Brioche French Toast Recipe

Brioche bread: A rich, buttery bread that is perfect for making French toast due to its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor.

Eggs: Essential for creating the custard-like mixture that coats the bread.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, helping to create a rich and smooth coating for the bread.

Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the French toast.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the dish.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast, giving it a golden brown and crispy exterior.

To achieve the perfect brioche French toast, make sure to use slightly stale brioche bread. Fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture. If your brioche is fresh, you can dry it out a bit by leaving the slices out on a wire rack for a few hours or lightly toasting them. This will help the bread absorb the custard mixture without falling apart, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, custardy interior.

• brioche bread - Substitute with challah bread: Both have a similar rich and slightly sweet flavor, making them ideal for French toast.

• brioche bread - Substitute with Texas toast: This thick-sliced bread can absorb the egg mixture well and provides a similar texture.

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

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: This non-dairy option works well for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a plant-based diet.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a good non-dairy alternative.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Provides a different but pleasant nutty flavor to the French toast.

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

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: A dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor and works well for cooking French toast.

• butter - Substitute with ghee: Clarified butter that has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor.

• Allow the brioche French toast to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the toast soggy.
• Once cooled, place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step ensures they freeze individually and don't stick together.
• Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let the French toast freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until the slices are firm.
• After the initial freeze, remove the slices from the baking sheet and place them in a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Be sure to label the bag with the date.
• For added protection against freezer burn, you can wrap each slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the bag or container.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen brioche French toast, you can reheat it directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the slices in a toaster or toaster oven. This method is quicker and will give the French toast a nice, crispy exterior.
• If you prefer using a microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 1-2 minutes. Keep in mind that this method may result in a softer texture.
• To store leftover French toast in the refrigerator, place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep for up to 3 days.
• Reheat refrigerated French toast in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or in a toaster until warmed through.

• 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 ensures the French toast remains crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

• 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 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method helps to retain the original texture and flavor.

• Microwave Method: Place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, 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 helps to maintain a crispy exterior.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives a nice, crispy finish to the French toast.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the egg mixture smoothly.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the brioche slices until golden brown.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices in the skillet to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon accurately.

• Butter knife: A knife used to spread the butter in the skillet for cooking.

• Plate: A dish used to serve the cooked French toast.

• Serving utensils: Tools like forks and knives used to eat the French toast.

• Toppings: Items like maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar to enhance the flavor of the French toast.

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

Use a large skillet: Cooking multiple slices of brioche bread at once will save you time.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the butter melts quickly and the skillet is ready to cook immediately.

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