How Much French Toast Per Person? Complete Calculator

Planning a brunch and wondering how much French toast to make? Getting the count right means everyone enjoys golden, custardy slices without wasting food or running short. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family breakfast or a big holiday brunch, our calculator takes the guesswork out of your planning.

The quick answer: plan for 2-3 slices of French toast per person for a standard brunch, or 2 slices if you’re serving with eggs, bacon, and other sides. Kids typically eat 1-1.5 slices, while big eaters may want 3-4.

Use our calculator below to get personalized recommendations based on your specific event.

Understanding French Toast Serving Sizes

Before calculating how much French toast you need, it helps to understand what affects portion sizes. The type of bread and thickness of slices significantly impact how many you should prepare.

Thick vs Thin Slices

Bread thickness makes a major difference in how filling each slice is. Thick-cut bread (3/4 to 1 inch) creates substantial, restaurant-style French toast that satisfies with fewer pieces. Most adults are happy with 2-2.5 thick slices at brunch.

Regular sandwich bread makes thinner French toast that requires more slices to feel filling. Plan for 2.5-3 slices per person with standard thickness bread.

French toast sticks are smaller and easier for kids to handle. Expect 5-6 sticks per adult or 4-5 per child.

Best Breads for French Toast

Not all bread is created equal for French toast. The best options are sturdy, slightly dense breads that absorb the custard without falling apart:

• Brioche — Rich, buttery, and pillowy soft. The gold standard for decadent French toast
• Challah — Egg-enriched bread with a tender crumb that soaks up custard beautifully
• Texas toast — Extra-thick white bread, widely available and affordable
• French bread or Italian bread — Crusty exterior with soft interior, great for a lighter version
• Sourdough — Adds tangy flavor that pairs well with sweet toppings

Slightly stale bread (1-2 days old) actually works better than fresh because it absorbs the custard without getting soggy. If your bread is fresh, leave slices out for an hour or toast lightly in the oven at 250°F for 10 minutes.

French Toast for Different Events

The occasion shapes how much French toast each guest will eat. Here’s what to expect for different types of gatherings.

Simple Breakfast (2.5-3 slices per person)

When French toast is the star of breakfast with minimal sides, guests will eat more. Plan for 3 slices of regular bread or 2.5 thick slices per adult. Add coffee and perhaps some fresh fruit, and you have a complete meal.

Brunch with Sides (2 slices per person)

A full brunch spread with eggs, bacon, sausage, and fruit means French toast is one option among many. Most guests will have 2 slices alongside other items. This is the most common scenario for entertaining.

Breakfast Buffet (1.5-2 slices per person)

When French toast is part of a larger buffet with multiple breakfast options, people take smaller portions. Plan for 1.5-2 slices per person, as guests will sample various dishes.

Kids Parties and Sleepovers (1-1.5 slices per child)

Children eat considerably less than adults. Plan for about 1-1.5 slices per child under 12. French toast sticks are easier for little hands and can be dipped in syrup, which kids love. Teenagers often eat as much as adults, so plan accordingly for that age group.

Holiday Brunch (2.5-3 slices per person)

Special occasions call for generous portions. Christmas morning, Easter brunch, and Mother’s Day typically mean bigger appetites and more time for leisurely eating. Plan for slightly larger portions than a regular brunch.

The Custard: Getting the Egg to Milk Ratio Right

The custard mixture is what transforms plain bread into delicious French toast. Getting the ratio right is crucial for perfect results.

Basic Custard Formula

The ideal ratio is 1 egg plus 2-3 tablespoons of milk per 2-3 slices of bread. A common mistake is using too much milk, which creates soggy French toast. Keep your mixture egg-heavy for the best texture.

• Small batch (4-6 slices): 2 eggs + 1/2 cup milk
• Medium batch (8-10 slices): 4 eggs + 1 cup milk
• Large batch (16-20 slices): 8 eggs + 2 cups milk

Flavor Additions

For classic French toast flavor, add to your custard:

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract per egg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon per egg
• 1 tablespoon sugar per egg (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For richer custard, substitute half the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream. This creates a more decadent, restaurant-style result.

Planning by Headcount

Here’s a quick reference for common group sizes, assuming thick-cut bread and a brunch setting with sides:

• 5 people: 10-13 slices (about 1 loaf)
• 10 people: 20-25 slices (about 1.5 loaves)
• 20 people: 40-50 slices (about 3 loaves)
• 30 people: 60-75 slices (about 4-5 loaves)
• 50 people: 100-125 slices (about 7-8 loaves)

For thin sandwich bread, increase slice counts by about 20%. For brioche or challah, you may need more loaves since they have fewer slices per loaf.

Tips for Making French Toast for a Crowd

Successfully serving French toast to many people requires some planning and strategy.

Make-Ahead Options

The easiest approach for large groups is a French toast casserole or bake. Arrange bread cubes or slices in a baking dish, pour the custard over them, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until golden and set in the center.

You can also prepare the custard mixture 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate. Whisk well before using as ingredients may separate.

Keep French Toast Warm and Crisp

The key to serving crispy French toast to a crowd is proper holding technique. Place finished slices in a single layer on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. The wire rack allows air to circulate underneath, preventing soggy bottoms.

Never stack French toast or cover it with foil, as trapped steam will make it soft and limp within minutes.

Use Multiple Cooking Surfaces

For groups larger than 10-12 people, use two griddles or a large electric griddle to speed up cooking. A standard skillet can cook 2-3 slices at a time, meaning you can only make 10-15 slices per half hour. Scaling up your cooking surface is essential for larger gatherings.

Dip Quickly, Don’t Soak

A quick dip (10-20 seconds per side) is all you need. Over-soaking makes French toast fall apart and creates a soggy, eggy interior instead of a light, custardy one. The bread should be coated but not waterlogged.

Popular French Toast Toppings

The right toppings can elevate French toast from simple breakfast to special occasion fare.

Classic Sweet Toppings

• Pure maple syrup — the classic choice, warmed for best flavor
• Powdered sugar — a simple dusting adds elegance
• Fresh berries — strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
• Sliced bananas — pairs wonderfully with syrup
• Whipped cream — homemade takes it over the top
• Butter — a pat of butter melting into warm French toast is pure comfort

Indulgent Options

• Nutella — spread between slices or drizzled on top
• Cream cheese filling — stuff between two slices before dipping
• Caramel sauce — for a dessert-like breakfast
• Toasted pecans or walnuts — adds crunch and richness

French Toast Variations

Beyond classic French toast, consider these popular variations for your event.

Stuffed French Toast

Create a pocket between two slices of bread and fill with cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves before dipping and cooking. Stuffed French toast is more filling, so plan for 1.5-2 pieces per person instead of 2-3.

French Toast Casserole

Perfect for feeding crowds with minimal morning effort. Cube bread, arrange in a baking dish, pour custard over, and refrigerate overnight. Bake until golden and serve family-style. Each person gets a scoop rather than counted slices.

French Toast Sticks

Cut bread into strips before dipping and cooking. Great for kids and perfect for dipping into syrup or fruit sauce. Plan for 5-6 sticks per adult.

Cost Breakdown

French toast is one of the most budget-friendly breakfast options for entertaining.

Cost Per Slice by Bread Type

• Regular sandwich bread: $0.25-0.35 per slice
• Texas toast: $0.40-0.50 per slice
• Brioche or challah: $0.50-0.70 per slice
• Restaurant/catering: $2.00-3.00 per slice

For a brunch serving 20 people with homemade French toast, expect to spend approximately $15-25 on ingredients including bread, eggs, milk, and basic toppings. That’s under $1.25 per person for a filling, delicious breakfast.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even experienced cooks encounter French toast issues. Here’s how to fix common problems:

• Soggy French toast: Use less milk in your custard, dip bread briefly instead of soaking, and cook over medium heat (not too high)
• French toast burns outside but raw inside: Your heat is too high. Lower to medium or medium-low and cook longer on each side
• Bread falls apart when dipping: Use thicker, sturdier bread or slightly stale bread. Dip quickly instead of soaking
• French toast sticks to pan: Make sure your pan is properly heated and buttered before adding bread. Non-stick pans or well-seasoned cast iron work best
• Bland flavor: Add vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to your custard. Use real butter for cooking instead of cooking spray

French Toast Nutrition Facts

For health-conscious guests, here’s what to expect per slice:

• Classic French toast (thick slice): 250-350 calories
• With butter and syrup: Add 150-200 calories
• French toast sticks (5-6): 200-280 calories

French toast provides protein from eggs and carbohydrates for energy. For a more balanced meal, serve with protein-rich sides like eggs or bacon and fresh fruit.

Quick Summary

Here’s everything you need to remember:

• Standard brunch: 2-2.5 slices per person
• French toast focused: 3 slices per person
• Kids: 1-1.5 slices per child
• Custard ratio: 1 egg + 2-3 Tbsp milk per 2-3 slices

Use thick, slightly stale bread, dip quickly instead of soaking, and keep finished slices warm on a wire rack in a 200°F oven. With proper planning, your French toast brunch will be a delicious success!