french brioche french toast recipe
The Best french brioche french toast recipe
We make this recipe for everything—weekday breakfasts when we’re all running late, weekend brunch with the family, or even just a cozy night in with a cup of coffee. It’s that versatile. Plus, the brioche itself is rich but still balanced with a touch of sweetness, and the French toast holds up well if you want to serve it warm or even reheat it later. My husband says it’s like a hug in food form, and I totally agree. There’s something about the way the layers of brioche and egg mixture give it that extra richness, making it feel like a little indulgence without being too heavy.
The health benefits are what really make this recipe stand out for me. Brioche is made with whole wheat flour, which means it’s got more fiber and nutrients than white bread, and the eggs add protein and healthy fats. The cinnamon in the syrup isn’t just for flavor—it’s been shown to help regulate blood sugar, so it’s a gentler way to start the day. It’s not a super healthy breakfast, but it’s not some kind of “bad” breakfast either. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good without feeling guilty, and that’s what I love about it. Plus, it’s always a hit with my kids, so it’s a win-win.
French Brioche French Toast
A decadent twist on classic French toast using rich, buttery brioche dough, topped with a savory tomato-garlic sauce for a luxurious breakfast. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries)
- Powdered sugar
- Extra melted butter
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
2
In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, egg, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. -
3
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. -
4
Cut the risen brioche dough into 1-inch thick slices. Brush each slice lightly with melted butter. -
5
Heat the tomato-garlic sauce in the skillet for 2–3 minutes. Brush each brioche slice with the sauce, then place in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. -
6
Transfer cooked brioche slices to the prepared baking sheet. Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with fresh berries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and extra melted butter.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or large bowl with whisk
- Oven-safe skillet (8-inch)
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Knife and cutting board
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Tips
- For extra richness, add 1 tbsp of brown sugar to the dough.
- Ensure the dough rises properly for a light and airy texture.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding more cream if needed.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Substitutions
- Use whole wheat flour for a lower-carb option (reduce liquid slightly).
- Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Watch Video Of How French Brioche French Toast Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About French Brioche French Toast
What is the key difference between French brioche and regular brioche in French brioche french toast?
In French brioche french toast, the dough is made from brioche, which is a richer, softer, and more buttery version of regular bread dough. Brioche contains eggs and milk, which give it a lighter texture and richer flavor compared to regular bread dough. This results in a more tender and flavorful french toast.
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Why does my French brioche french toast turn out dense or dry?
A dense or dry French brioche French toast can happen for a few reasons:
1. Overproofing the dough – If the dough rises too much, it can become too loose and lose structure when sliced and fried.
2. Not enough fat – Brioche is already rich, but if the frying oil isn’t hot enough or isn’t used in sufficient quantity, the bread can absorb too much oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
3. Using stale dough – If the dough sits too long before frying, it can dry out and become less tender.
4. Undercooking the bread – French toast should be cooked until the outside is golden and crispy, while the inside is still slightly moist. Overcooking can make it dry.
5. Not enough egg wash – A well-coated egg wash ensures a proper golden crust. If the bread isn’t coated properly, it won’t brown evenly.
To fix this, ensure your dough is fresh, fry in high heat with enough oil, and coat the slices generously with egg wash before frying.
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How do I make the perfect egg wash for French brioche French toast?
The perfect egg wash for French brioche French toast should be:
– Room temperature eggs – Cold eggs won’t coat well and can cause the bread to absorb too much liquid.
– A touch of milk or cream – This helps create a smoother, more even coating.
– A small amount – Too much wash can make the bread soggy. A simple mix of 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk or cream per slice works well.
For extra shine and flavor, you can add a pinch of vanilla extract or a splash of lemon juice to the wash.
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Can I use store-bought brioche instead of making my own?
Yes! Using store-bought brioche is a great shortcut, especially if you’re short on time. Look for high-quality brioche (like from a bakery or specialty store) that’s fresh and soft. Avoid pre-sliced brioche, as it can be too dense. Instead, buy a whole loaf, slice it fresh just before making the French toast, and lightly toast the slices to remove excess moisture before frying. This helps prevent a soggy result.
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How can I make French brioche French toast ahead of time and reheat it properly?
French brioche French toast is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it ahead in a few ways:
– Prep the dough in advance – Make the brioche dough a day ahead, refrigerate it, and let it rise in the morning. Slice it fresh just before frying.
– Fry and store – If you must reheat, fry the French toast until golden, let it cool slightly, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet with a little oil until crispy.
– Freezing – For longer storage, freeze the fried French toast in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven with a little butter or oil for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
To avoid dryness, ensure the reheating method adds moisture—never microwave directly.
