Brioche French Toast Recipe
Brioche French Toast transforms a classic breakfast into an elegant morning indulgence. Thick slices of buttery brioche soak up a sweet, velvety custard and cook to golden, crisp perfection.
This dish is best served warm with a cascade of maple syrup and a handful of fresh berries, perfect for brunches, holidays, or leisurely weekends.
What You’ll Need to Make Brioche French Toast
- Brioche bread – The hero of the dish, brioche is rich, soft, and slightly sweet, creating a luxurious texture that elevates every bite.
- Eggs – Essential for the custard base, eggs bind and enrich the mixture to help the bread cook to creamy golden perfection.
- Whole milk – Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, rich custard that penetrates the brioche deeply.
- Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth to the custard, enhancing the natural sweetness of the brioche.
- Sugar – Just a touch sweetens the egg mixture and helps caramelize the toast as it cooks.
- Butter – Used to fry the bread, butter gives the toast its beautifully browned, flavorful crust.
- Maple syrup – A must-have topping, its deep sweetness perfectly complements the eggy richness of the French toast.
- Fresh berries – Offer brightness and contrast, balancing out the buttery richness with tart, juicy freshness.
How to Make It: Brioche French Toast, Step by Step
Start by whisking together eggs, milk, vanilla, and sugar into a smooth custard. Thick slices of brioche are dipped into this mixture, soaking up just enough to soften but not fall apart.
In a hot skillet bubbling with butter, the soaked slices are pan-fried until golden and lightly crisped on both sides. Once cooked, they’re transferred to a warm oven while the next batch sizzles.
When all the slices are ready, serve immediately with warm maple syrup cascading over the toast and a tumble of fresh berries for contrast.
Kitchen Know-How: Tips for Perfect Brioche French Toast
For best results, use slightly stale brioche. It absorbs the custard better without turning soggy. If using fresh bread, a quick toast or oven dry-out can help mimic the same effect.
Keep the skillet at medium heat—too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Wipe the skillet between batches to avoid burnt butter affecting the flavor of subsequent slices.
Looking to dress it up? Try a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of fruit compote. For added indulgence, mix a dash of cinnamon or orange zest into the custard.
Save It for Later: Storing and Reheating Brioche French Toast
Brioche French Toast keeps surprisingly well. Once cooled, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat to restore crisp edges.
To freeze, lay the cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes.
Brioche French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup pure maple syrup warmed
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 10 slices brioche
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 4 eggs
- fresh berries for serving
Instructions
- Crack the eggs into a wide, shallow dish—such as a pie plate or a 13- x 9-inch baking dish for larger batches—and beat them thoroughly. Pour in the whole milk, sprinkle in the sugar, and add the vanilla extract, whisking until all elements are uniformly incorporated.
- Place 1 tablespoon of butter into a large skillet, between 12 to 14 inches in diameter, and heat it over MEDIUM. Submerge a slice of brioche in the custard, turning it to coat both sides generously. When the butter has fully melted and starts to foam, lay the soaked brioche into the pan. Continue dipping and adding as many slices as can fit without crowding.
- Sauté each piece for 3 to 4 minutes per side until each surface is beautifully golden brown. Move the finished French toast to a platter and keep it warm—either by using a warming tray or placing it on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven.
- Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel and repeat the process with the remaining butter, bread, and custard mixture.
- Serve the toast immediately, complemented by the warmed maple syrup and a generous helping of fresh berries.
