Brioche French Toast Recipe: A Decadent Breakfast Treat
Who doesn’t love a plate of fluffy, golden French toast? When you take it up a notch with rich, buttery brioche, it turns an everyday breakfast into something extraordinary. Imagine the warm, sweet aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this simple yet luxurious treat.
This recipe isn’t just for weekend brunches. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weekday, but decadent enough to impress guests. Whether you’re new to making French toast or a seasoned pro, this brioche version is bound to become a favorite.
Ready to make your mornings a little more special? Let’s dive into how you can create the perfect brioche French toast that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and deliciously indulgent!
Why Brioche French Toast?
Brioche is not your average bread. Made with butter, eggs, and sugar, it’s richer and softer than typical sandwich bread. This makes it the ideal choice for French toast as it soaks up the custard without getting soggy, while maintaining a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What makes brioche stand out?
- Rich and buttery: Brioche is naturally enriched with butter and eggs, creating a more luxurious taste.
- Soft and fluffy: Its light, airy texture contrasts perfectly with the crispy edges you get when frying French toast.
- Slightly sweet: Brioche adds a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with toppings like maple syrup, berries, or even savory options like bacon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect Brioche French Toast, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. But it’s the quality of these ingredients that makes all the difference.
For the French Toast:
- 6 large eggs – The eggs form the base of the custard and add richness.
- 2 egg yolks – For an extra creamy custard, include these additional yolks.
- 1 ½ cups whole milk – Whole milk strikes the right balance of richness and lightness. You can substitute half-and-half for a more decadent version.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – A little sugar sweetens the custard without overpowering the brioche.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – This provides a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the custard.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a cozy, spiced note that complements the sweetness of the brioche.
- Pinch of salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 12 slices of brioche – Cut the bread into thick, ¾-inch slices for the best texture.
- Unsalted butter – For frying the French toast to golden perfection.
For Toppings:
- Powdered sugar – A light dusting for sweetness and presentation.
- Pure maple syrup – The perfect partner for French toast.
- Fresh berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness.
- Banana slices – For a creamy, sweet topping.
How to Make Brioche French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the butter.
Step 3: Dip the Brioche
Quickly dip each slice of brioche into the custard mixture, making sure both sides are coated but not soaked. Let the excess custard drip off before placing the bread in the skillet.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Place the dipped brioche slices into the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside, but still soft on the inside. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning. Transfer the cooked French toast to a wire rack in a warm oven (about 200°F) to keep it warm while you cook the rest.
Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Plate the French toast and top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a generous pour of maple syrup, and your choice of fresh berries or banana slices. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Brioche French Toast
- Use stale bread: If your brioche is fresh, toast it in the oven for a few minutes or leave it out overnight. Stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
- Don’t soak too long: Brioche is a delicate bread, so don’t leave it in the custard for more than a few seconds per side. A quick dip ensures it won’t fall apart when cooking.
- Whisk custard thoroughly: To avoid cinnamon clumping at the top, whisk the custard each time before dipping the bread.
- Cook in batches: French toast cooks best when not overcrowded. Cook in batches, keeping finished slices warm in the oven.
- Control the heat: Start with medium heat and adjust as you go. You want the outside golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft but cooked through.
Variations and Toppings
French toast is versatile, and brioche makes it even more indulgent. Here are some ways to customize your French toast:
Savory Brioche French Toast
For a savory twist, omit the cinnamon and vanilla in the custard, and add a pinch of pepper. Top with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
Stuffed French Toast
Make it extra special by stuffing the brioche with cream cheese, Nutella, or jam. Simply make a small incision in each slice of bread and fill it with your chosen filling before dipping in the custard.
French Toast Casserole
Turn this recipe into a make-ahead casserole. Layer slices of brioche in a baking dish, pour the custard over, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
Topping Ideas
- Caramelized bananas: Cook banana slices in butter and brown sugar for a sweet, gooey topping.
- Nutella drizzle: Melt Nutella and drizzle it over your French toast for a chocolatey kick.
- Whipped cream and berries: Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a classic combination.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of Brioche French Toast:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To prevent it from getting soggy, place the slices on a wire rack in the fridge.
Freezing French Toast
If you want to freeze your French toast, place the cooled slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container, with parchment paper separating the slices. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the French toast in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or pop it in the toaster for a quick fix. If reheating from frozen, give it a little extra time in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of warm, fluffy Brioche French Toast. Whether you’re serving it to guests for a special brunch or just treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning, this recipe is sure to impress. With its rich, buttery texture and endless topping possibilities, Brioche French toast is a dish that never fails to delight.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Brioche French Toast, it’s time to get creative with your toppings and variations. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—it’s too delicious to keep to yourself!
