Start the ultimate breakfast or brunch by making French toast. It's so easy; just soak sliced bread in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then fry the bread in a hot pan or on a griddle. Get started with the classic recipe below from Better Homes and Gardens. There are also plenty of delicious variations that include baking, stuffing, or adding delicious toppings. You'll find links to some of the very best examples beneath the recipe.

In the meantime, here are some helpful tips for making the best French toast ever:

• Avoid soggy results by starting with slightly stale, thick slices of challah, brioche, or sourdough bread.
• Make a rich custard mixture by adding cream to the eggs instead of milk.
• Use a heavy-bottom pan that retains heat to make sure the French toast develops a golden crust as it cooks.
• Fry the French toast in butter instead of margarine to enhance the crust and flavor.

FRENCH TOAST FOR ONE

Servings: Makes 1 serving
Start to finish: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1/4 cup milk, light cream, or half-and-half
• 2 slices bread
• 1 tablespoon margarine or butter
• Maple-flavor syrup
• Fresh fruit (optional)

Directions

1. In a shallow flat dish beat together egg and milk with a fork until combined. Dip bread slices in egg mixture. In a medium skillet melt margarine over medium-low heat.
2. Cook dipped bread slices in margarine for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve with maple-flavor syrup. If desired, garnish with fresh fruit. Makes 1 serving.
3. Make-Ahead Tip: Place bread slices in egg mixture, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Or, dip bread slices in egg mixture, wrap individually in moisture- and vaporproof material, and freeze for up to 1 week. Prepare as directed.

NUTRITION FACTS

Calories 395, Total Fat 19 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 218 mg, sodium 516 mg, Carbohydrate 43 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 13 g. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

See 19 more of the Web's best French toast recipes here.

Stuffed French Toast

Challah, a sweet egg bread, makes wonderful French toast, especially when it's filled with cinnamon-spiced cream cheese.

Baked Cinnamon French Toast

Baking the whole batch of French toast at once, instead of frying individual pieces, allows everyone to sit down and enjoy breakfast together.

No-Fry French Toast

Baking French toast -- instead of frying it -- makes this breakfast favorite a hearty, healthy way to start your day.

French Toast Casserole

Scrumptious cinnamon bread is soaked in a custard mixture overnight, then baked the next day as a perfect brunch dish.

Crunchy French Toast

Orange juice and whole grain cereal add flavor and crunch to easy stove-top or baked French toast.

Blueberry Surprise French Toast Casserole

Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in this blueberry breakfast casserole.

"Healthified" Raspberry French Toast Bake

Check out this skinnier take on a brunch favorite; it has 65 percent fewer calories and 84 percent less fat than the original recipe.

Upside-Down Caramel Latte Bake

With caramel, custard, and whipped topping, this coffee-infused French toast bake could double as a dessert.

Savory French Toast

This baked breakfast or brunch recipe has a layer of cream cheese filling sandwiched between two slices of French toast. If desired, serve with a fruit or maple syrup.

Coconut French Toast

Cream of coconut gives this breakfast or brunch recipe a tropical flair. Skip the syrup and top each serving with toasted coconut and confectioner's sugar.

Chocolate French Toast Sandwiches

Need dessert quick? You're in luck, because you're likely to have everything on hand for this delicious twist on French toast.

French Toast with Peaches & Raspberries

Peaches and raspberries add a touch of light sweetness to this buttery French toast.

Banana-Stuffed French Toast

Fresh bananas are sandwiched between slices of vanilla-scented French toast, then topped with cinnamon-sugar, blueberries, and maple syrup.

Berry-Nut French Toast

Crushed cereal makes a sweet and crunchy topping for this favorite breakfast dish.

French Toast with Pears

This breakfast casserole recipe can be made 24 hours ahead, then baked until edges are puffed and golden.

Stuffed Pecan Pie French Toast

This heavenly mixture of butter, brown sugar, and pecans is sandwiched in cinnamon-swirl bread, dipped in custard, and baked to make a mouthwatering breakfast treat.

Egg Nog & Rum French Toast

A perfect holiday morning breakfast or brunch for the adults in the family. Pair the perennial favorite rum-raisin flavor with egg nog for a cravable and creamy French Toast.

Granola French Toast

A granola coating adds crunch to this breakfast favorite, which is topped with a sweet yogurt sauce.

Apple Pie French Toast

Fresh apple slices and a layer of apple-jelly-infused cream cheese give this baked breakfast casserole a special flavor.