If you’re dreaming of a breakfast that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning, this Brioche French Toast Recipe is about to become your new go-to. With its buttery, tender brioche bread soaked in a luscious vanilla-spiced custard, then cooked to a golden perfection, every bite is pure comfort and indulgence. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that transforms simple ingredients into something remarkably special, perfect for lazy weekends or whenever you want to feel a little fancy without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, but don’t worry—this recipe keeps it simple and straightforward. Each element plays a crucial role, from the rich brioche that provides a soft, fluffy base, to the fragrant spices that elevate the flavor.
- 6 slices brioche bread (3/4-inch thick): Use day-old brioche if possible; it soaks custard beautifully without falling apart.
- 3 large eggs: Eggs are the heart of the custard, offering richness and structure.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps loosen the custard for easy soaking.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Delivers extra decadence and softness to each bite.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with warm, sweet aromas.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that’s classic in French toast.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a whisper to complement the cinnamon and add depth.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying): Creates the perfect golden crust and adds a rich, buttery finish.
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar perfect for personalizing your serving.
How to Make Brioche French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Start by cracking the eggs into a large bowl, then add the whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This custard blend is what gives your French toast that rich, creamy texture and irresistible flavor.
Step 2: Soak the Brioche
Next, dip each slice of brioche into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 20 seconds on each side, so the bread absorbs just enough custard without becoming soggy. Brioche is wonderfully light and buttery, making it ideal for soaking up the custard while maintaining its structure.
Step 3: Heat Your Pan and Melt Butter
Place a nonstick skillet or griddle on medium heat and add a bit of the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely and bubble slightly but not brown, as this butter will help create that crave-worthy golden crust.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Place the soaked slices in the skillet carefully. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning while ensuring the finish is crisp on the outside and tender within.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, transfer your French toast to plates and get ready to garnish with your favorites. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, making breakfast feel like a little celebration.
How to Serve Brioche French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
The best part of this Brioche French Toast Recipe is all the fun you can have topping it. Whether it’s a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a scatter of fresh berries, a dollop of fluffy whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar, each garnish adds a new dimension. These finishing touches not only boost flavor but also make your breakfast look absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your French toast with crispy bacon or savory sausage for contrast, or keep it light with fresh fruit on the side. A cup of mellow coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice complements the richness perfectly, balancing the meal with freshness and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or simply jazz up your morning routine? Stack your slices, separate layers with fresh fruit or cream, and serve it like a decadent French toast cake. Alternatively, cut the slices into bite-sized pieces and serve skewered with fruit for a fun brunch platter that’s easy to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Brioche French Toast Recipe, store the cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days, making it easy to enjoy a quick breakfast later on without extra prep.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled slices on a baking sheet in a single layer so they don’t stick together. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. This preserves the texture and flavor for up to a month, perfect for meal prepping or quick weekday breakfasts.
Reheating
Reheat your French toast in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that golden crust intact, as it tends to make it soft and soggy.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche is the star of this recipe due to its tender crumb and buttery flavor, thick slices of challah or Texas toast also work wonderfully as alternatives if brioche is not available.
Is it necessary to use both whole milk and heavy cream?
Using both adds richness and a velvety custard texture that just feels luxurious. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute all cream with milk, but the final dish won’t be quite as indulgent or tender.
How long can I soak the bread before cooking?
About 20 seconds per side is ideal. Soaking too long will cause the bread to become overly saturated and may fall apart when cooking. The goal is a golden, custardy interior without sogginess.
Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?
Yes, the custard can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated. Just give it a quick whisk before using, as some ingredients may settle or separate slightly over time.
What are some fun variations for this Brioche French Toast Recipe?
Try adding a splash of orange liqueur or almond extract to the custard for a different twist, or sprinkle chocolate chips when you dip the bread for a delicious surprise inside each slice.
Final Thoughts
This Brioche French Toast Recipe is a keeper for any breakfast lover who craves something special and comforting with minimal effort. It’s foolproof, flexible, and downright delicious, ready to bring joy to your kitchen table. Go ahead, treat yourself and the people you love to this simple, dreamy feast—you won’t regret it!
Print
Brioche French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (2 slices per person)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Brioche French Toast recipe transforms rich brioche bread into a delectably soft and golden breakfast treat. Soaked in a creamy custard infused with vanilla and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, then pan-fried to perfection, it’s a comforting and indulgent start to your day. Served with optional toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your morning cravings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices brioche bread (3/4-inch thick)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Dip Brioche Slices: Submerge each slice of brioche bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20 seconds per side to absorb the flavorful custard evenly.
- Heat Skillet and Melt Butter: Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of unsalted butter, ensuring the surface is evenly coated for frying.
- Cook French Toast: Place the custard-soaked slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the French toast and serve warm with your choice of optional toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use brioche bread sliced about 3/4-inch thick to ensure soft, custardy centers with a crisp exterior.
- If you prefer a richer custard, you can increase the heavy cream slightly and reduce some milk.
- Adjust cooking heat as needed to prevent burning and to achieve an even golden crust on each side.
- For gluten-free version, substitute brioche with gluten-free bread.
- French toast is best enjoyed immediately but can be kept warm in a low oven (200°F) while cooking remaining slices.
