McCormick French Toast Recipe: Few breakfasts are as universally loved as French toast. It’s warm, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and can be made fancy or simple depending on your mood. The secret to taking your French toast from average to amazing? The spices. And McCormick has just the spice lineup to make your morning meal unforgettable.
Imagine waking up to the smell of cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg gently sizzling on the griddle. That’s the power of McCormick. Whether you’re making breakfast for yourself or impressing guests, this version of French toast is guaranteed to please. Let’s dive into how to make the perfect McCormick French Toast, step by delicious step.
Why French Toast is a Classic Breakfast Favorite
There’s something nostalgic and comforting about French toast. It’s one of those dishes that brings back memories of weekend brunches or cozy holiday mornings. Part of its charm lies in its simplicity—it’s essentially just bread, eggs, and milk—but what elevates it is how you flavor it.
French toast is endlessly versatile. You can make it sweet or savory, light or indulgent. You can use any bread you have on hand, dress it up with fruits and syrups, or stick to a buttery sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s a blank canvas, and that’s why people love it.
This recipe takes everything that’s great about French toast and kicks it up a notch with McCormick’s best spices. If you’re ready to make a version of French toast that tastes like it came from a brunch café, keep reading.
What Makes McCormick’s Version Special
The secret is in the seasoning. Regular French toast is good. McCormick French Toast is next level. Why? Because McCormick spices are fresh, bold, and full of flavor that actually comes through in every bite. We’re talking pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and even a touch of allspice if you want to get fancy.
Most recipes go light on the seasoning, but McCormick’s version embraces bold flavor. Their vanilla isn’t just any vanilla—it’s pure, rich, and real. Their cinnamon is warm and sweet, not dull or dusty. The result? French toast that tastes like a hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down everything you need to bring this dish to life. First, the basics:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 slices of thick-cut bread (Brioche or Texas Toast works great)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or substitute almond/oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Butter (for greasing the pan and flavor)
McCormick Spices That Add Magic:
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
- Optional: Pinch of McCormick Ground Allspice for extra warmth
These simple ingredients combine to make something truly special. Don’t skip the spices—that’s where the magic happens.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you’ve got everything you need on hand. Nothing’s worse than realizing you forgot the whisk mid-recipe.
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Shallow dish for dipping bread
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Having the right tools makes cooking smoother—and cleanup quicker.
Prepping Your Ingredients Properly
Preparation is key to perfect French toast. Start by setting out all your ingredients. Let the eggs and milk sit out for a few minutes to come to room temperature. This helps them mix more evenly and soak better into the bread.
Slice your bread into thick slices if it isn’t already. Day-old bread works best—it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If you only have fresh bread, try toasting it lightly to help it hold up.
Break out your spices and measure them before mixing. Trust me, once you start cooking, you’ll appreciate having everything ready to go.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making McCormick French Toast
Here comes the fun part—let’s cook!
Step 1: Crack and Whisk the Eggs
In a medium mixing bowl, crack in four large eggs. Give them a good whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined. The mixture should look even and slightly frothy.
This step sets the base for your custard mixture. Don’t skip the whisking—no one wants streaks of raw egg on their toast.
Step 2: Add Milk, Sugar, and Vanilla
Pour in your milk, sugar, and McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract. Whisk again until the mixture is smooth.
- The milk adds creaminess
- The sugar brings sweetness
- The vanilla gives that rich bakery aroma we all love
This combo is what makes your French toast custard so delicious.
Step 3: Sprinkle in the McCormick Spices
Now it’s time to spice things up. Add McCormick Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and optional Allspice. Whisk thoroughly to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
Pro tip: Don’t just dump the spices in. Sprinkle while whisking for even flavor throughout the mixture. That way, no one ends up with a surprise clump of cinnamon.
Step 4: Soak the Bread Slices Just Right
Pour your custard mixture into a shallow dish or pie pan. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture for about 10-15 seconds per side. You want it soaked but not soggy.
If your bread is thick, let it sit a few extra seconds. Just don’t let it fall apart. Think sponge—not soup.
Step 5: Preheat the Pan or Griddle
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter. You want the butter to melt and start to sizzle, but not burn.
Butter gives that golden crust and rich flavor you expect in French toast. Plus, it smells amazing.
Step 6: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Flip carefully with a spatula to avoid breaking the toast.
You’ll know it’s ready when the surface is browned and the center puffs slightly. Don’t rush it—low and slow wins the race.
Step 7: Plate and Serve
Once cooked, transfer to a plate and serve immediately or keep warm in a low oven (200°F). Stack ‘em high and dress them up!
Drizzle with syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries. You’ve earned it.
Best Bread Types for French Toast
Not all bread is created equal. For the best results, go for:
- Brioche – rich, soft, slightly sweet
- Challah – fluffy and eggy
- Texas Toast – thick and sturdy
- French Bread – crusty on the outside, tender inside
Avoid super thin or soft sandwich bread—it’ll turn mushy fast.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
Texture is everything when it comes to French toast. You want that beautiful contrast: crispy on the outside, tender and custard-like on the inside. But getting it just right isn’t always easy—here’s how to nail it every single time:
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture without turning to mush. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly before dipping.
- Don’t oversoak the bread: There’s a fine line between soaked and soggy. You want the custard to penetrate the bread, not drown it. About 10–15 seconds per side is usually plenty for thicker slices.
- Cook low and slow: High heat will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Keep your pan on medium or even medium-low heat, and let the toast cook gradually.
- Use butter AND oil: Butter adds flavor, but it burns quickly. Adding a bit of neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) to the pan prevents scorching and gives you a better crust.
- Avoid crowding the pan: Give each slice room to breathe. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking and makes flipping difficult.
A perfectly cooked McCormick French Toast slice should have a golden, crisp crust and a soft, creamy middle that tastes like a spiced custard. That’s the gold standard!
How to Keep French Toast Warm Before Serving
Cooking for a group? You don’t want your French toast getting cold or soggy while you finish the rest. Here’s how to keep it warm without ruining the texture:
- Use your oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C). As you cook each batch of French toast, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and keep them warm in the oven. Don’t stack them—they’ll steam and lose their crisp.
- Wire rack is better than a baking sheet: Placing the French toast on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet allows airflow underneath, which prevents sogginess.
- Serve quickly: French toast is best fresh off the griddle. If you’re not making a big batch, serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and warm center.
This method works especially well if you’re hosting brunch or making a large family breakfast. It ensures everyone gets hot, perfectly crisp toast at the same time.
Delicious Topping Ideas
The toppings can completely transform your French toast from a simple breakfast to a gourmet treat. Whether you love keeping it classic or getting creative, here are ideas for every mood and craving:
Classic Toppings:
- Maple syrup: The traditional go-to for a reason—sweet, rich, and pairs perfectly with McCormick spices.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting gives your toast a bakery-style finish.
- Fresh fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or raspberries all add freshness and natural sweetness.
- Whipped cream: Adds a creamy, dreamy touch for a more decadent breakfast.
Unique and Gourmet Additions:
- Caramelized bananas or apples: Cook in butter, brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon for an incredible topping.
- Nut butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella spread over warm French toast is indulgence at its finest.
- Greek yogurt and honey: A lighter option that still tastes amazing and adds protein.
- Crushed nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch and richness.
- Savory twist: Try a sprinkle of sea salt and a side of crispy bacon for sweet-and-salty perfection.
With a solid base like McCormick’s French Toast, the topping possibilities are endless.
Kid-Friendly Variations
Kids love French toast—but let’s be honest, they can be picky. Here are some fun, easy twists that will make this dish even more kid-approved:
- French Toast Sticks: Slice your bread into strips before dipping and frying. Easier for little hands to hold and dip.
- Add sprinkles: A little dash of colorful sprinkles on top of whipped cream makes breakfast feel like dessert.
- Chocolate chips in the custard: Just a handful stirred in before dipping the bread creates mini pockets of melted goodness.
- Animal shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the bread before cooking. Great for toddlers and preschoolers.
Get your kids involved—let them dip the bread, choose their toppings, or help stir the egg mixture (with supervision). They’ll enjoy breakfast more when they help make it.
Healthy Substitutions
Looking for a lighter or healthier version of this delicious breakfast? You don’t have to give up flavor to keep things clean and nutritious. Try these swaps:
- Use whole grain or sprouted bread instead of white or brioche for more fiber.
- Substitute almond or oat milk for regular milk to reduce dairy.
- Use egg whites or egg substitutes to cut back on cholesterol.
- Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup in the custard mixture for natural sweetness.
- Add chia seeds or flaxseeds to the batter for extra nutrients.
- Cook with coconut oil or avocado oil instead of butter for a heart-healthier fat.
French toast doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. With the right swaps, it can be part of a balanced diet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe, French toast can go wrong in a few key ways. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
- Using thin or overly soft bread: It won’t hold the custard and turns soggy fast.
- Undermixing the batter: Clumps of egg or spices can ruin texture and flavor.
- Over-soaking the bread: Soaking for too long creates soggy, falling-apart toast.
- Cooking on too high heat: The outside burns while the inside stays raw.
- Flipping too soon: Let the crust form before flipping—patience pays off!
- Skipping the seasoning: Without spices like cinnamon and vanilla, the flavor falls flat.
- Not letting cooked toast rest: Serve it right away or keep it warm properly to avoid sogginess.
Learn from these missteps, and your McCormick French Toast will be perfection every time.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got extra slices? Don’t toss them—French toast stores and reheats surprisingly well.
To store:
- Let the French toast cool completely.
- Place slices in an airtight container with parchment paper between each slice.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze:
- Lay slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
- Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat:
- Microwave (for speed): 30–45 seconds per slice, but the texture will be softer.
- Oven (for crispness): 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes on a baking sheet.
- Toaster: Great for frozen slices—gives a nice crispy finish.
This makes French toast a great meal prep option for busy mornings.
FAQs about McCormick French Toast Recipe
1. What kind of milk works best for French toast?
Whole milk gives the richest texture, but you can also use almond, oat, or soy milk for dairy-free versions. Avoid skim milk—it can make the batter too thin.
2. Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Yes! Use a sturdy gluten-free bread that can hold up when soaked. Toast it lightly first to help it maintain structure.
3. How long should I soak the bread?
About 10–15 seconds per side. For thick slices, a bit longer is okay—but don’t let it turn to mush.
4. Can I make McCormick French Toast ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the slices, let them cool, and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the oven or toaster for the best texture.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Use the toaster or oven. The toaster gives you crispy edges, while the oven keeps everything warm without drying it out.
Conclusion
McCormick French Toast isn’t just another breakfast—it’s a warm, comforting dish that feels like a treat but is simple enough to make any day of the week. With the right spices, the right bread, and a little technique, you’ll have golden, fluffy, flavor-packed slices every time.
Whether you’re serving it with syrup and whipped cream on a lazy Sunday, slicing it into sticks for the kids, or meal-prepping a healthy version, this recipe is flexible, fun, and always delicious. Once you try it with McCormick’s spices, you’ll never go back to bland French toast again.
Now it’s your turn—grab that cinnamon, crack those eggs, and let’s make breakfast magic.
