Brioche or challah are usually the best breads for French toast because they’re rich, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. Thick-cut soft sandwich bread, French bread, or sourdough also work very well, especially if they’re a bit stale.

Best Breads for French Toast

  • Brioche – Soft, buttery, slightly sweet, and absorbs custard beautifully while staying tender.
  • Challah – Enriched, eggy bread (but made with oil instead of butter) that gives a rich flavor without being quite as buttery as brioche.
  • Thick white sandwich bread / Texas toast – Easy to find, neutral flavor, and great when cut thick so it can soak up the custard without turning mushy.
  • French bread or baguette – Slightly chewy and sturdy; excellent when a bit stale and great for stuffed French toast.
  • Sourdough or artisan loaves – Give a tangy flavor and a nice chewy bite while still soaking up the custard.

What Makes a Bread “Good” for French Toast

  • Soft but sturdy crumb that can soak up the egg mixture.
  • Thick slices so the center turns custardy instead of soggy or falling apart.
  • Slightly stale or day‑old is ideal because it absorbs more custard and browns better in the pan.

Quick Tips When Choosing

  • For ultra‑indulgent brunch: pick brioche or challah.
  • For everyday, budget‑friendly French toast: use thick‑cut sandwich bread or Texas toast.
  • For something a bit different: try sourdough or French bread for more texture and flavor.

TL;DR: If you’re standing in the bread aisle wondering what bread to use for French toast, reach for brioche or challah first; if those aren’t available, any thick-sliced, slightly stale white, French, or sourdough loaf will still give excellent results.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.