Brioche French Toast
There’s something incredibly comforting about starting the day with a warm plate of Brioche French Toast. I remember the first time I made it for a lazy Sunday brunch; the aroma of sizzling butter filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in. Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the soft, pillowy brioche soaking up the rich custard. As we gathered around the table, laughter and chatter filled the air, and I knew I had created a dish that would become a family favorite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to bring loved ones together, to celebrate those quiet moments that turn into cherished memories.
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
5 mins
20 mins
Medium
350 kcal
9 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
15 g
Skillet, Frying Pan, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Mixing Bowl
Why This Brioche French Toast Works
It’s The Perfect Start to Your Day
There’s something about Brioche French Toast that transforms an ordinary morning into something special. The sweetness of the granulated sugar and the rich taste of eggs and milk meld perfectly to create a custard that clings to every slice. It’s an indulgence that feels like a treat, making it ideal for weekends or special occasions.
Easy to Customize
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily elevate your Brioche French Toast with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or even top it with fresh berries or banana slices. Each addition personalizes the dish, allowing everyone to craft their perfect bite. You can even dip it in chocolate or layer it with whipped cream for a dessert-style treat!
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
If you’re hosting brunch, this is the dish to make! You can prepare a large batch of Brioche French Toast that everyone will love. It’s easy to keep warm in the oven while you cook the rest, so you can focus on enjoying time with your guests instead of spending all morning in the kitchen.
A Homey, Nostalgic Feel
Every time I whip up a batch of Brioche French Toast, I’m transported back to my childhood. It reminds me of cozy family breakfasts, where we’d sit together, sharing stories and laughter over warm plates of food. This dish carries that sense of nostalgia, making it more than just a breakfast; it’s a delicious reminder of home.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Don’t let the word “French” fool you; this dish is incredibly easy to prepare! It takes just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. The cooking process is straightforward, making it a go-to for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. You’ll feel like a culinary expert in no time!
Healthier Options Available
If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you can experiment with whole grain breads or lower-fat milk. You can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit instead of syrup for a lighter option. This flexibility means you can enjoy Brioche French Toast guilt-free!
Ingredients to Make Brioche French Toast
The ingredients for Brioche French Toast are simple yet impactful, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect dish. The star of the show, of course, is the brioche, which provides a rich, buttery base. Paired with the custard made from eggs, milk, and granulated sugar, this breakfast classic is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures.
- 4 whole eggs: The foundation of the custard, giving it richness and structure.
- 1 egg yolk: Adds creaminess to the mixture, enhancing the overall texture.
- 2 ¼ cups milk: The liquid element that combines all ingredients. You can use a mix of milk and half-and-half for extra indulgence.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and caramelizes during cooking, creating a delightful crust.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses the dish with a warm, comforting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, elevating the dish’s complexity.
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 12 to 16 slices brioche or challah: The main component, each slice should be thick-cut to soak up the custard perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for cooking, it gives a beautiful golden color and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting, it adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Pure maple syrup: A classic topping that adds a rich flavor contrast.
- Fresh berries or banana slices: Optional toppings that bring freshness and color to the plate.
Cooking Instructions for Brioche French Toast
Making Brioche French Toast is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with amazing smells. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have golden, delicious slices ready to enjoy in no time!
- To keep the French toast warm between batches, preheat the oven to 200°F. Set a wire rack on top of a baking sheet, then place it in the oven. This will ensure your first batch stays warm while you cook the rest.
- Heat a large, sturdy skillet over low heat. A seasoned cast iron pan or a large nonstick skillet works well. Allow it to warm while you prepare the French toast custard.
- In a wide, shallow bowl (a deep dish pie plate is ideal), whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolk, milk, half-and-half, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and a little frothy.
- Add a thin slice of butter to the warm skillet. Increase the heat to medium/medium-low so the butter melts and starts to sizzle.
- Working with 2 slices at a time, gently dip each piece of brioche in the custard mixture, letting it absorb for about 3 to 4 seconds on each side. You want to achieve a nice coating without making it soggy.
- Lift a piece of brioche out of the mixture, letting any excess drip off, then place it in the skillet. Continue with more slices until the skillet is full but not overcrowded.
- Cook the Brioche French Toast for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the center springs back when gently pressed. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, transfer the toast to the oven to keep warm or serve immediately if you prefer.
- Add more butter to the skillet as needed, then repeat the process with the remaining slices and custard.
- Enjoy your Brioche French Toast immediately with toppings of your choice such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries!
Things Worth Knowing
- Perfect Bread Choice: Using thick slices of brioche or challah is crucial. These breads are soft and fluffy, allowing the custard to soak in without falling apart.
- Custard Consistency: Ensure your custard mixture is well whisked for an even coating. Look for a slightly frothy texture to achieve perfect results.
- Heat Control: Adjust the heat throughout cooking to ensure your Brioche French Toast cooks evenly without burning. Medium to medium-low usually works best.
- Resting Time: Allow the Brioche French Toast to rest for a moment after cooking. This helps the texture set and makes it easier to serve.
Customization Ideas
If you’re looking to personalize your Brioche French Toast, here are some ideas to enhance your dish and make it uniquely yours!
- Change the Bread: While brioche is a classic choice, experimenting with different types of bread like sourdough or whole grain can add unique flavors.
- Top It Off: Get creative with toppings! Consider adding whipped cream, flavored syrups, or even chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Fruit Additions: Fresh berries, bananas, or even a fruit compote can elevate your dish while adding freshness.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped nuts or nut butter for added texture and a nutty flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with spices beyond cinnamon. A touch of nutmeg or cardamom can bring a new depth of flavor to the custard.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of this dish, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy.
What to Pair With Brioche French Toast
Pairing Brioche French Toast with complementary sides can elevate your brunch experience. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad enhances the meal with freshness. Consider a mix of seasonal fruits for a colorful plate.
- Greek Yogurt: A scoop of creamy Greek yogurt adds a protein boost and a tart contrast to the sweetness of the French toast.
- Breakfast Potatoes: Seasoned roasted or crispy breakfast potatoes serve as a comforting, savory side.
- Scrambled Eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs can round out the meal, providing a savory complement to the sweetness.
- Green Smoothie: A refreshing green smoothie can cleanse the palate and offers a nutritious drink option alongside your meal.
- Tea or Coffee: A hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee pairs beautifully, providing warmth and comfort as you enjoy your brunch.
FAQ
Conclusion
Brioche French Toast is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your table. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this dish is bound to enchant your taste buds and fill your home with delightful aromas. I encourage you to try making it for yourself or your loved ones. You might just find that it becomes a cherished tradition in your household!
Brioche French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- To keep the French toast warm between batches, preheat the oven to 200°F. Set a wire rack on top of a baking sheet, then place in the oven. Heat a large, sturdy skillet over low heat. Let warm up while you prepare the French toast custard.
- In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk the whole eggs, egg yolk, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smoothly combined and a little foamy.
- Add a thin slice of butter to the warm skillet. Increase the heat to medium/medium-low so the butter melts and sizzles just a little bit.
- Working 2 slices at a time, gently dip each piece of brioche in the custard mixture on both sides, letting absorb for 3 or 4 seconds, then flip and let absorb on the other side for 3 or 4 seconds more.
- Lift a piece of brioche out of the mixture, let the excess drip off, then place in the skillet. Dip and place more slices until the skillet is full.
- Cook Brioche French Toast on each side until golden and the center springs back slowly when gently pressed, about 2 to 3 minutes per side depending upon your skillet’s heat. Transfer to the oven to keep warm, or serve right away.
- Add more butter to the skillet, then repeat with the remaining bread and custard. You’ll likely need to continue adjusting the heat as you go so that the outside browns nicely without burning and the French toast cooks through.
- Enjoy immediately with your toppings of choice.
Notes
- Tip 1: Refrigerate leftover brioche French toast in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
- Tip 2: Freeze French toast in a zip-top bag or airtight storage container for up to 2 months; use parchment paper to separate the layers, if needed.
- Tip 3: Warm brioche French toast in the microwave or in a 350 degree F oven. It can be reheated directly from frozen; it simply takes a little extra time.
