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
Scale
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.
