IHOP French Toast Recipe (Copycat)

Dreaming about IHOP French Toast but don’t want to leave the house? I’ve got you covered!

My easy copycat recipe delivers that thick, buttery goodness you crave without the wait. Each battered slice is tender, perfectly sweet, and oh-so-fluffy.

I love how the golden, crispy crust gives way to a soft, custardy center. And my secret for that extra fluffy texture? Flour!

A few spoonfuls in the batter create a light, pillowy bite that melts in your mouth.

Drizzle with warm maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries. Either way, you’ll be savoring these warm slices in no time.

Ingredients for IHOP French Toast

• Bread: Thick, day-old bread slices work best. They soak up the custard while remaining sturdy. I recommend challah or brioche bread. 
  
• Eggs: The base of the batter. It binds the ingredients and adds a custardy texture.
  
• Milk: I use whole milk for a richer, creamier batter. But any type of milk will work in a pinch.
  
• Vanilla Extract: I use a splash to elevate the flavor with a sweet, warming aroma. 
  
• Flour: My secret to achieving that fluffy, crispy texture just like the chain restaurant.
  
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness.
  
• Butter: Greases the skillet to create that coveted crispy exterior. I also save some for serving.
  
• Maple Syrup: A classic French toast topping! Drizzle on as much or as little as you like for extra sweetness.

How to Make IHOP French Toast

After some experimenting (and a lot of taste-testing), I finally cracked the code to IHOP-level French toast. And I must say, it's surprisingly easy.

1. Make the batter. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Mix in the milk, vanilla, flour, sugar, and salt until combined.

2. Coat the bread. Dip each bread slice in the batter, coating well on both sides. 

3. Cook the bread. Place the bread in a hot skillet with the surface coated in butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Work in batches.

4. Top and serve. Top with butter, maple syrup, or your topping of choice. Enjoy!

Tips For the Best IHOP French Toast

Follow my top tips below for a truly diner-worthy experience:

• Pick the right bread. I prefer buttery, sturdy brioche. Challah, sourdough, Texas toast, or any other thick bread works too.
  
• Use day-old bread. Along with thick bread, day-old bread is even better! The harder texture is ideal for absorbing the batter without getting soggy.
  
• Adjust the batter. For dense toast, add more eggs. For light and fluffy, pour in more milk.
  
• Soak the slices properly. I soak the thick bread slices for 10 seconds per side. They'll absorb the custard properly without turning into soggy French toast.
  
• Keep warm until serving. As you work in batches, keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated 200°F oven. Be sure to add them to a baking sheet in a single layer. 
  
• Dry your slices. Sometimes, I lay the bread slices out to dry overnight. This helps soak up all that custardy goodness.
  
• Try other toppings. Nutella, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or bacon are some ideas. Or, add a cream cheese filling for stuffed French toast. Yum!

How to Store

There’s nothing quite like hot French toast straight from the griddle! It’s so crispy, tender, and fluffy. 

That said, I like to make an extra batch for later. It freezes and reheats beautifully for a quick breakfast. Either way, you can enjoy leftovers later with these tip:

To Store: Place the cooled leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3 days.

To Freeze: Freeze the cooled slices on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for 2 months.

To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 15-second intervals. Alternatively, reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

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