Brioche French Toast
Many any morning special with fluffy, golden brioche french toast for breakfast or brunch. Learn simple tips to create this indulgent classic with rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
There’s nothing quite like starting your morning with the rich, buttery indulgence of brioche French toast. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. It always turns an ordinary breakfast into something memorable. I’ve made this for lazy weekend brunches, special occasions, and even just because I love it.
What makes French toast so special is the bread itself. Brioche is soft, slightly sweet, and almost cake-like, which soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart. Every bite is a mix of crisp, golden edges and a tender, creamy interior. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to regular bread for French toast again.
For me, it’s all about the toppings! Whether I’m drizzling maple syrup, dusting powdered sugar, or piling on blueberry pancake syrup, each version feels like a brand-new creation. Plus, it never disappoints. Let me show you how easy it is to make your mornings a little more delicious!
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make brioche french toast:
- Brioche Bread: Its rich, buttery texture and slight sweetness make it ideal for soaking up custard without falling apart.
- Butter: Adds flavor and ensures the toast cooks to a golden-brown perfection.
- Eggs: Act as the base of the custard, giving the French toast its creamy and cohesive texture.
- Cinnamon: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet custard.
- Sugar: Sweetens the custard and creates a subtle caramelization during cooking.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and creaminess, balancing the custard mixture perfectly.
- Vanilla: Infuses the dish with a sweet, comforting aroma that elevates the overall flavor.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are some easy ways to customize a brioche French toast recipe:
- Change the Toppings: Try fresh fruits like berries or bananas, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a unique twist.
- Flavor the Custard: Add spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or mix in flavored extracts like almond or orange to the custard.
- Stuff the Brioche: Create a stuffed French toast by adding cream cheese, jam, or Nutella between slices before dipping in the custard.
- Use Alternative Milks: Swap whole milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: Replace sugar with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Make It Savory: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and top with fried eggs, avocado, or smoked salmon for a savory version.
- Toast in Advance: Use slightly stale brioche or lightly toast it before dipping for better custard absorption.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
To start, grab your ingredients. Then, preheat a large skillet over medium heat and follow these simple steps.
Whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla in a shallow bowl.
Add the cinnamon and sugar.
Whisk everything together. Add ½ tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
Dip one slice of bread into the mixture, coating both sides, about 3 to 4 seconds each side.
Place in the skillet. If your pan is big enough for more slices, add more egg-dipped bread slices.
Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. Wipe out the pan and do the next batch, adding ½ tablespoon of butter each time.
Note
Use slightly stale brioche. Day-old bread absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy, resulting in perfectly textured slices. Also, cook the toast over medium heat to allow the inside to cook through while achieving a golden, caramelized exterior.
Storage
To store brioche French toast, let the slices cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months by layering parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or pop them in a toaster or skillet for a few minutes on each side to restore their crisp edges. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the toast soggy.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Don’t Over-Soak!
Dip the bread just long enough to coat it without becoming mushy.
- Use Slightly Stale Bread: Day-old brioche absorbs the custard better without falling apart.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Use medium heat to ensure the toast cooks evenly, developing a golden crust without burning.
- Butter the Pan Generously: Melted butter adds flavor and prevents sticking, but don’t let it brown too much before adding the bread.
- Preheat the Pan: Start with a warm pan so the toast cooks consistently from the first batch to the last.
- Whisk the Custard Thoroughly: Make sure the eggs, milk, and spices are fully blended for an even coating.
- Serve Immediately: Brioche French toast is best enjoyed hot and fresh, with your favorite toppings added right before serving.
These tips will ensure your French toast turns out rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time!
Serving Suggestions
Brioche French toast is incredibly versatile, and the toppings you choose can take it from a simple breakfast to an indulgent masterpiece. For a classic approach, serve it with a drizzle of warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. Add a pat of butter on top for extra richness, and you’ve got a comforting, no-fuss option that everyone will love. You can even add air fryer fried eggs for more protein.
If you want to enhance your presentation, consider adding fresh fruit or a homemade berry sauce. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries bring a pop of color and natural sweetness that balances the richness of the toast. Sliced bananas or caramelized apples are also great choices, adding both flavor and texture. For a final touch, sprinkle on toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for a satisfying crunch.
Feeling adventurous? Turn your brioche French toast into a dessert-inspired dish. Top it with whipped cream or mascarpone, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lemon curd can add a surprising twist, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious brunch. With endless topping combinations, brioche French toast is a canvas for your creativity!
FAQs
Recipe
Brioche French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread sliced into 8-10 slices
- 3-4 tablespoons butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium low to medium heat.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla.
- Add ½ tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
- Dip one slice of bread into the mixture, coating both sides – about 3-4 seconds each side. Place in the skillet and cook each side for 2-3 minutes. If your pan is big enough for more slices, repeat the step above.
- Wipe out the pan and do the next batch, adding ½ tablespoon of butter each time.
- Keep cooked slices warm in a 200-degree oven while the rest cook.
- Serve topped with a spoonful or two of the blueberry sauce.
Notes
• Keep the stove temperature under medium to prevent the outside from getting done before the middle.
• A quick dip in the egg mixture is all that’s needed. If you let it sit too long, it will be too soggy and fall apart. VARIATIONS
• Sprinkle on a little powdered sugar and blueberry sauce for more sweetness.
• Add a little orange zest for a citrusy note.
• Stir in a little almond extract for another depth of flavor.
Nutrition
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Shallow Bowl
- whisk
- Large skillet
- Pancake Turner
