Jacques Pepin's 2-Ingredient French Toast Trick

This isn't your average French toast—it's the secret weapon of a culinary legend, and it delivers that perfect balance of custardy interior and caramelized exterior with almost no fuss.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices brioche or challah bread
• 2 large eggs
• Butter for the pan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Maple syrup and fresh berries to serve

Method:

1. Crack eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk gently with a pinch of salt and pepper until just combined—don't overbeat.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a generous knob of butter, letting it foam.
3. Working quickly, dip each bread slice into the egg mixture for just one second per side—speed is key here. The bread should be kissed, not soaked.
4. Place dipped slices in the hot butter and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook the other side until equally golden.
5. Serve immediately with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Full recipe at The Kitchn →

Chef's tip: The magic is in the restraint—dip fast and cook in foaming butter over medium heat, and you'll get that impossibly custardy center without the dense, eggy interior most recipes deliver.