Gluten free French toast is one of those breakfasts that makes Saturday morning feel like a real treat. We're talking perfectly golden, cinnamon-kissed slices with a custardy center, made with just 6 simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. This gluten free French toast is cozy, it's quick, and honestly it might just be better than the regular version.
This one shows up constantly in our house, weekend mornings, holiday brunches, and especially around the holidays when I want something that feels special without a ton of effort. If you or someone you love is gluten-free, you already know how hard it can be to find a breakfast that feels indulgent and not like a compromise. This gluten free French toast is that recipe. It tastes like the real thing because it is the real thing.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Gluten Free French Toast
- Ingredients for Gluten Free French Toast
- How to Make Gluten Free French Toast
- My Top Tips for Gluten Free French Toast
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Gluten Free French Toast
- Variations on Gluten Free French Toast
- Equipment for Gluten Free French Toast
- Storage Tips for Gluten Free French Toast
- Olivia's Tip for Gluten Free French Toast
- FAQ About Gluten Free French Toast
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- 📖 Recipe
Why You'll Love This Gluten Free French Toast
- It's ready in about 15 minutes. Six ingredients, one pan, zero stress. This is the kind of breakfast that comes together before your coffee even finishes brewing.
- It works for the whole family. Whether you're fully gluten-free or just cooking for someone who is, this gluten free French toast is so delicious that nobody at the table will even notice the difference.
- Gluten free bread is actually perfect for this. Because gluten free bread is naturally drier than regular bread, it soaks up that cinnamon vanilla custard mixture like a dream and gives you the most incredible texture, crispy on the outside, custardy on the inside.
Ingredients for Gluten Free French Toast
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this happen. Nothing fancy, nothing that requires a trip to a specialty store. Just simple, real food that delivers a seriously good breakfast.
What You'll Need
- 4 slices gluten-free bread (I love Little Northern Bake House or Bread SRSLY)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or dairy-free both work great)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (for the pan)
- Maple syrup and fresh berries for serving
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Gluten free bread: Stale or slightly dried gluten free bread slices are actually the secret weapon here. Because the bread is already drier than conventional bread, it absorbs the egg custard mixture deeply without falling apart. The result is a custardy center and a crispy golden-brown crust that is honestly better than most regular French toast I've made.
- Cinnamon and vanilla: These two together create that warm, fragrant custard flavor that makes gluten free French toast taste like something from a cozy brunch spot. Do not skip either one. They are doing heavy lifting in this simple recipe.
- Eggs: The eggs are the base of the custard mixture. They set during cooking and create that soft, rich interior texture that makes every bite feel indulgent. Two large eggs is exactly the right amount for four slices of bread.
How to Make Gluten Free French Toast
Step-by-Step Directions
- Make the custard. Crack the eggs into a shallow dish wide enough to fit your bread slices. Add the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until fully combined and the mixture looks uniform in color.
- Soak the bread. Place one slice of gluten free bread into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 20 to 30 seconds per side. You want it well coated but not falling apart. Gluten free bread absorbs liquid faster than regular bread, so keep an eye on it and don't let it sit too long.
- Heat the pan. Melt the butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Let it foam and settle before adding the bread. A properly heated pan is what gives you that gorgeous golden-brown crust.
- Cook the French toast. Place the soaked bread slice into the hot buttered skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side without moving it, until you see the edges turn golden and the bottom has a deep caramelized crust. Flip carefully and cook another 2 minutes on the second side until both sides are evenly golden.
- Keep warm while you cook the rest. Place finished slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to stay warm and crispy while you work through the rest of the batch. This low temperature baking sheet method is the best way to serve everything hot at the same time.
- Serve and enjoy. Stack your gluten free French toast on a plate, dust with a little extra cinnamon if you like, and serve with maple syrup and fresh summer berries. Pure breakfast happiness right there.
Hint: For the very best texture, use bread that is slightly stale or leave your gluten free bread slices out on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes before dipping. Slightly dried bread soaks up the custard without getting soggy, and the result is a much crispier outside with a perfectly custardy center.
If you love a full gluten-free brunch spread, my Gluten Free Waffles are the perfect companion to this recipe. Olivia calls it the "double breakfast" and I fully support that lifestyle.
My Top Tips for Gluten Free French Toast
The most important thing I have learned making gluten free French toast over and over is this: do not rush the soak and do not rush the cook. Gluten free bread needs that full 20 to 30 seconds per side in the custard to really absorb the flavor, and the pan needs to be at a steady medium heat for an even golden crust.
Gold Tip: Don't use bread straight from the freezer or fridge. Cold, dense bread doesn't absorb the custard mixture evenly and you end up with a soggy middle and an undercooked center. Always let your gluten free bread come to room temperature first for the best results every single time.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
Olivia has been my official gluten free French toast taste-tester since she was about seven. The first time I made this version, she watched me swap in the gluten free bread and immediately crossed her arms and said, "Mom, is this gonna taste like cardboard?" She was not trying to be rude. She was just being honest, as she always is.
I let her take the first bite straight off the spatula before I even plated it. She chewed, looked at me, and said, "Okay. That's actually really good." Coming from Olivia, "really good" is basically a Michelin star. She has requested it every single weekend since, and now she's the one reminding me to leave the bread out ahead of time so it dries properly. My little kitchen assistant is officially trained.
Substitutions for Gluten Free French Toast
- Dairy-free milk: Swap regular milk for almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk in a 1:1 ratio. All three work beautifully in the custard mixture without changing the flavor much. Coconut milk adds a subtle richness that is really lovely.
- Egg-free: Replace the eggs with a starch-based batter using 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with ½ cup of your milk of choice. It won't be quite as custardy but it will still give you a solid, golden slice.
- Butter: Swap butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to make this completely dairy-free. The pan still gets hot enough for a good sear and the flavor is barely different.
- Bread brand: Any good gluten free bread works here. I've had great results with Little Northern Bake House, Bread SRSLY, and Canyon Bakehouse. Use whatever your family loves and already tolerates well.
Variations on Gluten Free French Toast
- Gluten free French toast sticks: Cut each slice into thirds before dipping in the custard. Cook exactly the same way. Kids go absolutely crazy for these and they are perfect for dipping in maple syrup. Olivia approved.
- Gluten free French toast casserole: Cube your gluten free bread, toss it in the custard mixture, pour it all into a greased baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes until puffed and golden. This is perfect for feeding a crowd or a holiday brunch without standing over the stove.
- Dairy free French toast: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of regular milk and dairy-free butter in the pan. The coconut milk adds a beautiful richness to the custard and you honestly cannot taste the difference.
Looking for another cozy gluten-free breakfast bake? My Gluten Free Cruffins are a weekend showstopper that the whole family goes wild for.
Equipment for Gluten Free French Toast
- Non-stick skillet or griddle: The best choice for gluten free French toast. Because gluten free bread is more delicate than regular bread, a non-stick surface prevents tearing when you flip. A 10 or 12-inch skillet gives you enough room to cook two slices at a time.
- Shallow dish: A wide, flat dish (like a pie plate or a low-sided bowl) is perfect for the shallow dish dipping technique. It lets you lay the bread flat and coat both sides evenly without wrestling with the custard.
- Baking sheet: Essential for the keep-warm method. Pop finished slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven so everyone eats hot French toast at the same time.
- Whisk or fork: Either works for mixing the custard. The goal is a fully combined, smooth egg mixture with no streaks of egg white.
Storage Tips for Gluten Free French Toast
- Fridge: Store leftover gluten free French toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or a dry skillet over medium heat to bring the crispy crust back. The microwave works but the edges go soft.
- Freezer: Gluten free French toast freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Let slices cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the toaster or oven at 375°F for about 8 minutes.
- Meal prep tip: Make a big batch on Sunday, freeze individual slices, and you have a fast, ready-to-go breakfast all week long. This is especially great for busy school mornings.
Olivia's Tip for Gluten Free French Toast
Olivia says you absolutely must add extra cinnamon to the custard mix. "Like, more than you think, Mom. Way more cinnamon." She also insists on fresh strawberries on top and will not accept frozen ones. She has standards, and honestly I respect it.
FAQ About Gluten Free French Toast
Can French toast be gluten-free?
Yes, completely. The only ingredient in traditional French toast that contains gluten is the bread. Swap it for a good quality gluten free bread and the rest of the recipe stays exactly the same. The eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla are all naturally gluten-free.
Which bread is the least gluten?
If you mean the lowest gluten content, certified gluten-free breads are your safest option. Brands like Little Northern Bake House, Canyon Bakehouse, and Bread SRSLY are all certified gluten-free and work really well for making gluten free French toast. Always look for the certified gluten-free label if you are cooking for someone with celiac disease.
Does Cracker Barrel have gluten free French toast?
Cracker Barrel does not currently offer a dedicated gluten-free French toast option on their menu, and their kitchen is not a gluten-free environment. If you are searching for gluten free French toast near me options at chain restaurants, it is genuinely hard to find a safe, reliable choice. Making your own gluten free French toast at home is truly the safest and most delicious option, especially if you are managing celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity.
Why can't you toast gluten-free bread?
You actually can toast gluten-free bread, but it can become quite dry and crumbly faster than regular bread because it lacks the gluten structure that holds regular bread together. For French toast specifically, that dryness is actually an advantage because it helps the bread absorb the custard mixture without falling apart. Just handle it gently and don't over-soak it.
Where can I find the best gluten free French toast when eating out?
If you are in a big city and searching for gluten free French toast NYC style or looking for the best gluten free French toast near me, your best bet is dedicated gluten-free cafes or brunch spots that have a certified gluten-free kitchen. Always call ahead and ask about cross-contamination practices. That said, making it at home with this recipe gives you full control over every single ingredient, and the results are honestly hard to beat.
Conclusion
This gluten free French toast is simple, golden, and so good that nobody at the table will miss the gluten. It is the kind of breakfast that brings everyone together on a slow morning, and once you see how easy it is, it is going to become a permanent part of your weekend routine.
Give it a try this weekend and let me know how it goes in the comments! And if you want to explore more gluten-free breakfast ideas, my Sweet Potato Hash Browns and Gluten Free Deviled Eggs are both crowd favorites worth bookmarking. For a fun holiday twist, this Overnight Eggnog French Toast from Allrecipes is a great next step once you've mastered the basics. Happy cooking, friends!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Gluten Free French Toast:
📖 Recipe
Easy Gluten Free French Toast (Golden, Crispy & Ready in 15 Minutes)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Olivia loves being in charge of whisking, she always says the more bubbles, the better the French toast tastes.
- Dip each slice of gluten-free bread into the custard, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. I always remind Olivia not to rush this step, this is where all that cozy flavor soaks in.
- Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Wait until it gently foams, this is my little trick for getting that perfect golden crust every time.
- Place the soaked bread into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Olivia always peeks underneath early, but I tell her patience makes it perfectly crispy.
- Transfer cooked slices to a baking sheet and keep them warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest. This way, everyone gets to eat together, no cold French toast at our table.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries. Olivia insists on extra cinnamon and lots of strawberries, it's her signature finishing touch.
Nutrition
Notes
- For best results, use slightly stale gluten-free bread, it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Make it dairy-free by using almond, oat, or coconut milk and swapping butter for coconut oil.
- For an egg-free version, use a cornstarch-based batter (2 tablespoon cornstarch + ½ cup milk).
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a toaster or oven to bring back that crispy texture.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a special weekend treat.
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