Brioche French Toast Recipe

Brioche bread: A rich, buttery bread that is perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.

Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the French toast.

Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps to create a smooth batter.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the French toast.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast to golden perfection.

To achieve a perfectly golden and crispy French toast, make sure to use day-old brioche bread. This slightly stale bread will absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. Additionally, when cooking, use medium heat to ensure the bread cooks evenly and the butter doesn't burn.

• brioche bread - Substitute with challah bread: Challah has a similar texture and sweetness, making it an excellent alternative for French toast.

• brioche bread - Substitute with Texas toast: Texas toast is thick and soft, which absorbs the custard mixture well, similar to brioche.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that still provides a creamy texture.

• whole milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free option that has a slightly sweet flavor, complementing the French toast.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor that can enhance the overall taste.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg has a warm, sweet flavor that can be used as a direct substitute for cinnamon.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a slight coconut flavor and works well for cooking.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that can be used for cooking and provides a similar texture to butter.

• Allow the brioche French toast to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation and sogginess when storing.

• Place the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until the slices are firm.

• Transfer the frozen slices to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. If stacking, place parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking.

• Label the bag or container with the date. Brioche French toast can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a toaster or toaster oven for a quicker option.

• For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled slices in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep for up to 3 days.

• To reheat from the refrigerator, warm the slices in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or use a toaster oven for a crispier texture.

• Avoid microwaving as it can make the brioche French toast rubbery and less appealing.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover brioche French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the slices with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain the toast's crispy exterior and soft interior.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the leftover French toast slices in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method revives the toast's golden-brown crust while keeping it moist inside.

• Microwave Method: Place the brioche French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking halfway through. This method is quick but may result in a slightly softer texture.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices directly on the toaster oven rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method provides a balance between the oven and microwave methods, offering a crispy exterior and warm interior.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the brioche French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This method gives a crispy finish while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the egg mixture to ensure a smooth consistency.

• Skillet: This is where you'll cook the brioche slices to achieve that perfect golden brown exterior.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the brioche slices in the skillet to cook both sides evenly.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk and ensuring the right proportions in your egg mixture.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon precisely.

• Butter knife: Useful for cutting and spreading the butter in the skillet before cooking the brioche slices.

• Plate: Place the cooked brioche slices here to serve them warm with your favorite toppings.

• Serving utensils: These will help you serve the French toast with toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.

Prepare the egg mixture in advance: Mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a large skillet: Cook multiple slices of brioche at once to save time.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the butter and brioche to speed up cooking.

Organize your toppings: Have your maple syrup, fresh berries, and powdered sugar ready to go for quick serving.