Brioche French Toast Recipe

Brioche bread: A rich, buttery bread that provides a soft and fluffy texture.

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

Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, ensuring a smooth consistency.

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

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the egg mixture.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast, giving it a golden brown crust.

When making French toast, ensure that the brioche bread is slightly stale. Fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out slightly by toasting it lightly before dipping. This helps the bread absorb the custard mixture without falling apart, resulting in a perfectly cooked French toast with a crispy exterior and a soft, custardy interior.

• brioche bread - Substitute with challah bread: Both have a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a similar texture, making them interchangeable in French toast recipes.

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

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This works as a binding agent and is a good vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: This dairy-free option has a mild flavor that won't overpower the dish.

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

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Provides a different but complementary flavor profile.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Offers a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements French toast.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: A dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: A non-dairy alternative that can be used for cooking.

• Allow the brioche French toast to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• For short-term storage, place the cooled slices in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, lay the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen French toast in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
• For an extra crispy texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter until warmed and golden brown.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the leftover brioche French toast on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the toast crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Use a toaster oven for a quick and efficient reheat. Set the toaster oven to medium heat and place the French toast slices directly on the rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning. This method is perfect for maintaining the toast's texture.
• For a microwave option, place the French toast slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking halfway through. This method is quick but may result in a softer texture.
• Reheat on the stovetop for a fresh-off-the-skillet taste. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through. This method revives the buttery, crispy edges.
• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the French toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method ensures a crispy exterior and a warm, soft interior.

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

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

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the coated brioche slices over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon precisely.

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

• Plate: Used to serve the cooked French toast.

• Serving utensils: Tools like forks and knives for eating the French toast.

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

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

Use a large skillet: Cooking multiple brioche bread slices at once saves time.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the butter melts quickly and evenly by preheating the skillet.

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