National French Toast Day

National French Toast Day is celebrated each year on November 28. The day highlights a simple breakfast dish enjoyed around the world, know for its easy preparation and endless variations. 

French toast began as a practical way to use stale bread by soaking it in milk and eggs, a method recorded as far back as ancient Rome. As the idea spread, different countries created their own versions, and the dish stayed popular because it adapts so easily. Some people enjoy it with butter, sugar, or syrup, while others keep it lighter with fresh fruit or less sweetness.

♥️ Similar Days: National Toast Day, World Nutella Day, National Peanut Butter Day, National Sandwich Day

When is National French Toast Day Celebrated?

National French Toast Day falls on November 28 each year and highlights a breakfast dish enjoyed in many forms. If you want to plan ahead, here are the upcoming dates for National French Toast Day over the next several years:

French Toast Around the Globe

French toast has a long history that traces back to ancient Rome. Early sources describe pan dulcis, bread soaked in milk and sometimes eggs before being fried in oil. This method made stale bread useful again and set the foundation for variations that later appeared across many regions. As the idea spread, each culture adapted the basic technique to local tastes and ingredients.

🇫🇷 France: Known as pain perdu (“lost bread”), it revives bread that would otherwise be discarded. Common toppings include jam, honey, or chocolate spreads like Nutella.

🇪🇸 Spain: Torrijas are soaked in milk or wine, sweetened with honey or sugar, and often enjoyed during Lent.

🇩🇪 Germany: Arme Ritter (“poor knights”) reflects the dish’s affordable origins and is usually served with sugar, cinnamon, or fruit.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Often called eggy bread, this version is typically savory and served with bacon, sausage, or sometimes with just a dash of salt and pepper.

🇺🇸 United States: French toast is a classic breakfast dish topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or butter.

🇳🇿 New Zealand: A common variation pairs the toast with bacon and bananas, combining sweet and savory elements.

🇯🇵 Japan: Often served as a dessert with whipped cream, strawberries, or seasonal fruits.

🇭🇰 Hong Kong: A popular café and street-food style uses thick bread, sometimes filled with peanut butter or syrup, then fried for a rich, indulgent result.

Middle Eastern regions: Variations may be topped with yogurt and honey, adding a tangy contrast to the sweetness.

These examples show how a simple French toast has evolved into many distinct styles, reflecting the flavors and traditions of each region.

Did You Know? Fun Facts About French Toast

• Oldest Recipe: The earliest recorded French toast recipe dates to the 5th century, though the idea of soaking bread in milk and eggs likely emerged even earlier.

• Global Names: Many countries have their own term for the dish, including pain perdu in France, torrijas in Spain, and eggy bread in the UK.

• Food-Waste Solution: French toast originally served as a way to use stale bread by giving it new life with a simple milk-and-egg mixture.

• World Record: In 2021, chefs in India set the world record for the largest serving of French toast with 1,653 pieces totaling 476 kg.

• More Than Breakfast: Though often associated with breakfast, French toast appears in sweet and savory forms across meals, from brunch to dinner.

Ways to Celebrate National French Toast Day

If you want to enjoy the day in a simple but memorable way, these ideas offer a few fresh takes on a familiar dish.

• Try a global style. Pick one country’s variation—torrijas from Spain, arme ritter from Germany, or Hong Kong–style stuffed toast—and make it for breakfast.

• Compare breads. Make two small batches using different breads (brioche, sourdough, whole-grain) and see how each changes the texture and flavor.

• Create a topping bar. Set out fruit, yogurt, nuts, honey, and spices so everyone can personalize their slice without relying on syrup alone.

• Test a savory version. Skip the sugar and try eggy bread with herbs, cheese, or vegetables for a different take on the dish.

• Collect a family recipe. Ask relatives how they make French toast and record the small details—bread choice, cooking method, or preferred toppings—to preserve a bit of food history.