French toast has always been a slow weekend kind of breakfast, golden, custardy, worth getting out of bed for. This matcha French toast takes that same comfort and gives it a subtle earthy depth, matcha whisked right into the custard, so every bite carries a little bit of that familiar green tea flavor alongside the usual cinnamon warmth.
If you're looking for easy matcha recipes that go beyond a latte, this is a genuinely fun place to start.
Why Matcha Works So Well in French Toast
Matcha's natural bitterness plays really well against French toast's usual sweetness, vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar in the custard. Instead of competing with those flavors, it rounds them out, giving the dish a slightly more grown up flavor profile than a purely sweet, sugary version would have.
What You Need for This Matcha French Toast Recipe
- 4 thick slices of bread, brioche or challah work best
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter, for the pan
Since matcha is whisked directly into a wet custard here, rather than dry ingredients, it needs to dissolve smoothly without clumping or turning gritty once cooked. A vivid, finely ground Ceremonial Grade AAA Matcha blends in far more evenly than a coarser, lower grade powder, which matters for both the texture and the color once it hits the pan.
How to Make Matcha French Toast, Step by Step
- Whisk the eggs, milk, matcha, sugar, and vanilla together in a shallow bowl until completely smooth, no matcha clumps remaining
- Heat a pan over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter
- Dip each slice of bread into the custard, coating both sides evenly, a few seconds per side is enough
- Cook each slice for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside
- Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed
Matcha French Toast Toppings Worth Trying
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup, matcha's earthiness pairs surprisingly well with either
- Fresh berries, strawberries or blueberries both work nicely against the green color
- A light dusting of extra matcha powder on top for presentation
- A dollop of yogurt or whipped cream for a slightly richer finish
A Few Notes for Getting It Right
Don't oversoak the bread in the custard, a quick dip on each side is enough, especially with thicker slices like brioche or challah, which absorb liquid quickly. Oversoaking can leave you with a soggy center instead of that classic custardy-but-cooked-through texture. Medium heat also matters more than people expect, too high and the outside browns before the inside cooks through.
More Matcha Breakfast Ideas to Try
If this weekend breakfast becomes a regular thing, our Matcha Waffles recipe is a great next stop, similar weekend energy, different format. And for busier weekday mornings when French toast isn't realistic, our Matcha Overnight Oats recipe covers that make-ahead, no-cooking-required side of things.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make matcha French toast?
Whisk matcha into a custard of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, dip bread slices briefly on each side, then pan fry in butter over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
What bread works best for matcha French toast?
Thick, slightly sturdy bread like brioche or challah works best, since it holds up well to the custard without becoming soggy.
Why is my matcha French toast custard clumpy?
This usually happens with a coarser or lower quality matcha powder. Whisking thoroughly and using a finer, higher quality matcha helps it dissolve smoothly into the custard.
What toppings go well with matcha French toast?
Honey, maple syrup, fresh berries, and a light dusting of extra matcha powder all pair nicely, balancing the dish's earthy matcha flavor with a touch of sweetness.
