Brioche French Toast
The aroma of buttery brioche French toast sizzling in a hot pan can brighten any morning. Soft, fluffy slices, kissed by golden edges and a hint of cinnamon, tempt you to take a bite even before they hit the plate. Picture sitting at the kitchen table, a cozy gathering of family or friends all chatting and laughing over a delicious breakfast. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a cherished memory in the making.
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As the sweet syrup drizzles down and the berries burst with flavor, every mouthful brings an explosion of nostalgia—perhaps you recall lazy Sunday brunches with loved ones, or those sleepy weekday mornings when a quick but delightful breakfast was just what you needed. Learning how to make brioche French toast is a rite of passage for home cooks, perfect for any occasion, be it breakfast for the family or an impressive brunch with friends. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s whip up something memorable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 7 minutes of cooking, you’ll be savoring this delicious treat in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich and creamy custard gives each bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience, enhanced by warm cinnamon and vanilla.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-brown brioche topped with fluffy whipped cream and vibrant berries looks as good as it tastes—perfect for Instagram!
- Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a festive brunch or an everyday breakfast, this dish fits right in. Guests won’t be able to resist!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to adapt with gluten-free bread or dairy alternatives if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brioche: About 14–16 ounces of store-bought or homemade brioche. Slightly stale brioche works best as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs create that lovely custard texture. Room temperature eggs will help create an even mixture.
- Whole Milk: 1 cup (240ml) gives richness, but you may substitute with a non-dairy milk for a lighter option.
- Maple Syrup or Sugar: 1 tablespoon adds sweetness to the custard (use maple syrup for an extra depth of flavor).
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon brings warmth and sweetness—avoid imitation vanilla for the best flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/4–1/2 teaspoon adds a comforting warmth; feel free to adjust according to your preference.
- Unsalted Butter: 1–2 tablespoons for cooking. It prevents sticking and adds flavor to the crispy edges.
- Cinnamon Butter or Honey Butter, Maple Syrup, Confectioners’ Sugar, Whipped Cream, Fresh Berries: These toppings elevate the dish, making it a feast for the senses.
How to Make How to Make Brioche French Toast
Slice the Brioche: Start by cutting your brioche into 1-inch thick slices. This thickness allows the custard to soak in while maintaining its structure. If your brioche is fresh, let it sit out for a little while to become slightly stale; this will help absorb the egg mixture better and prevent it from getting too soggy.
Whisk the Custard: In a medium bowl with a pour spout, whisk the 4 eggs until well combined. Add in the whole milk, maple syrup (or sugar), vanilla extract, and cinnamon, blending until smooth. The mixture should appear creamy and slightly frothy, ready to embrace the brioche.
Dip the Brioche: Take each slice of brioche and dip it into the egg mixture for about 5–10 seconds on each side. Make sure to coat both sides without over-soaking—brioche is an indulgent bread and absorbs liquid quickly, so you want it to soak just enough to soften, but remain firm.
Heat the Skillet: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Pay attention to the butter—it should foam slightly but not brown. Once it’s melted, grasp those soaked brioche slices and place them gently into the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook to Perfection: Cook the slices for about 3–4 minutes on one side until golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when it releases easily from the pan. Turn each slice over carefully and cook for another 2–3 minutes until both sides are beautifully golden and the center remains soft and custardy—what a treat!
Keep Warm: If cooking in batches, keep the cooked brioche warm by placing it on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven. This way, all the toasty goodness is ready to go when you are.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve your brioche French toast immediately! Top with your favorites—maple syrup, a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a fruity sauce. Don’t hold back on the toppings; they add a delightful finish to this already amazing dish!
Storing & Reheating
To store your leftover brioche French toast, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you need to store it longer, pop it in the fridge and enjoy within 2 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, gently reheat in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through, keeping in mind that the texture may change a bit. A quick turn in the toaster can revive its golden goodness!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Watch the heat: Cooking on too high a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Medium-low heat is ideal for perfect cooking.
- Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the mixture. If you forget, just submerge them in warm water for about 10 minutes.
- If bread gets too brown before the center is cooked, lower the heat and give it a bit more time to ensure that custardy middle.
- Experiment with flavors: Try almond extract instead of vanilla, or add orange zest to the custard for a twist.
- Make ahead: You can prepare an egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just dip the bread in the morning for a fast breakfast!
Every bite of this delicious creation is an invitation to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. From the perfectly golden edges to the fluffy and tender center, making how to make brioche French toast is not just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s about creating cherished moments. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and indulge in this delightful breakfast that warms both the heart and the soul!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche is rich and perfect for French toast, other types like challah, sourdough, or even whole grain can work well, too. Just make sure they are slightly stale for the best texture.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To create a dairy-free version of this brioche French toast, simply replace the whole milk with your favorite non-dairy milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk. Ensure your brioche is dairy-free as well!
What toppings do you recommend?
Toppings can truly elevate your French toast experience! Fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a spoonful of yogurt add freshness. Maple syrup, honey, or a dollop of cinnamon butter are delightful too—experiment to find your favorite combination!
Can I prepare this the night before?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the egg mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to cook, simply dip and fry the brioche slices for an easy, delicious breakfast!
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📖 Recipe Card
Brioche French Toast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This brioche French toast recipe features soft, fluffy bread soaked in a creamy custard with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, it’s a delicious and unforgettable start to your day!
Ingredients
- Brioche: About 14–16 ounces, preferably slightly stale
- Eggs: 4 large, room temperature
- Whole Milk: 1 cup (240ml), or non-dairy alternative
- Maple Syrup or Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/4–1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter: 1–2 tablespoons for cooking
- Toppings: Cinnamon Butter or Honey Butter, Maple Syrup, Confectioners’ Sugar, Whipped Cream, Fresh Berries
Instructions
- Slice the brioche into 1-inch thick slices.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup (or sugar), vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Dip each slice of brioche into the egg mixture for 5–10 seconds on each side, ensuring even coating without over-soaking.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place soaked brioche slices gently into the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip each slice and cook for another 2–3 minutes until both sides are golden and custardy.
- Keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven if necessary.
- Serve with preferred toppings.
Notes
Using slightly stale brioche helps the bread absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy.
Consider dairy-free substitutes if needed for dietary restrictions.
Serve fresh for the best texture, although leftovers can be stored.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
