Let’s be real—French toast is already a classic breakfast favorite. But when you swap out regular bread for brioche, you’re entering next-level territory. Brioche French toast is rich, buttery, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s that perfect blend of crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and just the right amount of sweetness.
You’re in the right place if you want to make the best brioche French toast that feels like it came straight from a fancy brunch spot. This guide will walk you through everything, from the ingredients to the best tips for making it perfect every time.
Table of Contents
What is Brioche French Toast?
Brioche French toast is a step up from your traditional French toast. The main difference? The bread.
While you can make French toast with almost any bread, brioche stands out because of its rich, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor. It’s made with lots of eggs and butter, which gives it a soft, fluffy crumb that beautifully soaks up custard.
French toast dates back centuries and was traditionally used to use stale bread by dipping it in an egg mixture and frying it. But when you use fresh brioche instead of plain bread, you get a decadent, tender dish perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
Why Brioche is the Best Bread for French Toast
Not all breads are created equal when it comes to French toast. Here’s why brioche is the clear winner:
- Soft and Buttery Texture: Brioche is already enriched with eggs and butter, which makes it extra rich and tender.
- Slightly Sweet Flavor: It has a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the custard and toppings.
- Absorbs Custard Without Falling Apart: Brioche can soak up the egg mixture without turning soggy or crumbling.
- Golden Crust: When cooked, brioche toasts beautifully, creating a crispy golden crust while staying soft inside.
Other breads like sourdough or challah work too, but if you want something truly indulgent, brioche is the way to go.
How Brioche French Toast Differs from Regular French Toast
If you’re used to making French toast with plain sandwich bread or white bread, you’re in for a treat with brioche. Here’s what sets it apart.
Texture and Richness
Brioche is an enriched bread, meaning it’s made with butter, eggs, and milk. This makes it softer, richer, and more flavorful than regular bread. When you fry brioche in custard, the result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture that plain bread simply can’t achieve.
Flavor Profile
Regular French toast is delicious, but it often relies heavily on the toppings for flavor. Brioche French toast, on the other hand, brings a natural sweetness and buttery flavor that stands out even without syrup or extra toppings.
Appearance
Brioche French toast is thicker and has a more elegant appearance. It holds its shape better when soaked in custard, giving you a beautiful golden crust and a soft, pillowy inside.
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How to Choose the Best Brioche for French Toast
The bread you choose makes or breaks your French toast. Here’s how to pick the perfect brioche loaf.
Fresh vs. Stale Brioche
While fresh brioche is tempting, slightly stale brioche works best for French toast. Stale bread absorbs the custard without getting soggy, ensuring your French toast has that perfect texture.
If you have fresh brioche, no problem! You can dry it by leaving it uncovered for a few hours or toasting it lightly in the oven.
Store-Bought vs. Homemade Brioche
If you have the time and energy, homemade brioche is an incredible option. You can control the ingredients and make a loaf that’s perfectly suited for French toast. However, if you’re short on time, store-bought brioche works fine. Look for a loaf with a golden crust and a fluffy inside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Brioche French Toast
Even experienced home cooks can make mistakes when it comes to French toast. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.
Using Thin Slices of Bread
Brioche French toast works best when you use thick slices of bread—about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Thin slices won’t hold up as well in the custard and can become soggy.
Over-Soaking the Bread
It’s important to dip the brioche in the custard mixture, but don’t let it sit for too long. If the bread gets too soaked, it will fall apart or become mushy when cooked.
Skipping the Butter
Cooking French toast in butter is essential for getting that golden-brown crust. Don’t skimp on the butter, and make sure your pan is evenly coated.
Best Toppings for Brioche French Toast
While brioche French toast is delicious on its own, the right toppings can take it to a whole new level.
Traditional Toppings
- Maple Syrup
- Powdered Sugar
- Fresh Berries
- Whipped Cream
Gourmet Toppings
- Caramelized Bananas
- Nutella Drizzle
- Mascarpone Cheese
- Homemade Berry Compote
Savory Toppings
Want to try something different? Savory brioche French toast is a fun twist. Top it with crispy bacon, avocado, or poached eggs for a more balanced dish.
How to Store and Reheat Brioche French Toast
If you’ve made a big batch of brioche French toast, here’s how to store it for later.
Refrigerating
Place any leftover French toast in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a toaster oven or skillet to maintain the crispy edges.
Freezing
You can also freeze brioche French toast for longer storage. Let the slices cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, pop the frozen slices in the toaster or oven. They’ll taste just as good as freshly made.
How to Make a Healthier Version of Brioche French Toast
While brioche French toast is indulgent, there are a few ways to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor.
Use Whole-Grain Brioche
Look for whole-grain brioche to add more fiber and nutrients.
Swap Out the Sugar
Reduce or replace the sugar in your custard with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
Use a Non-Dairy Custard
For a lighter option, use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of whole milk or cream. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for cooking.
How to Make Brioche French Toast for a Crowd
Hosting brunch? Brioche French toast is a great dish to serve when you’re feeding a group. The key is to plan ahead and make sure everything is ready to go before your guests arrive.
Prep Your Bread the Night Before
Cut your brioche into thick slices and leave it out overnight to dry slightly. Stale bread holds up better to the custard and won’t fall apart during cooking. If you’re short on time, you can lightly toast the bread in the oven for a similar effect.
Use a Large Griddle or Baking Sheet
If you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s faster to use a large griddle or even bake the French toast in the oven. To bake it, preheat your oven to 350°F, arrange the dipped slices on a buttered baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method keeps things simple and minimizes the mess.
Brioche French Toast vs. Challah French Toast: What’s the Difference?
While both brioche and challah are popular choices for French toast, there are some differences that can affect your final dish. Choosing between the two comes down to your personal preference and what flavor profile you’re going for.
Texture and Flavor
Brioche is softer and richer than challah due to the extra butter in the dough. Challah, on the other hand, has a slightly firmer texture and a more subtle flavor, making it a good choice if you prefer something less sweet.
Which One Should You Use?
If you want a more decadent and dessert-like French toast, brioche is the way to go. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option with a more neutral flavor, challah is a great alternative. Both breads hold up well to custard, so you can’t go wrong with either.
Is Brioche French Toast Gluten-Free?
Unfortunately, traditional brioche bread is not gluten-free because it’s made with regular wheat flour. However, if you or your guests follow a gluten-free diet, there are ways to make this dish work for you.
Gluten-Free Brioche Options
Many bakeries and grocery stores now offer gluten-free brioche, which can be used to make French toast. Look for a high-quality loaf that mimics the soft, fluffy texture of regular brioche.
Make Your Own Gluten-Free Brioche
Feeling adventurous? Try making your own gluten-free brioche at home using gluten-free flour blends. Just be sure to use a recipe that includes eggs and butter to achieve that signature rich flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Brioche French Toast
Even though brioche French toast is fairly simple to make, there are a few common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Here’s what to watch out for.
Using the Wrong Bread
The type of bread you use is crucial. If you’re using plain white bread or sandwich bread, you’re missing out on the rich flavor and texture that brioche offers.
Overcrowding the Pan
When cooking French toast, give each slice plenty of space. Overcrowding the pan can cause the slices to steam instead of fry, preventing that crispy golden crust from forming.
Skipping the Resting Time
After you dip the brioche in the custard, let it sit for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the bread to absorb the flavors evenly and prevents uneven cooking.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Brioche French Toast
Brioche French toast is a showstopper on its own, but the right sides and drinks can turn your breakfast into a full feast.
Savory Sides
If you want to balance out the sweetness of the French toast, serve it with crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs. The salty flavors of these sides pair perfectly with the rich, sweet French toast.
Fruit and Fresh Toppings
For a lighter, refreshing option, serve your brioche French toast with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas. You can also offer a side of Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy contrast.
Beverages
A hot cup of coffee or espresso pairs beautifully with brioche French toast. For something more festive, try serving mimosas, fresh-squeezed orange juice, or a fruit smoothie.
FAQs About Brioche French Toast
Q: Can I make brioche French toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard and slice the bread the night before. In the morning, just dip and cook. You can also keep cooked French toast warm in the oven at 200°F until you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze brioche French toast?
Absolutely. Cook the French toast, let it cool completely, and then freeze it in a single layer. Once frozen, store the slices in a freezer bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven.
Q: What’s the best syrup to use?
Pure maple syrup is the classic choice, but you can also try honey, caramel sauce, or berry compote.
Q: Can I use other types of bread?
Yes, but brioche will give you the richest, most indulgent result. Other good options include challah, sourdough, or even thick Texas toast.
Sweet ending
Brioche French toast is one of those dishes that turns any breakfast into a special occasion. The rich, buttery brioche bread combined with a creamy custard makes for a dish that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with flavor.
Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a cozy weekday breakfast, this is a recipe that never disappoints. Grab some brioche, whip up that custard, and treat yourself—you deserve it!