The sun is pouring through your windows, you’re still in your cozy pajamas, and you can hear a little Anita Baker or D’Angelo playing low in the background. The vibe is immaculate, right? But then your stomach growls—a not-so-subtle reminder that it’s time to eat, and cereal just isn’t cutting it today. This, my friend, is the moment when you need to pull out the showstopper of breakfast dishes—the one, the only, Brioche French Toast.
Now, hold on to your whisk because this isn’t your run-of-the-mill French toast situation. This is brioche French toast, which means it’s luxurious, golden, and unapologetically bougie in the best way possible. This recipe takes slices of slightly stale brioche bread—trust me, stale is where the magic happens—dips them into a rich, vanilla-cinnamon custard, and transforms them into the golden, fluffy breakfast of dreams. It’s like wrapping your morning in a warm, buttery hug—and who doesn’t need that?
What’s even better? Brioche French toast is easy enough for a low-key solo breakfast but fancy enough to impress your entire brunch crew. Whether you’re serving it up for your family, a special someone, or just flexing for the Gram (we’ve all been there), this dish always hits.
Why Brioche French Toast Is the Moment
The Bread Makes All the Difference
First things first, let’s talk about the bread. Regular toast has its place, but when it comes to French toast, brioche is THE main character. It’s rich, buttery, and just sturdy enough to handle a custard soak without falling apart. If bread were a fashion icon, brioche would be rocking a tailored suit with matching accessories. Basically, it understands the assignment every single time.
But here’s the real game-changer—a slightly stale loaf of brioche. Why stale? Well, fresh bread tends to get soggy when dipped in custard, while day-old brioche soaks it up just right. It’s like letting the bread marinate in all that flavor before you even start cooking. Talk about a glow-up.
Custard That Wows
At the heart of this dish is a velvety custard made with simple ingredients—eggs, milk (plant-based works too, don’t worry!), vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of sugar. It’s smooth, fragrant, and tastes like Sunday mornings at grandma’s house. Oh, and if you’re the kind of person who loves tweaking a recipe to make it your own, this custard is basically a blank canvas for your culinary magic. Add some nutmeg for a little spice, or throw in a splash of hazelnut creamer if you’re feeling extra.
It’s Giving Brunch Goals
What makes brioche French toast truly iconic is its versatility. You can serve it plain with a drizzle of syrup, or you can dress it up to match your mood. Fresh berries, whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar—this dish is your chance to channel your inner Chaka Khan and be every topping, to everyone.
But where it really shines is its ability to elevate any occasion. Hosting brunch? Brioche French toast will have your guests thinking you hired a private chef. Cooking for your boo? They might propose halfway through their plate. (No promises, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
Customizing Your Brioche French Toast
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s super flexible. No two breakfasts need to look the same. Here’s how you can switch it up and make it yours.
- Go Dairy-Free: Sub in almond or oat milk and use vegan butter for frying. It’s silly easy, and the final product stays just as dreamy.
- Turn Up the Flavor: Love spices? A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the custard can bring some next-level flavor. You could even work some orange zest in there (but make it subtle, we’re not making marmalade).
- Mix Up the Toppings: Go beyond syrup and try honey, caramel sauce, or even a dollop of yogurt. Feeling decadent? A handful of chocolate chips will have you feeling like you’re about to open your own food truck.
FAQs That Might Be Crossing Your Mind
“Do I HAVE to use brioche bread?”
Okay, technically no… but also yes. Hear me out—can you make French toast with your Tuesday morning sandwich bread? Sure. Will it slap the way brioche does? Absolutely not. The bread is what takes this recipe from a weekday meal to a main event.
“How do I know if my custard is ready?”
If you’ve whisked it up until it’s smooth, luscious, and you’ve got the smells of cinnamon and vanilla wafting into your nose, you’re good to go. Bonus points if you can whisk without spilling on the counter (but no judgment if you do—I’ve BEEN there).
“Can I meal-prep French toast?”
Yes, chef! Pre-cooked slices can be stored in the fridge and reheated over medium heat to bring back that fresh-off-the-skillet vibe. Or, freeze them individually, and pop them in the toaster for a weekday breakfast that feels fancy.
Pro Tips for Brioche French Toast Greatness
- Get That Bread Slightly Stale: Like I mentioned, brioche that’s had a little time to sit works best. It soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Butter Is Your Best Friend: Use real butter for frying—and don’t be afraid to re-butter the pan as you go. Butter gives the bread those perfectly golden edges that look like they came from brunch at a five-star cafe.
- Clean as You Cook: Okay, I know that’s very Virgo of me, but trust me on this. A good French toast station gets messy fast, so tidy up along the way. Future You will thank you.
- Serve It HOT: French toast is best right off the skillet, so have those plates ready and waiting. And maybe keep the first slice for yourself, because it’ll disappear fast once people smell it.
When and Where to Serve Brioche French Toast
This recipe isn’t just for those lazy weekend mornings (although it shines there, for sure). Here are some other times this dish will steal the show.
- For Brunch Gatherings: Lay out a spread with toppings galore, and watch your guests turn into paparazzi snapping photos of their plates.
- Before a Big Day: Whether it’s your kid’s school play or just a stacked to-do list, this French toast is the fuel you need to seize the day.
- Date Morning: Breakfast in bed, anyone? Add a cup of coffee or fresh-squeezed juice, and it’s a moment.
- Just Because: Who says you need a special occasion for buttery, golden perfection? You deserve it.
It’s Your Turn to Shine
Are you ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Because this brioche French toast is about to turn your breakfast—or brunch, or snack, or dinner, no judgment—into a full-on celebration. It’s got the flavor, the versatility, and the effortless elegance to become your new go-to.
Go ahead, grab yourself a loaf of brioche, dust off your non-stick skillet, and get whisking. And don’t forget to snap a photo before digging in—because we all know this level of delicious deserves to be documented. Serve it up, top it with a little extra love, and enjoy every bite. You’re about to have the kind of breakfast people write home about. 🎉
Brioche French Toast Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 slices brioche bread slightly stale for best results
- 3 eggs large
- 3/4 cup whole milk or plant-based milk for a dairy-free option
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp butter plus extra for topping, optional
- 1/2 cup syrup serving
Instructions
- Make the custard: Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar (if you're feeling sweet). Whisk it up until smooth and velvety—you can already smell the cozy vibes coming together!
- Heat the skillet: Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toss in a little pat of butter and watch it melt into golden perfection, swirling it around to coat the pan completely. (Wait for that sizzle—it’s your green light!)
- Dip the brioche: Take one slice of brioche and dip it into your custard mixture. Be gentle, bestie—soak it for about 10-15 seconds on each side. The goal is perfectly soaked, not soggy beyond repair. Give it a lil’ shake to drip off any excess.
- Cook the toast: Lay the soaked bread onto your hot skillet oh-so-carefully. Give it 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip it with flair. You’re aiming for a golden, slightly crisp exterior while the inside stays custardy. Repeat the magic with the rest of the slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed (because butter makes life better).
- Serve it up: Slide your perfectly cooked brioche French toast onto plates like the masterpiece it is. Add a pat of butter on top (optional but… is it really?), followed by a generous drizzle of syrup. Serve immediately before someone sneaks a bite off your plate.
Notes
- Best bread game: Slightly stale brioche hits differently—it’s sturdier, soaks up just the right amount of custard, and cooks like a dream.
- Make it dairy-free: Prefer it plant-based? Use almond or oat milk and vegan butter.
- Level-up toppings: Dust with powdered sugar, scatter fresh berries, or add a dollop of whipped cream for maximum brunch vibes.