The Ultimate Brioche French Toast: A Decadent Breakfast Delight

If you’re anything like me, mornings can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, especially when hungry little (or big!) tummies are rumbling. That’s why I’m so thrilled to share this Brioche French Toast recipe with you today. It’s pure breakfast bliss that feels incredibly special but comes together surprisingly fast – about 25 minutes from start to finish! Imagine golden, custardy bread with a texture so tender it practically melts in your mouth. It’s a delightful way to elevate your breakfast or brunch, and I just know you’re going to adore it.

Why Brioche is the King of French Toast

Let’s talk about why brioche is the undisputed champion when it comes to French toast, shall we? It’s not just a fleeting trend; there’s real magic in this buttery bread! Unlike standard white bread, which can become soggy or fall apart, brioche has a rich, tender crumb thanks to its high egg and butter content. This means it’s incredibly absorbent, soaking up all that delicious custard without becoming a mushy mess.

Challah comes close with its eggy richness, but brioche’s extra butter gives it a subtle sweetness and an unparalleled tender texture. Sourdough offers a lovely tang but lacks the plushness, and plain white bread just can’t compete with brioche’s luxurious feel. For a truly divine Brioche French Toast experience, brioche is simply unmatched!

Sarah

Brioche French Toast

Thick-sliced brioche dipped in a sweet egg custard creates the most tender, buttery, luxurious French toast ever! Serve this Brioche French Toast with fresh berries and warm maple syrup for an easy but elegant breakfast.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 531

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
• 10 slices brioche bread good-quality, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup warmed, for serving
• fresh berries for serving

Equipment

• shallow dish
• pie plate
• 13×9 inch baking dish
• 12- to 14-inch skillet
• platter
• baking sheet

Method

 

1. In a shallow dish (a pie plate or a 13×9 inch baking dish works well), whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
2. Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a 12- to 14-inch skillet and melt it over medium heat. The butter should be melted and just beginning to foam.
3. Gently dip a slice of brioche into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides evenly. Let it soak for just a moment. Carefully place the coated bread into the hot skillet, ensuring slices do not touch. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown and toasted.
4. As the French toast finishes cooking, transfer it to a platter. To keep it warm, you can place it on a baking sheet and pop it into a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven.
5. Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel to remove any browned bits. Add another tablespoon of butter and repeat the dipping and cooking process with the remaining brioche slices and custard mixture.
6. Serve your Brioche French Toast immediately with warmed maple syrup and a scattering of fresh berries.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Brioche French Toast

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to breakfast success! Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible Brioche French Toast:

• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 10 slices of good-quality brioche bread
• ½ cup pure maple syrup, warmed (for serving)
• Fresh berries (for serving)

I love grabbing a beautiful loaf of brioche from Trader Joe’s, but honestly, any good quality brioche you can find at your local bakery or grocery store will work beautifully! The key is a rich, slightly sweet bread that can handle a good soak.

How to Make Perfect Brioche French Toast: Step-by-Step

Now, let’s get cooking! Making this Brioche French Toast is simple and so rewarding.

1. Prepare the Custard: In a shallow dish – a pie plate or a 13×9 inch baking dish works perfectly for coating multiple slices – whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Give it a good whisk, my friends! We want all those lovely flavors to get to know each other and create a smooth, harmonious custard.
2. Melt the Butter: Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a 12- to 14-inch skillet and melt it over medium heat. You want the butter to be melted and just beginning to foam; this tells you it’s ready.
3. Dip and Cook: Take a slice of brioche and gently dip it into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides evenly. Let it soak for just a moment – brioche is delicate! Carefully place the coated bread into the hot skillet. You can fit as many slices as will comfortably fit without touching each other. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until each slice is beautifully golden brown and toasted.
4. Keep it Warm: As the French toast finishes cooking, transfer it to a platter. To keep it warm while you cook the rest, you can place it on a baking sheet and pop it into a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven.
5. Repeat and Serve: Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel to remove any browned bits. Add another tablespoon of butter and repeat the dipping and cooking process with the remaining brioche slices and custard mixture.
6. Serve with Love: Serve your gorgeous Brioche French Toast immediately with warmed maple syrup and a scattering of fresh berries. It’s a breakfast dream come true!

A little tip on slicing: I find that about 1 to 1.5 inches thick is the sweet spot for brioche slices. It’s substantial enough to hold its shape while soaking up that delicious custard, leading to that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Mastering the Custard: Ratios and Flavor Secrets

The custard is truly the heart of any great French toast, and for our Brioche French Toast, it’s all about balance. The eggs provide richness and binding, ensuring a lovely, custardy interior. Whole milk is my go-to here; its higher fat content creates a creamier, more luxurious custard that clings beautifully to the brioche. A touch of sugar enhances the sweetness of the bread and the overall breakfast experience, while vanilla extract adds that irresistible cozy aroma.

But why stop at the basics? You can easily elevate this simple custard with a few creative twists!

• Warm Spice Blend: For a cozy, autumnal feel, whisk in a pinch of ground cinnamon, a whisper of nutmeg, or even a tiny dash of cardamom or ginger. It adds such a wonderful depth of flavor!
• Boozy Twist: If you’re making this for a special occasion or a lazy weekend brunch, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of rum, brandy, or Grand Marnier to the custard mixture. It adds a sophisticated warmth that’s utterly delightful.

Beyond the Stovetop: Oven-Baked & Air Fryer Brioche French Toast

Sometimes, you need to feed a crowd, or maybe you just want a different cooking experience. Good news! Your Brioche French Toast can be made using your oven or air fryer, and both methods yield fantastic results while freeing you up to prep a simple savory main like 30-minute Baked Caprese Chicken for a balanced brunch spread.

Oven-Baked Brioche French Toast (Perfect for Crowds!)

1. Prepare: Make the custard and slice your brioche as directed. You can even pre-soak the slices briefly in the custard (about 15-20 seconds per side) and arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
2. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You might need to flip them halfway through.

Air Fryer Brioche French Toast (Quick & Crispy!)

1. Prepare: Make the custard and slice your brioche. Dip each slice in the custard, letting excess drip off.
2. Air Fry: Place 1-2 slices in your air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and delicious. Adjust time based on your air fryer model.

Both methods are wonderful ways to enjoy amazing Brioche French Toast without needing multiple batches on the stovetop!

Brioche French Toast Troubleshooting: Your Questions Answered

Even the best home cooks encounter little hiccups in the kitchen, and that’s perfectly okay! Here are some common issues with Brioche French Toast and how to fix them:

Burning on the Outside, Raw Inside

• The Fix: Your heat is likely too high! Turn your stovetop down to medium-low. You want a gentle, even heat to cook the custard through without scorching the bread. Also, ensure your slices aren’t excessively thick.

Custard Not Coating the Bread

• The Fix: This usually happens if the bread is too fresh and dense, or if the custard mixture wasn’t whisked thoroughly enough. Try whisking the custard again with more vigor. If your brioche is very fresh, let it sit out for a few hours (or even overnight) to dry out slightly, which helps it absorb better.

Sticking to the Pan

• The Fix: Not enough fat in the pan is the usual culprit. Make sure you add the butter and let it melt and foam slightly before adding the bread. Ensure your pan is adequately heated before adding the bread.

Soggy French Toast

• The Fix: This can happen if the bread soaked for too long or if there was too much liquid in the custard. Try reducing the soaking time to just a few seconds per side, and ensure you’re using the recommended milk-to-egg ratio. Don’t let cooked French toast sit in a stack; keep slices separate until serving.

Make-Ahead Magic: Planning Your Perfect Brunch

Who doesn’t love a shortcut on a busy morning? You can absolutely prep elements of this Brioche French Toast ahead of time to make brunch a breeze. If you’re hosting a crowd, keep the rest of the menu simple with a hearty one-pot ground beef pasta you can throw together later in 30 minutes.

• Custard Prep: Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk again before using.
• Slice the Brioche: You can slice your brioche loaf the day before and store the slices in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. This actually helps the bread absorb the custard better!
• Pre-Soaking (Use Caution): While you can briefly soak the slices just before cooking, I don’t recommend letting them sit fully soaked in the custard for extended periods, as they can become too soggy and break apart. It’s best to dip and cook fairly quickly.

By doing these little bits of prep, you’ll save yourself precious time when it’s time to cook and serve!

Delicious Toppings & Sides for Your Brioche French Toast

While our Brioche French Toast is divine on its own, the toppings and sides are where you can really have some fun and get creative! For a playful crunch, crumble a bit of salted caramel pretzel bark over the top or serve pieces alongside.

• Warm Maple Syrup: A must-have, of course! Gently warm your pure maple syrup on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Fresh Berries: A vibrant scattering of fresh raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries adds a beautiful pop of color and a refreshing tartness.
• Simple Berry Compote: For a little extra something, simmer 1 cup of mixed berries with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of water for about 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Macerated Berries: Toss fresh berries with a teaspoon of sugar and let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an extra layer of decadence.
• Toasted Nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful crunch.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar makes everything look extra special.
• Other Ideas: Consider a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or even some chocolate chips sprinkled over the top!

Here’s a quick look at some topping inspiration:

Storage and Reheating Tips

Should you be so lucky as to have leftovers, storing and reheating your Brioche French Toast is simple!

• Refrigerator: Let the French toast cool completely. Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven/Toaster Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps retain some crispness.
• Microwave: Reheat for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed. Note that microwaved French toast can become a bit soft.
• Skillet: You can also gently reheat slices in a buttered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions I get about making Brioche French Toast:

Enjoy Your Heavenly Brioche French Toast!

And there you have it – a recipe for Brioche French Toast that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple! It’s proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special and comforting. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of joy and coziness to your table, just like it does to mine. Give it a try, and don’t be shy – I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Did you try a fun topping? How did your family enjoy it? Share your photos and stories; let’s celebrate delicious food together! Happy cooking!