If you’re craving a breakfast that feels both indulgent and comforting, you cannot go wrong with this Brioche French Toast Recipe. Its pillowy, buttery brioche slices soak up the velvety egg mixture perfectly, resulting in a golden, custardy delight that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside. Each bite melts in your mouth, complemented by the natural sweetness of fresh berries and the rich warmth of maple syrup. This dish isn’t just any French toast; it’s a breakfast celebration that turns an ordinary morning into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this Brioche French Toast Recipe shine. These simple yet essential components work together to create a delicious balance of flavor, texture, and color that’ll brighten your breakfast table.
- 4 eggs: The rich base that binds all ingredients and gives the French toast its classic custardy texture.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Adds creaminess for a smooth, tender batter that soaks into the brioche just right.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: A touch of sweetness to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with a warm, aromatic note that makes the dish irresistible.
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided): Ensures a beautiful golden crust and adds that beloved buttery richness.
- 10 slices brioche: The star of the show, this bread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (warmed): For serving, its natural sweetness complements and elevates every mouthful.
- Fresh berries (for serving): Adds freshness, color, and a subtle tartness to balance the richness.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Brioche French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Start by whisking the eggs in a shallow dish, such as a pie plate or a 13- x 9-inch baking dish if you want to coat several slices at once. Add the whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, then whisk again until everything is smoothly combined. This blend will be the flavorful soak that transforms your brioche into French toast perfection.
Step 2: Heat the Butter and Dip the Bread
Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a 12- to 14-inch skillet and set it over medium heat. While the butter melts and begins to foam, dip each brioche slice into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides thoroughly. The butter’s foam is your cue that the pan is ready for cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Brioche Slices
Lay the soaked slices in the skillet, making sure they aren’t touching to allow an even golden crust to form. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until beautifully golden brown. This slow cooking allows the custardy interior to set gently while the outside crisps up delightfully.
Step 4: Keep Warm and Repeat
Transfer cooked French toast to a warm platter. If you don’t have a warming tray, a 200-degree oven works wonders in keeping the toast perfectly warm without drying it out. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, add remaining butter, and repeat the dipping and cooking process until all slices are done.
Step 5: Serve with Maple Syrup and Berries
Serve your Brioche French Toast Recipe immediately, drizzled with warmed pure maple syrup and garnished with fresh berries. The syrup’s warm sweetness and the juicy berries’ natural tang elevate the rich brioche, making each bite a little celebration.
How to Serve Brioche French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can make this Brioche French Toast Recipe feel extra special. Fresh berries add vibrant color and a refreshing contrast, while a light dusting of powdered sugar lends a touch of elegance and gentle sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pairing this French toast with crispy bacon or sausage offers a delightful balance of savory with sweet. A side of creamy yogurt or whipped cream can add a lovely textural contrast that guests will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack the French toast with layers of mascarpone and berries between slices for a breakfast “cake.” Alternatively, cut the brioche into sticks, fry them for a golden crisp, and serve with individual ramekins of flavored syrup or fruit compote for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the bread from becoming soggy, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
This Brioche French Toast Recipe freezes wonderfully. Lay cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 1 month, ready for a quick breakfast rescue.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This brings back the crisp edges and warms the inside without drying it out, much better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche?
Absolutely! While brioche offers a wonderfully soft and buttery texture, challah or thick-cut white bread are excellent alternatives that soak up the egg mixture well and yield tasty results.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
Make sure your slices are thick enough and soak quickly without lingering too long in the egg mixture. Cooking on medium heat helps the outside crisp evenly while the inside becomes tender without sogginess.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the egg batter a few hours before cooking, storing it covered in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before using to ensure everything is well combined.
Is maple syrup the only topping option?
Not at all! While pure maple syrup complements this Brioche French Toast Recipe beautifully, you can also try honey, fruit compotes, nut butters, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for variety.
What’s the best way to warm the maple syrup?
The easiest method is to microwave it in a small microwave-safe dish for 15-20 seconds or warm it gently on the stovetop. Warm syrup enhances the flavor and keeps the French toast from cooling too quickly when served.
Final Thoughts
This Brioche French Toast Recipe is more than just a breakfast—it’s a warm hug on a plate. Its luscious, buttery slices combined with a hint of vanilla and the sweetness of maple syrup create a dish that’s easy to love and hard to forget. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share the joy of a cozy, special morning with those you care about.
PrintBrioche French Toast Recipe
This Brioche French Toast recipe offers a rich, fluffy twist on the classic breakfast dish using buttery brioche slices soaked in a sweet egg mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with warm pure maple syrup and fresh berries, it makes an indulgent yet straightforward brunch favorite that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 10 slices brioche bread
For Serving
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (warmed)
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: Whisk the eggs in a low shallow dish, such as a pie plate or a 13- x 9-inch baking dish if coating multiple slices at once. Add whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract and whisk again until the mixture is well combined.
- Heat the skillet and coat bread: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to a 12- to 14-inch skillet and place over medium heat. While the butter melts and begins to foam, dip a slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides thoroughly.
- Cook the French toast: Place the coated brioche slices in the hot skillet without crowding. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Flip carefully to ensure even cooking on both sides.
- Keep warm: Transfer the cooked French toast to a platter and keep warm. If no warming tray is available, place the French toast on a baking sheet and keep in a 200°F oven until all slices are cooked.
- Repeat cooking: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, add remaining butter, and repeat the coating and cooking process with the remaining brioche slices and egg mixture.
- Serve: Serve the warm French toast immediately with warmed pure maple syrup and fresh berries for a delicious finish.
Notes
- Using brioche bread adds richness and a tender crumb for an indulgent French toast.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cooking in batches ensures even browning.
- Keeping cooked slices warm in a low oven prevents them from cooling while finishing the batch.
- Warm the maple syrup gently for best flavor and easier pouring.
- Fresh berries add brightness and a fresh contrast to the rich French toast.