Out of French bread, one case
French bread substitute for French toast
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Challah bread
Same amount as the French bread
The best French bread substitute for French toast is challah bread, which is actually preferred by many. Use 1:1 ratio - challah for rich, eggy flavor, brioche for buttery richness, or Italian bread for similar texture. All work well for French toast and absorb the egg mixture beautifully.
- Best for —
- french toast
One casethe full French bread card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of French bread |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Challah breadfrench toast | Same amount |
| 2 | Briochefrench toast | Same amount |
| 3 | Italian breadfrench toast | Same amount |
| 4 | Sourdough breadfrench toast | Same amount |
| 5 | Baguettefrench toast | Same amount |
| 6 | Texas toastfrench toast | Same amount |
Challah bread
rich, eggy, slightly sweet
Rich, eggy bread that's actually preferred for French toast by many chefs
- Best for
- french toast, bread pudding, toast, sandwiches
- Texture
- soft, tender, slightly dense
Challah is often considered the best bread for French toast due to its rich, eggy flavor.
Brioche
buttery, rich, slightly sweet
Buttery, rich bread that creates luxurious French toast
- Best for
- french toast, bread pudding, toast, desserts
- Texture
- soft, tender, buttery
Brioche makes incredibly rich French toast due to its high butter content.
Italian bread
mild, slightly sweet
Similar texture to French bread, works well for French toast
- Best for
- french toast, sandwiches, toast, bruschetta
- Texture
- crusty exterior, soft interior
Very similar to French bread, often indistinguishable in French toast.
Sourdough bread
tangy, slightly sour, complex
Tangy bread that adds interesting flavor to French toast
- Best for
- french toast, toast, sandwiches, soups
- Texture
- chewy, crusty exterior
Adds tangy flavor that complements sweet French toast toppings.
Baguette
mild, slightly sweet
Authentic French bread with thin, crispy crust
- Best for
- french toast, sandwiches, toast, French dishes
- Texture
- thin crispy crust, airy interior
Most authentic substitute, good for French-style French toast.
Texas toast
mild, neutral
Thick-sliced bread good for French toast
- Best for
- french toast, toast, sandwiches, grilled cheese
- Texture
- thick, soft, dense
Thick slices create substantial French toast pieces.
How it behaves in this recipe
French toast requires bread that can absorb the egg mixture without falling apart while developing a nice crust when cooked. French bread works well because of its texture, but challah and brioche are often preferred because they create richer, more luxurious French toast. The key is choosing bread that's slightly stale so it absorbs the egg mixture evenly and doesn't become mushy.
Tips for substituting French bread
8 tips- Challah bread is often considered the best choice for French toast due to its rich, eggy flavor
- Brioche creates the most luxurious French toast but can be quite rich
- For best results, use day-old bread that's slightly stale - it absorbs the egg mixture better
- Cut bread into thick slices (about 1 inch) for substantial French toast pieces
- Let the bread soak in the egg mixture for 30-60 seconds per side for even absorption
- Cook over medium heat to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the outside
- For extra flavor, add vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg to your egg mixture
- Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor
Notes on French bread
- Cinnamon raisin bread for added flavor
- Whole wheat bread for a healthier option
- Gluten-free bread for dietary restrictions
- Croissants for a decadent French toast
- Panettone for holiday French toast
Questions
6 questionsWhat is the best substitute for French bread in French toast?
The best substitute for French bread in French toast is challah bread, which is actually preferred by many chefs. Brioche and Italian bread are also excellent alternatives that work well for French toast.
Can I use challah bread instead of French bread for French toast?
Yes, challah bread is actually considered one of the best breads for French toast. It has a rich, eggy flavor that complements the egg mixture well and creates delicious French toast.
Is brioche a good substitute for French bread in French toast?
Yes, brioche is an excellent substitute for French bread in French toast. It creates incredibly rich, luxurious French toast due to its high butter content, though it can be quite rich.
What bread works best for French toast?
The best breads for French toast are challah, brioche, French bread, Italian bread, and sourdough. These breads have the right texture to absorb the egg mixture without falling apart.
Can I use Italian bread for French toast?
Yes, Italian bread works well for French toast. It has a similar texture to French bread and absorbs the egg mixture nicely, creating good French toast.
What's the difference between French bread and challah for French toast?
French bread has a crusty exterior and mild flavor, while challah has a soft, eggy texture and richer flavor. Challah is often preferred for French toast because it creates a more luxurious, tender result.