French Toast For Two (Easy Small Batch Recipe)

This French toast recipe for two makes the perfect small-batch breakfast. With just a few simple ingredients and four slices of brioche bread, you can make the perfect French toast that's crispy and golden on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and filled with cinnamon-vanilla flavor. It’s the ideal breakfast for couples or small households that's quick enough for a weekday morning but special enough for a weekend brunch. If you love my Small Batch Pancakes, you’ll equally love this easy, foolproof recipe that delivers the same consistent results and comforting flavor in every bite.

Why I Love This French Toast Recipe For Two

I have a ton of French toast recipes on the blog — from my Denny's French Toast to my Challah Bread French Toast Casserole — but when I went to make breakfast for just me and my wife the other day, I realized I didn’t have one designed for two people. So I went back through all of my French toast recipes, pulled out the best parts from each, and created this perfectly portioned version.

This recipe is simple and efficient. There’s no leftover batter, no soggy bread — just the right amount for a delicious, cozy breakfast or brunch at home. Using brioche bread makes all the difference: it soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart, creating that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like something you’d order at a café. The flavor is classic and comforting — a mix of sweet vanilla, warm cinnamon, and just enough richness to make it feel indulgent without being heavy.

This is now my go-to French toast for two whenever I want something quick but special. Whether it’s a slow Saturday morning or an easy Valentine’s Day breakfast, this recipe delivers everything you want in the perfect French toast — simple, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious.

Want a quick way to see how to make this recipe? Check out my French Toast For Two Web Story.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ⅓ cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 slices stale brioche bread (thick-cut preferred)
• Optional toppings: Maple syrup, butter, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit

How To Make French Toast for Two

Step 1: Make the Custard

In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Prep the Skillet

Lightly coat a skillet or griddle with cooking spray or a little butter. Heat over medium-high until hot.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dip one side of each bread slice into the egg mixture, soaking 30 seconds for thin bread or up to 60 seconds for thick brioche. Flip and soak the other side. Avoid over-soaking, or the bread may fall apart.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Place soaked bread directly into the hot skillet—it should sizzle on contact. Reduce the heat to low and cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 1–2 minutes. Flip and cook another minute until evenly browned.

Step 5: Repeat & Serve

Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter or cooking spray if needed. Serve warm with syrup, butter, or your favorite toppings.

Expert Tips For The Best French Toast Recipe For Two

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for perfect texture. The best French toast starts with bread that’s a little dry. Stale bread absorbs the custard evenly without falling apart or turning soggy. If you’re using fresh brioche or challah, pop the slices in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to dry them out slightly before dipping in the batter. This small step makes all the difference between mushy and restaurant-quality French toast.
• Control your heat for golden, evenly cooked French toast. Start with a medium-high heat to sear the surface and get that beautiful golden-brown crust, then reduce to medium-low to cook through gently. High heat alone can burn the exterior before the center sets. Low and steady heat ensures the custard cooks all the way through while keeping the inside soft and the edges crisp.
• Use rich, eggy bread like brioche or challah. The bread makes the French toast, and brioche or challah are ideal because they’re slightly sweet, soft, and rich. They soak up the custard and give the French toast that buttery flavor and fluffy interior. If you prefer a thicker, diner-style version, Texas toast works great too.
• Add a touch of indulgence. For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over each slice before flipping it in the pan — it caramelizes slightly and adds a little crunch. You can also whisk a splash of heavy cream or a dash of vanilla extract into the custard for a richer flavor. Also, a pinch of salt brings balance and enhances the sweetness.
• Make it ahead and store it right. This small batch French toast reheats great, so you can prep it in advance. Store cooked slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster to revive that crispy edge and soft, custardy center. Avoid microwaving — it tends to make the bread chewy.
• Pair with toppings. For a classic breakfast, serve with pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries. For something more indulgent, top with whipped cream, caramelized bananas, or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. You can even make it a full brunch by pairing it with crispy bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, or sheet pan eggs for a perfect sweet-and-savory balance.

French Toast Recipe for Two FAQs

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! This French toast recipe for two doubles easily if you’re cooking for more people. Simply double all the ingredients, and use a larger skillet or griddle to cook multiple slices at once. If you’re serving a crowd, keep cooked slices warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) between batches so everyone can enjoy hot, crispy French toast together.

Can I make this with non-dairy milk?

Absolutely. You can use almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk in place of dairy milk. Each one gives it a slightly different flavor — oat milk adds creaminess, while almond milk gives a subtle nutty finish. Just make sure to use unsweetened non-dairy milk so you can control the sweetness of your custard mixture.

What’s the best pan for cooking French toast?

A nonstick skillet or griddle is ideal for even browning and easy flipping. It allows you to use less butter while still getting that golden crust. If you’re using a stainless steel or cast iron pan, melt a little extra butter to prevent sticking and to enhance the flavor. Consistent heat control is key to getting perfect crispy-on-the-outside, custardy-on-the-inside French toast.

How do I keep French toast warm while cooking in batches?

If you’re cooking several slices, place finished French toast on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest. Arrange the slices in a single layer so they stay crisp instead of steaming. Avoid covering with foil — it traps moisture and makes the bread soft. 

Can I freeze French toast?

Yes! Small batch French toast freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Let the cooked slices cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between the slices. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in a toaster for crisp edges and a fluffy interior.

Can I make the custard ahead of time?

Yes, if you want to save time, you can whisk the egg mixture together up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using. This saves time in the morning and ensures your custard is ready to go when you’re cooking breakfast.

Why is my French toast soggy?

Soggy French toast usually happens when the bread absorbs too much custard or the heat is too low. To fix this, dip each slice quickly (don’t soak), and cook over medium-low heat until golden and set in the center. Using day-old brioche or challah helps too — they hold their shape and soak up just the right amount of liquid.

My Final Thoughts

This small batch French toast recipe for two is golden, fluffy, and deliciously sweetened with vanilla and cinnamon. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and feels like a special breakfast without any extra fuss. Whether you serve it for an easy weekend brunch or a weekday treat, it’s a nostalgic recipe you’ll come back to again and again. If you make this recipe, leave me a comment and review. I love hearing your thoughts and how the recipe turned out for you. 

Breakfast Recipes To Try Next

• French toast for one
• Cinnamon roll French toast casserole
• Brioche French toast casserole
• Cream cheese stuffed French toast
• Baked apple French toast
• French toast without milk