Brioche French Toast
There’s something utterly delightful about the aroma of brioche French toast wafting through the air, a fragrant melody that beckons you to the breakfast table. Each slice caramelizes beautifully, edges crisping up while the inside remains a custardy wonderland that melts in your mouth. The golden brown hue invites you to indulge, promising a delicious start to your day.
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Growing up, Saturday mornings were sacred around our house—a time for family gatherings and special treats. My mother would whip up her famous French toast, but it wasn’t until I discovered brioche that my entire world changed. Fluffy, buttery, and rich, brioche took the dish from good to spectacular. Whether it’s a cozy winter morning or a sun-soaked picnic brunch, making brioche French toast will warm your soul and fill your heart with nostalgia. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s create this breakfast masterpiece together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 7 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up any day of the week.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich, buttery brioche combined with vanilla and cinnamon creates an indulgent treat that’s both sweet and comforting.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully golden slices topped with fresh berries or whipped cream make a stunning centerpiece for any brunch table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert! Add your favorite toppings to suit any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free brioche and experimenting with dairy-free milk options for a lactose-free version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brioche Bread: A whole loaf (about 14–16 ounces) of store-bought or homemade brioche is perfect—slightly stale works best as it soaks up the mixture without falling apart.
- Eggs: Four large eggs are essential to create a rich custard. Use fresh eggs at room temperature for the best results.
- Whole Milk: One cup of whole milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk if needed.
- Maple Syrup/Brown Sugar/Granulated Sugar: A tablespoon enhances the sweetness. Alternatively, try honey or coconut sugar for a different flavor.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon infuses a wonderful aroma and flavor—always go for pure extract over imitation.
- Ground Cinnamon: Use between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for warmth and spice, though you can leave it out if you prefer more simplicity.
- Unsalted Butter: For cooking, use 1–2 tablespoons to achieve that gorgeous golden color and flavor.
- Toppings: Delight in cinnamon butter, maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries, and fruit sauces to bring this dish to life!
How to Make How to Make Brioche French Toast
Slice the Bread: Start by slicing your brioche into 1-inch thick slices. This thickness allows for the perfect absorption of the custard while keeping that soft interior. Lay the slices aside as you prepare the custard mixture. Each slice should be pampered, ready to soak in all that delicious flavor!
Whisk the Custard: In a medium bowl with a pour spout, whisk together the four eggs until they are well beaten. Pour in the one cup of whole milk, then add the tablespoon of your chosen sweetener, the teaspoon of vanilla extract, and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture has a creamy consistency. This silky custard will be your French toast’s hug!
Soak the Brioche: Carefully dip each slice of brioche into your custard mixture for about 5–10 seconds on each side, ensuring both sides are well-coated but not over-soaked. Remember, brioche absorbs quickly due to its rich properties—this is not the time to rush!
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt one tablespoon of unsalted butter until it’s bubbling. You’ll want enough butter to prevent sticking and achieve that beautiful golden color on each slice. The butter should be sizzling but not browned—this is where the fluffiness begins!
Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked brioche slices onto the hot skillet in batches. Allow them to cook without crowding until they’re golden and crisp around the edges, about 3–4 minutes. Flip them over and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the other side is equally golden. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly at this point!
Keep Warm: If you’re cooking in batches, keep the finished toast warm on a baking sheet in a preheated 200°F (95°C) oven. This way, everyone can enjoy their slices together, right out of the pan!
Serve & Enjoy: It’s time to get creative! Serve immediately with your favorite toppings—drizzle on warm maple syrup, dust with confectioners’ sugar, dollop with whipped cream, and scatter fresh berries for a pop of color. There’s no wrong way to indulge!
Storing & Reheating
Once you’ve made this delicious brioche French toast, if you have any leftovers (which I doubt!), let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge again, pop the desired slices in the toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until heated through. The bread may lose some of its fresh texture, but a quick toast will help revive its fluffiness!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Soggy Toast: Don’t let the brioche sit too long in the custard mixture; 10 seconds per side is ideal.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs blend better into the custard, ensuring a smoother texture.
- Check Your Heat: If the toast is browning too quickly, turn down the heat. This allows the insides to remain soft and custardy while achieving that beautiful golden crisp.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment with flavors! Add a splash of orange zest or a hint of nutmeg for unique variations.
- Make-ahead Option: Prepare the custard the night before and keep it in the fridge. Simply dip and cook in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast treat.
There’s a beautiful simplicity in brioche French toast that captures the heart. As you experiment with flavors and toppings, don’t hesitate to make it your own. The soft, buttery richness of brioche is just waiting to be transformed into your best-ever breakfast treat! Enjoy every delicious bite, and Happy Cooking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh brioche or does it have to be stale?
Absolutely, you can use fresh brioche! However, slightly stale brioche holds up better when soaking in the custard, so if you have leftover bread, it will yield even better results. If you’re prepared to use fresh, keep an eye on soaking time to avoid sogginess.
What are the best toppings for brioche French toast?
The best part of making brioche French toast is getting creative with toppings! Classic maple syrup is always a crowd-pleaser, but feel free to add sliced fresh berries, homemade whipped cream, fruit compotes, or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can even drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent treat!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can absolutely make dairy-free brioche French toast! Use dairy-free brioche (available at many supermarkets) and substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. The custard will still be deliciously rich!
How can I ensure my French toast is perfectly cooked on the inside?
The key to perfectly cooked French toast is temperature control. Cook on medium-low heat and flip the slices once they’re golden brown. This allows the insides to remain soft and custardy while achieving that golden exterior. If you’re unsure, cut one slice in half to check the doneness before serving!
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📖 Recipe Card
Brioche French Toast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: French
Description
Brioche French Toast combines rich, buttery brioche with a custard mixture of eggs, milk, and spices. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for breakfast or brunch, bringing comfort and joy to your table with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
- Brioche Bread (1 whole loaf, about 14-16 ounces)
- Eggs (4 large)
- Whole Milk (1 cup)
- Maple Syrup/Brown Sugar/Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon)
- Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon)
- Unsalted Butter (1-2 tablespoons)
- Toppings (cinnamon butter, maple syrup, confectioners' sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries)
Instructions
- Slice the brioche into 1-inch thick slices.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sweetener, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth.
- Soak brioche slices for about 5-10 seconds on each side in the custard mixture.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat until bubbling.
- Cook soaked brioche slices in batches until golden, about 3-4 minutes each side.
- Keep the finished toast warm in a preheated oven until serving.
- Serve immediately with desired toppings.
Notes
Slightly stale brioche works best for soaking without falling apart.
Use room temperature eggs for a smoother custard mixture.
Experiment with toppings and flavors to personalize your French toast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
