Brioche French Toast

Save this recipe on:

I’ve always believed that the best kind of breakfast is the one that feels like a celebration, and Brioche French Toast fits that bill perfectly. From the moment I press the thick slices of brioche into the cinnamon-spiced custard to the sizzle when they hit the hot skillet, it’s a process that brings comfort and joy. The result? A golden, fluffy toast that’s slightly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. I usually top it with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a swirl of whipped cream—and I promise, it’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds.

Whether it’s for a slow weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, Brioche French Toast never fails to make the table feel festive. It’s versatile, too—you can keep it simple with syrup or dress it up with mascarpone and roasted fruit. I’ve made it dozens of times, and every single slice still makes me pause and appreciate just how delicious a few humble ingredients can become when treated with love.

---

Why You’ll Love This Brioche French Toast

Brioche French Toast is all about luxury without being fussy. The rich eggy bread soaks up the custard beautifully, creating a texture that’s unmatched by standard sandwich bread. It’s quick to make, yet it tastes like something from a fancy bistro. You’ll love the buttery crisp edges, the creamy interior, and how it pairs perfectly with everything from maple syrup to fresh berries. Plus, it’s easy to scale up for a crowd or make ahead for lazy mornings.

What Kind of Brioche Should I Use?

When it comes to choosing the right brioche, I always look for a loaf that’s rich and slightly sweet with a soft, pillowy texture. You can use store-bought brioche, but if you have a local bakery that makes it fresh, it’s worth the trip. The key is to use slices that are thick—around 3/4 to 1 inch—so they hold up during the soaking and cooking process. Slightly stale brioche actually works better than fresh because it absorbs the custard without falling apart. If it’s too fresh, just leave the slices out for a couple of hours to dry a bit.

---

Options for Substitutions

While brioche gives this French toast its signature richness, there are some great alternatives if it’s not available. Challah is an excellent stand-in—it’s similarly eggy and soft. Texas toast or thick-cut white bread can also work, though they won’t offer the same buttery depth. For the custard, if you’re out of whole milk, you can use a mix of milk and cream or even almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. You can also experiment with different spices—try nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of orange zest for a new twist.

Ingredients for This Brioche French Toast

Brioche Bread
The star of the recipe—its buttery flavor and soft crumb absorb the custard beautifully without falling apart. Thick slices give you that perfect contrast between crisp edges and custardy center.

Eggs
Essential for creating the rich custard base. They help bind the ingredients and add a velvety texture to the soaked bread.

Whole Milk
Provides creaminess and helps the eggs coat the bread evenly. You can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for a richer version.

Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and aroma that complement the custard and elevate the overall flavor.

Ground Cinnamon
Just a touch brings out a cozy spice note that works so well with the sweetness of the brioche and syrup.

Salt
A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors so the toast doesn’t taste flat.

Butter
Used for cooking the toast, it adds richness and helps develop that golden-brown crust on the outside.

Toppings (optional but encouraged!)
Fresh berries, maple syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a sprig of mint take your French toast to the next level.

Step 1: Slice and Dry the Brioche

Cut the brioche into thick slices, about 3/4 to 1 inch. If it’s freshly baked, let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast it to dry—this helps it soak up the custard without getting mushy.

---

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.

---

Step 3: Soak the Brioche

Place the brioche slices into the custard mixture one at a time, allowing each side to soak for about 20–30 seconds. You want them saturated but not falling apart.

---

Step 4: Preheat the Skillet

Heat a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt, coating the pan evenly.

---

Step 5: Cook the French Toast

Place soaked brioche slices onto the hot skillet. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.

---

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the cooked slices to plates, stack them high, and top with fresh berries, whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm.

How Long to Cook the Brioche French Toast

Each slice of brioche should cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium heat. You’re aiming for a deep golden crust on the outside while ensuring the inside is warm and custardy. If your bread is particularly thick, you can lower the heat slightly and give it an extra minute to make sure the center is cooked through without burning the exterior.

---

Tips for Perfect Brioche French Toast

Use Day-Old Bread
Dry bread absorbs the custard better and holds its shape while cooking, giving you that perfect creamy interior without becoming soggy.

Don’t Over-Soak
Too much time in the custard will make the slices fall apart. About 20–30 seconds per side is just right.

Cook Low and Slow if Needed
If your toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat. Brioche has sugar, which can cause it to brown fast, so be patient to avoid burning.

Wipe the Pan Between Batches
Butter tends to brown quickly. If you’re making a large batch, give the skillet a quick wipe and add fresh butter for each round to prevent any burnt bits.

Finish in the Oven (Optional)
If making multiple slices, keep cooked toast warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven while you finish the rest. This also helps ensure they’re cooked through.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Fresh, Soft Brioche
Freshly baked brioche is delicious, but too soft to hold up in custard. If it hasn’t dried out a bit, it’ll turn soggy fast.

Soaking Too Long
Letting the bread sit too long in the custard will lead to a mushy mess. It only needs a brief soak—just enough to absorb but not collapse.

Cooking Over High Heat
High heat will brown the outside too quickly and leave the inside undercooked. Medium heat is your best friend here.

Skipping the Butter
Butter not only adds flavor but also helps develop a crisp, golden crust. Don’t skimp or substitute with oil unless absolutely necessary.

Crowding the Pan
Too many slices in the pan can lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking. Give each piece space to brown properly.

---

What to Serve With Brioche French Toast?

Fresh Berries and Mint

Add a refreshing contrast to the richness with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries tossed with a hint of mint.

Maple Syrup

Classic and necessary—the deep sweetness pairs beautifully with the buttery toast.

Whipped Cream or Mascarpone

A dollop on top makes each bite taste like dessert. Mascarpone adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

Crispy Bacon

The salty crunch of bacon is a perfect match for the soft, sweet toast—add it on the side or even layered in between slices.

Greek Yogurt and Honey

For a lighter topping, a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey adds protein and balance.

Caramelized Bananas

Sauté sliced bananas in butter and brown sugar until golden and spoon them over the toast for an extra decadent twist.

Toasted Nuts

Chopped pecans or almonds bring texture and a nutty contrast. A quick toast in a dry pan brings out their flavor.

Espresso or Latte

Pair your breakfast with a strong coffee or creamy latte to round out the perfect morning.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the Brioche French Toast cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster, skillet, or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and slightly crisp.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (1-2 slices, without toppings):

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 9g

Nutrition will vary depending on the type of brioche and toppings used. For a lighter version, consider using low-fat milk or skipping whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Brioche French Toast the night before?

Yes! You can soak the slices and refrigerate them overnight on a baking sheet. In the morning, just bring them to room temperature before cooking.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Absolutely. Arrange soaked slices on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk all work well. Just ensure they’re unsweetened to control the final flavor.

How do I keep French toast warm for guests?

Place cooked slices on a baking rack in a low oven (around 250°F / 120°C) to stay warm and crisp while you finish the batch.

Can I add sugar to the custard?

Definitely. A tablespoon of brown sugar adds a nice sweetness and caramel flavor, though it’s optional if you’re serving with syrup.

Why is my French toast soggy?

Usually it’s because the bread was too fresh or soaked too long. Slightly stale brioche and quick soaking fix that.

Can I freeze French toast after cooking?

Yes! Freeze cooked slices in a single layer, then store in a zip-top bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Use a toaster or a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to maintain crisp edges and warm the center.

---

Conclusion

Brioche French Toast is one of those simple pleasures that feels like a luxurious treat every time. Its soft, custardy center and golden, buttery crust make every bite irresistible. Whether you dress it up with whipped cream and berries or keep it classic with maple syrup, it never fails to impress. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want to make breakfast just a little more special.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: