Brioche French Toast
The aroma of warm brioche French toast sizzling on the stovetop is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The golden crust, slightly crispy yet soft and custardy on the inside, is a sight to behold. Picture this: you walk into your kitchen, the sunlight streaming through the window, and the sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon enveloping you like a cozy blanket. It feels like a hug from the inside out and instantly brings back memories of lazy Sunday breakfasts spent around the table with family, laughter punctuating each bite. This dish has that magical ability to transform an ordinary morning into something special.
Table of Contents
Whether it’s a crisp fall morning or a cheerful spring brunch, making how to make brioche French toast is always a delightful choice. This recipe offers not just a meal but an experience—one that invites you to gather your loved ones and celebrate a moment together. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s step into the kitchen where deliciousness awaits!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep and cook in just about 20 minutes; perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.
- Irresistible Flavor: Soft brioche meets creamy egg custard, each bite bursting with sweetness and a hint of warming spice.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown slices topped with whipped cream and fresh berries create a stunning presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet late-night snack; it fits any occasion perfectly.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable—a dairy-free version with almond milk or vegan using chickpea flour can also delight your guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brioche Bread: Look for a loaf about 14–16 ounces; slightly stale brioche is preferred as it soaks up the egg mixture better without getting too soggy. You can substitute with challah or French bread, but nothing quite compares to that rich, buttery brioche.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for the best results; they add richness and create a perfect custard. Ensure they’re at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Whole Milk: This ingredient creates a creamy texture. If you prefer lighter options, half-and-half or non-dairy milk can work but may alter the flavor slightly.
- Sweetener: Choose between maple syrup, brown sugar, or granulated sugar to add just the right touch of sweetness in the custard mixture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Always use pure to really enhance the flavors. I recommend checking the label for natural vanilla, as imitation can change the overall taste.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth. Adjust the amount based on your preference—start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase if you love that rich, spiced flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: For cooking, it prevents sticking and adds that delicious buttery flavor. You can use oil if you’re in a pinch, but butter is just so much tastier!
- Toppings: Consider cinnamon butter or honey butter, maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, whipped cream, and fresh berries for presentation and taste. Homemade fruit sauces amplify the experience, too!
How to Make How to Make Brioche French Toast
Slice the Bread: Begin by slicing the brioche into 1-inch thick slices. This thickness allows for the ideal balance of crispy crust and soft interior. The slightly stale bread will hold its shape better, soaking up the custard without falling apart. Set the slices aside while you prepare the egg mixture.
Whisk Together Ingredients: In a medium bowl with a pour spout, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup (or your sweetener of choice), vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is completely blended. The result should be a creamy custard-like texture that promises a rich flavor. This mixture is the heart of your French toast!
Dip the Brioche: Take each slice of brioche and dip it into the egg mixture for about 5–10 seconds on each side. You want each slice to be coated without becoming overly soaked—brioche absorbs the mixture quickly due to its rich dough. This balance is key to achieving that soft center while maintaining a golden-brown crust.
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Allow it to foam but not brown. Once melted, add the dipped brioche slices (working in batches if necessary) and cook until they are golden brown on the first side, about 3–4 minutes. If they’re browning too fast, don’t hesitate to lower the heat for a more evenly cooked toast!
Cook the Other Side: Carefully flip each slice and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes or until the other side is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, indicating the custard is nicely set. Ensure the edges are crisp, while the center remains soft and custardy. You can add more butter between batches to keep the skillet lubricated.
Keep Warm: If cooking in batches, keep the finished slices warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven. They will stay toasty until you’re ready to serve them, ensuring everyone can enjoy their French toast fresh off the skillet.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve the brioche French toast immediately, allowing everyone to top their own slices with their favorite toppings, whether that’s a drizzle of rich maple syrup, a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scattering of juicy berries. Each bite is an indulgent treat that not only tastes as good as it looks but also warms the heart!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover brioche French toast, you can keep it at room temperature for a few hours, but if you need to save it longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months—just be sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. The texture may change slightly from freezing, but a quick pop in the oven will bring back that wonderful warmth and softness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Soggy Toast: Be cautious not to over-soak the brioche. A quick dip works best for that perfect custardy center.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for better emulsification in the custard mixture.
- Watch the Heat: If the bread browns too fast, simply turn down the heat to avoid burning while ensuring the interior cooks through.
- Boost Flavor: Add a bit of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the egg mixture for an unexpected depth of flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator for an even quicker breakfast option in the morning—just soak and cook!
Warm, fluffy, and utterly delicious, this brioche French toast is a breakfast classic that never disappoints. With each bite, you bring to life wonderful memories and create new ones with friends and family. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility—feel free to experiment with different toppings or sauces to make it your own. You’ll never want to go back to regular toast again!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh brioche or does it need to be stale?
Absolutely, fresh brioche works well, although slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively without getting too soggy. If your brioche is fresh, just be sure to toast it lightly in the oven for a few minutes to ensure it holds up during cooking.
What toppings can I use on brioche French toast?
The possibilities are endless! Popular options include maple syrup, fruit compotes, whipped cream, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or even a decadent drizzle of chocolate sauce. Feel free to mix and match based on your mood or the season!
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk. For a richer flavor, consider using coconut milk! Just make sure all your other ingredients, like the butter, are also dairy-free.
Can I freeze brioche French toast for later?
Yes, you can freeze brioche French toast! Allow the cooked slices to cool completely, then wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or toaster when you’re ready to enjoy!
More Breakfast Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Brioche French Toast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This brioche French toast features rich, custardy slices of brioche bread, lightly spiced and served with whipped cream and berries, making every breakfast a special occasion.
Ingredients
- Brioche Bread (14-16 ounces)
- Large Eggs
- Whole Milk
- Maple Syrup or Sweetener
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- Ground Cinnamon
- Unsalted Butter
- Toppings (cinnamon butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries)
Instructions
- Slice brioche into 1-inch thick slices.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, sweetener, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Dip brioche slices into egg mixture for 5-10 seconds on each side.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook dipped brioche until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes until second side is golden.
- Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
- Serve immediately with favorite toppings.
Notes
Ensure eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
Avoid over-soaking to prevent soggy toast.
Add spices like nutmeg or orange zest for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
