If you are searching for an indulgent breakfast that wraps comfort and elegance into each bite, this Brioche French Toast Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The rich, buttery texture of the brioche bread combined with the sweet aroma of vanilla and the golden crust achieved by perfectly cooking each slice makes this dish an irresistible delight. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough to serve guests without a second thought. Let me take you through how to create this wonderful Brioche French Toast Recipe that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the custard base to the freshly buttered skillet, every element counts to achieve that iconic French toast experience.
- Eggs: Four large eggs create the creamy custard that soaks into the bread, ensuring that tender center you crave.
- Whole milk: Three-quarters of a cup adds richness and moisture, working harmoniously with the eggs.
- Sugar: One tablespoon sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Vanilla extract: One teaspoon infuses a lovely fragrant warmth that elevates every bite.
- Butter: Three tablespoons, divided, provide the perfect buttery sear and add a luscious finish.
- Brioche: Ten slices of this soft, slightly sweet bread are essential for that tender crumb and luxurious texture.
- Pure maple syrup: Half a cup, warmed, adds just the right amount of natural sweetness to drizzle over.
- Fresh berries: A handful for serving brings a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
How to Make Brioche French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the custard mixture
Start by cracking your eggs into a shallow dish, such as a pie plate, or if you prefer, a larger baking dish to dip multiple slices simultaneously. Add the whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, then whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This custard base is the heart of your Brioche French Toast Recipe, soaking into the bread to create that irresistible creaminess in every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the skillet and coat the bread
Place one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet and set it over medium heat. While the butter melts and starts foaming, dunk each slice of brioche into the custard mixture—turning it over to ensure both sides are completely coated. The butter sizzling in the pan will engage with this custard, creating the signature golden crust that makes Brioche French Toast Recipe a true delight.
Step 3: Cook to golden perfection
Arrange as many coated brioche slices in the skillet as can fit without touching. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until a deep, appetizing golden brown forms. Flip carefully to keep the bread intact while achieving an even color and crispness on both sides. This step is where the magic happens, locking in moisture while creating that perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender center.
Step 4: Keep warm and repeat
Transfer the cooked French toast slices to a platter, keeping them warm. If you don’t have a warming tray, placing them on a baking sheet in a 200-degree oven works beautifully. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, then add the remaining butter and repeat the soaking and cooking process until all your brioche slices are cooked through. Patience here ensures every slice delivers on the promise of great taste.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Finish your Brioche French Toast Recipe by serving the warm slices with a drizzle of warmed pure maple syrup and a scattering of fresh berries. The syrup pools into every nook of the crusty yet soft toast, while the berries add a burst of brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Brioche French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are a classic, vibrant garnish that add natural sweetness and a splash of color. A light dusting of powdered sugar is also lovely if you want a touch of elegance. For an extra hint of luxury, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can be delightful additions.
Side Dishes
Pair this Brioche French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or savory sausage links for those who love the sweet and salty combo. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt can lighten the meal, while a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a robust cup of coffee rounds out the breakfast experience effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack several slices high to create a tempting French toast tower dressed with layers of syrup and berries in between. For special occasions, cut the toast into smaller squares and arrange them as bite-sized delights alongside dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel. These small touches enjoyably elevate an already amazing Brioche French Toast Recipe into a statement dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover French toast, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Proper storage ensures the toast retains much of its moisture and flavor without getting soggy or stale.
Freezing
To save for later, freeze the cooked French toast by placing individual slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer the slices into a freezer-safe bag. This method helps the slices keep their shape and texture, and they’ll last up to a month in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen French toast in a toaster or oven rather than a microwave to keep the exterior crisp. A toaster oven set to 350 degrees for about 5 to 7 minutes works wonders, reviving the toast’s original texture and warmth perfectly, making your Brioche French Toast Recipe just as enjoyable as the first go-round.
FAQs
Can I use any bread instead of brioche?
While you can substitute other bread, brioche’s rich, buttery crumb is key to this recipe’s luxurious texture. Brioche soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart, giving you the classic French toast that everyone loves.
Is it necessary to use whole milk?
Whole milk provides creaminess, but you can use 2% or even half-and-half for a richer custard. Non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk work too, though they might slightly alter the taste and texture.
How do I prevent my French toast from getting soggy?
Make sure your brioche slices are thick enough and soak just long enough to absorb the custard without becoming mushy. Also, cooking on medium heat allows the toast to crisp up nicely outside while staying tender inside.
Can I prepare the egg mixture in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla ahead of time and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick whisk before soaking the bread to ensure it’s well combined.
What’s the best way to warm maple syrup?
Warm maple syrup gently in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Warm syrup pours more smoothly and enhances the overall experience without becoming too runny.
Final Thoughts
This Brioche French Toast Recipe is more than just breakfast — it’s a celebration of simple ingredients elevated with love and care. Whether you’re indulging on a slow weekend morning or looking to impress your brunch guests, this dish never fails. I encourage you to try making it yourself and share the joy it brings around your table.
Print
Brioche French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Description
Classic Brioche French Toast recipe featuring rich, custardy slices of brioche soaked in a sweet vanilla egg mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection and served with warm maple syrup and fresh berries. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 10 slices brioche bread
For Serving
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (warmed)
- Fresh berries (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: Whisk the eggs in a low shallow dish—such as a pie plate or a 13×9-inch baking dish if coating multiple slices at once. Add the whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, then whisk again until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Preheat the skillet and coat the brioche: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a 12- to 14-inch skillet over medium heat. While the butter melts and begins to foam, soak one slice of brioche in the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides fully.
- Cook the French toast: Place the coated brioche slices into the hot skillet without crowding (dip and transfer as many as fit comfortably). Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook the other side for the same amount of time.
- Keep cooked French toast warm: Transfer the cooked French toast to a platter. To keep warm, place on a baking sheet in a 200-degree oven if you don’t have a warming tray, ensuring it stays hot while you cook the remaining slices.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel if needed, add remaining butter, and continue dipping and cooking the rest of the brioche slices in the egg mixture until all are cooked.
- Serve: Serve the French toast immediately, drizzled with warm maple syrup and topped with fresh berries for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale brioche for best soaking and texture—it holds up better in the custard without becoming soggy.
- Adjust cooking heat as needed to avoid burning the butter or bread; medium heat ensures gentle cooking and even browning.
- French toast can be kept warm in a low oven, but is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Substitute milk alternatives if desired, but whole milk provides the best custardy richness.
- Fresh berries can be any mix of your favorite seasonal fruits to complement the sweetness of the maple syrup.
