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How to Make the Perfect Brioche French Toast โ€“ Soft, Buttery & Restaurant-Quality at Home!

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Author: Adam
Published:

๐ŸŽ‰ Introduction

Thereโ€™s French Toast, and then thereโ€™s Brioche French Toast โ€” rich, buttery, cloud-soft slices that melt in your mouth with every bite. This recipe shows you how to create Perfect Brioche French Toast thatโ€™s golden on the outside, custardy on the inside, and topped with fresh berries, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Itโ€™s pork-free, alcohol-free, and the ultimate brunch indulgence you can easily make at home. Whether for a lazy weekend morning or an elegant brunch spread, this French Toast will steal the show!


๐Ÿงฐ Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Shallow baking dish (for soaking bread)
  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Fine mesh sieve (for powdered sugar dusting)

๐Ÿ›’ Ingredients

๐Ÿ“ Fruits & Vegetables

  • Fresh berries (for topping โ€” strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

๐Ÿฅš Fresh Produce

  • 4 large eggs

๐Ÿฏ Condiments

  • Pure maple syrup (to serve)

๐Ÿฅฃ Culinary Aids & Spices

  • ยฝ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ยผ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ยผ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

๐Ÿž Breads & Pastries

  • 8 thick slices of brioche bread

๐Ÿงˆ Dairy Products

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
  • Additional butter (for serving, optional)
  • ยผ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Gradually add in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking until fully combined.

Step 2: Soak the Brioche Slices

  • Pour the custard mixture into a shallow baking dish.
  • Place the thick brioche slices in the dish, allowing them to soak for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, ensuring they’re fully coated but not soggy.
  • For an ultra-custardy interior, let them sit a little longer but avoid over-soaking.

Step 3: Preheat & Butter the Griddle

  • Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  • Add unsalted butter and spread it evenly across the surface until melted and sizzling.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

  • Carefully transfer the soaked brioche slices to the hot griddle.
  • Cook for 3โ€“4 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
  • Flip gently and cook the other side.
  • Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.

Step 5: Serve with Toppings

  • Plate the French Toast slices.
  • Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
  • Optional: Add a pat of butter on top for extra indulgence.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing

  • Yield: 8 slices of French Toast
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Soak Time: 5โ€“10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30โ€“35 minutes

๐ŸงŠ Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator:
    Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer:
    Freeze slices with parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating:
    Reheat in a toaster oven or griddle for 3โ€“5 minutes until heated through and crispy.

๐Ÿฅ„ Variations

  • Stuffed Brioche French Toast: Add a layer of cream cheese or Nutella between two slices before soaking and cooking.
  • Caramelized Banana Topping: Sautรฉ sliced bananas in brown sugar and butter for a rich topping.
  • Savory Brioche French Toast: Skip sugar and vanilla, add herbs and parmesan, and top with a poached egg.
  • Brioche French Toast Casserole: Layer slices in a baking dish, pour custard over, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Crusted: After soaking, coat the slices in cinnamon sugar before cooking for a caramelized crust.
  • Lemon Ricotta French Toast: Spread lemon-infused ricotta on top for a citrusy twist.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed almonds or pecans on top before serving.
  • Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra-decadent treat.
  • Berry Compote Topping: Cook mixed berries with a bit of sugar to create a warm compote.

โ“ 10 FAQs

  1. Why is brioche the best bread for French Toast?
    Brioche is rich, buttery, and soft, making it perfect for absorbing custard without falling apart.
  2. Can I use just milk instead of cream?
    Yes, but heavy cream adds extra richness and a creamier texture.
  3. How thick should the brioche slices be?
    About 1-inch thick for the best custardy interior.
  4. Do I need to dry out the bread beforehand?
    Slightly stale brioche works best, but fresh can be used with a shorter soaking time.
  5. Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
    Yes, arrange soaked slices on a baking sheet and bake at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 10โ€“12 minutes, flipping halfway.
  6. Whatโ€™s the secret to crispy edges?
    Buttering the griddle well and cooking on medium heat ensures crispy golden edges.
  7. Can I make this custard mix ahead of time?
    Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  8. How do I keep French Toast warm while making batches?
    Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200ยฐF oven until ready to serve.
  9. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
    Yes! Freeze cooked slices for a quick breakfast option anytime.
  10. What are the best toppings for brioche French Toast?
    Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, caramelized fruits, or even a drizzle of honey.

๐Ÿ Conclusion

This Perfect Brioche French Toast is soft, buttery, and golden crisp on the outside, with a melt-in-your-mouth custardy center. Whether you’re impressing brunch guests or indulging in a weekend treat, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper.

No pork. No alcohol. Just pure French Toast bliss in every bite.

Adam

How to Make the Perfect Brioche French Toast โ€“ Soft, Buttery & Restaurant-Quality at Home!

Thereโ€™s French Toast, and then thereโ€™s Brioche French Toast โ€” rich, buttery, cloud-soft slices that melt in your mouth with every bite. This recipe shows you how to create Perfect Brioche French Toast thatโ€™s golden on the outside, custardy on the inside, and topped with fresh berries, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Itโ€™s pork-free, alcohol-free, and the ultimate brunch indulgence you can easily make at home. Whether for a lazy weekend morning or an elegant brunch spread, this French Toast will steal the show!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Soak Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients
  

๐Ÿ“ Fruits & Vegetables
  • Fresh berries for topping โ€” strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
๐Ÿฅš Fresh Produce
  • 4 large eggs
๐Ÿฏ Condiments
  • Pure maple syrup to serve
๐Ÿฅฃ Culinary Aids & Spices
  • ยฝ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ยผ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ยผ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Whipped cream optional, for topping
๐Ÿž Breads & Pastries
  • 8 thick slices of brioche bread
๐Ÿงˆ Dairy Products
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
  • Additional butter for serving, optional
  • ยผ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Shallow baking dish (for soaking bread)
  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Fine mesh sieve (for powdered sugar dusting)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Gradually add in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking until fully combined.
Step 2: Soak the Brioche Slices
  1. Pour the custard mixture into a shallow baking dish.
  2. Place the thick brioche slices in the dish, allowing them to soak for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, ensuring they’re fully coated but not soggy.
  3. For an ultra-custardy interior, let them sit a little longer but avoid over-soaking.
Step 3: Preheat & Butter the Griddle
  1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Add unsalted butter and spread it evenly across the surface until melted and sizzling.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
  1. Carefully transfer the soaked brioche slices to the hot griddle.
  2. Cook for 3โ€“4 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
  3. Flip gently and cook the other side.
  4. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
Step 5: Serve with Toppings
  1. Plate the French Toast slices.
  2. Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
  3. Optional: Add a pat of butter on top for extra indulgence.

Notes

๐ŸงŠ Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze slices with parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Reheat in a toaster oven or griddle for 3โ€“5 minutes until heated through and crispy.
๐Ÿฅ„ Variations
Stuffed Brioche French Toast: Add a layer of cream cheese or Nutella between two slices before soaking and cooking.
Caramelized Banana Topping: Sautรฉ sliced bananas in brown sugar and butter for a rich topping.
Savory Brioche French Toast: Skip sugar and vanilla, add herbs and parmesan, and top with a poached egg.
Brioche French Toast Casserole: Layer slices in a baking dish, pour custard over, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
Cinnamon Sugar Crusted: After soaking, coat the slices in cinnamon sugar before cooking for a caramelized crust.
Lemon Ricotta French Toast: Spread lemon-infused ricotta on top for a citrusy twist.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed almonds or pecans on top before serving.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra-decadent treat.
Berry Compote Topping: Cook mixed berries with a bit of sugar to create a warm compote.
โ“ 10 FAQs
Why is brioche the best bread for French Toast?
Brioche is rich, buttery, and soft, making it perfect for absorbing custard without falling apart.
Can I use just milk instead of cream?
Yes, but heavy cream adds extra richness and a creamier texture.
How thick should the brioche slices be?
About 1-inch thick for the best custardy interior.
Do I need to dry out the bread beforehand?
Slightly stale brioche works best, but fresh can be used with a shorter soaking time.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes, arrange soaked slices on a baking sheet and bake at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 10โ€“12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Whatโ€™s the secret to crispy edges?
Buttering the griddle well and cooking on medium heat ensures crispy golden edges.
Can I make this custard mix ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
How do I keep French Toast warm while making batches?
Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200ยฐF oven until ready to serve.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze cooked slices for a quick breakfast option anytime.
What are the best toppings for brioche French Toast?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, caramelized fruits, or even a drizzle of honey.
๐Ÿ Conclusion
This Perfect Brioche French Toast is soft, buttery, and golden crisp on the outside, with a melt-in-your-mouth custardy center. Whether you’re impressing brunch guests or indulging in a weekend treat, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper.
No pork. No alcohol. Just pure French Toast bliss in every bite.
Adam

Hello! Iโ€™m Adam, a 34-year-old passionate chef and the creator of The Food Journal.
Welcome to my corner of the internet where flavor meets creativity. Here at The Food Journal, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and food stories โ€” all crafted to inspire your next delicious meal.

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