back to frying individual pieces of bread again! 

1. Whisk the eggs, milk, half and half, vanilla, and salt in a small bowl until they’re well combined.
2. Chop the bread into rough, 1-inch cubes, and arrange them in a 10-inch skillet. 
3. Pour the egg mixture on top of the bread, and let it soak in the fridge overnight. 
4. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. 
5. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and corn syrup, and heat until it is bubbling. Then, pour the caramel over the bread. 
6. Bake until fragrant, and the egg mixture has set. 
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, and enjoy! 

Flavor Additions and Toppings

Thanks to the caramel sauce, this easy French toast is already loaded with flavor. However, you can always add your favorite mix-ins and toppings to make it even better! Some of our favorites include:

• Powdered Sugar

• Maple Syrup

• Chocolate Chips

• Fruit (Bananas, Blueberries, Strawberries)

• Whipped Cream

• Chopped Nuts

Storage and Freezing Options

It’s extremely rare to have leftovers with this recipe. However, if you do, it makes for great meal prep to enjoy throughout the week! 

Fridge: Cover leftovers with tin foil, or transfer them to an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

Freezer: For a longer-lasting option, let your french toast cool completely. Then, transfer it to a sealable bag or airtight container, and freeze it for up to 2 months. 

Reheating: The easiest way to reheat your French toast is to heat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit, and warm it in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until it has heated through. If you’re in a pinch for time, you can also heat it in the microwave, but your French toast is likely to become a bit soggy if you do. It’ll still taste delicious! It just won’t be quite as crisp.  

More French Toast Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more French toast ideas? We’ve got you covered with these amazing recipes! 

• The best dessert breakfast recipe, this Bananas Foster French Toast will have you coming back for seconds and thirds! 
• Sweet sugar and warm cinnamon combine in this Churro French Toast for an out-of-this-world breakfast. 
• This Pain au Chocolat French Toast takes your favorite chocolate and turns it into a satisfying breakfast or brunch!
• This Berry Stuffed Croissant French Toast is a showstopping recipe perfect for every occasion.