Brioche French Toast Recipe

Let’s be real—French toast is always a treat, but when you use brioche, it transforms into something truly decadent. With this Brioche French Toast Recipe, you’ll get soft, buttery slices soaked in a rich vanilla custard, cooked until golden brown, and topped with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and warm maple syrup. Trust me, it doesn’t get better than this!

I still remember the first time I tried making brioche French toast recipe. I used plain white bread, thinking it wouldn’t make much of a difference. Big mistake! The slices fell apart, turned mushy, and lacked that rich, bakery-fresh taste I was hoping for. Fast forward to today, and I’ve perfected the art of making the most decadent, foolproof brioche French toast recipe.

If you’re serious about getting that perfect texture, check out The Science of Making the Best French Toast—it explains why the right bread choice matters and how custard absorption plays a role.

If you love trying different variations of French toast, you might also enjoy Hawaiian Roll French Toast—it’s slightly sweeter and ultra-soft, making it another fantastic option.

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how to make brioche French toast like a pro, covering everything from bread selection to the best toppings, storage tips, and even unique variations. By the end, you’ll be whipping up the ultimate brunch dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Brioche is the Best Bread for French Toast

What Makes Brioche So Special?

If you’ve ever wondered why restaurant-style French toast tastes so much better, the secret is the bread. Regular sandwich bread just doesn’t cut it—it’s too thin, too dry, and lacks the richness needed for that custardy goodness.

Here’s why brioche is the gold standard for French toast:

• High Butter & Egg Content → Gives brioche a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
• Absorbs Custard Perfectly → Unlike regular bread, brioche soaks up custard without getting soggy.
• Crispy Yet Soft Texture → When cooked, it forms a perfect golden crust with a soft, pillowy center.

Brioche vs. Challah vs. Sourdough: Which One is Best?

While brioche is the clear winner, some people prefer challah or sourdough for different textures:

Bread Type	Texture	Best For
Brioche	Buttery, soft, rich	Classic, indulgent French toast
Challah	Slightly less rich, eggy	A great substitute for brioche
Sourdough	Chewy, tangy, firmer	For a more rustic, hearty version

If you’re curious about how sourdough French toast compares, check out Sourdough French Toast—it has a slight tanginess that pairs beautifully with sweet toppings.

Ingredients for the Perfect Brioche French Toast Recipe

The Basic Ingredients You Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect custard for French toast:

• 4 large eggs → The base of the custard, adding structure and richness.
• 1 cup whole milk + ½ cup heavy cream → The combination creates a creamy texture.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar → Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract → The key ingredient for that classic French toast flavor.
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon → Adds a warm, cozy depth.
• Pinch of salt → Balances out the sweetness.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter → For cooking, ensuring a crisp, golden-brown crust.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

Want to take things up a notch? Try these delicious add-ins:

• Zest of 1 orange or 1 tbsp Grand Marnier → Adds a bright citrus note.
• ½ tsp nutmeg or pumpkin spice → Perfect for a fall-inspired twist.
• 1 tbsp espresso powder → Gives a mocha-like depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brioche French Toast Recipe

• Slice the brioche into 1-inch thick pieces—too thin, and it’ll fall apart; too thick, and the custard won’t soak through.
• If your brioche is too fresh, let it sit out overnight or toast it at 300°F for 5 minutes.

• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

• Dip each slice of brioche into the custard for 10-15 seconds per side.
• Let excess custard drip off to prevent sogginess.

• Heat a nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat.
• Add 1 tbsp butter and allow it to melt before adding the soaked bread.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.

Alternative Cooking Methods for Brioche French Toast Recipe

Not everyone wants to stand over a stove flipping slices one by one. Luckily, there are other ways to cook brioche French toast that are just as delicious but might be more convenient for larger groups or meal prepping.

Baking French toast is great when you’re serving a group, as it allows you to cook multiple slices at once.

How to Make Baked Brioche French Toast Recipe:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a large baking dish.
2. Arrange custard-soaked brioche slices in a single layer.
3. Pour any extra custard over the top and let it soak for 10 minutes.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10 minutes for a golden crust.
5. Serve immediately with maple syrup and fresh fruit.

💡 Tip: If you want an overnight version, simply prepare the dish the night before, cover it, and let it soak in the fridge. Then, bake it fresh in the morning!

The air fryer is a game-changer for crispy French toast with minimal effort.

How to Make Air Fryer French Toast:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Place soaked brioche slices in a single layer (you may need to work in batches).
4. Air fry for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve warm with whipped cream and berries.

💡 Tip: The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping up the exterior, so you get perfectly cooked French toast every time.

If you love make-ahead breakfasts, a French toast casserole is the way to go!

How to Make an Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole:

1. Cut brioche into cubes and place in a buttered baking dish.
2. Pour the custard mixture over the top and toss to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

💡 Tip: For a crunchy topping, add a brown sugar & pecan streusel before baking.

Best Toppings for Brioche French Toast Recipe

Now that your brioche French toast is cooked to perfection, let’s talk toppings!

• Powdered sugar & maple syrup → A timeless favorite.
• Whipped cream & fresh berries → Adds a light, refreshing balance.
• Cinnamon & honey drizzle → Enhances the warm, spiced notes in the custard.

Caramelized Bananas

• Sauté sliced bananas in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until golden.
• Spoon over the French toast for a sticky-sweet topping.

Nutella & Crushed Hazelnuts

• Drizzle warm Nutella over the toast.
• Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for crunch.

Toasted Coconut & Pineapple Syrup

• Toast shredded coconut in a dry pan for 2 minutes.
• Add a pineapple reduction syrup for a tropical twist.

For another warm fruit topping, check out Cracker Barrel Fried Apples—they pair beautifully with buttery brioche.

Believe it or not, brioche French toast Recipe can also be savory!

• Crispy bacon & maple butter → A sweet and salty dream combo.
• Poached egg & hollandaise sauce → A brunch-worthy French toast eggs Benedict.
• Goat cheese & honey → A creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even though brioche French toast recipe is easy to make, there are some common pitfalls that can ruin the final result. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you!

The Problem:

If you leave the bread in the custard too long, it’ll turn into a soggy mess that falls apart while cooking.

How to Fix It:

• Quick soak: 10-15 seconds per side for fresh bread.
• Long soak: Up to 30 minutes for thicker or slightly stale bread.
• Overnight soak: Only recommended for casserole versions, not pan-frying.

The Problem:

• Too high? The outside burns before the inside sets.
• Too low? The bread gets greasy and heavy.

How to Fix It:

• Cook over medium heat to allow the custard to set properly.
• If using butter, add a small amount of oil to prevent burning.

The Problem:

• Using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar makes it harder to get that classic golden crust.

How to Fix It:

• Use white granulated sugar for a better caramelization effect.

For more details on why sugar selection matters, check out How to Perfectly Caramelize Sugar.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Brioche French Toast

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. The good news? Brioche French Toast stores, freezes, and reheats beautifully, making it an easy meal-prep breakfast.

How to Store Leftovers in the Fridge

French toast stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored correctly.

Storage Steps:

• Let the toast cool completely before storing—this prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Place slices in a single layer in an airtight container.
• If stacking slices, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers.

💡 Tip: If you know you’ll be eating it within 24 hours, storing it in foil or a ziplock bag also works.

How to Freeze Brioche French Toast

Freezing is a great way to have French toast ready anytime!

Freezing Steps:

1. Arrange cooked and cooled slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Freeze for 30 minutes (this prevents slices from sticking together).
3. Once frozen, transfer slices to a ziplock freezer bag or airtight container.
4. Label with the date—French toast stays good for up to 2 months.

💡 Tip: Flash-freezing the slices before bagging them keeps them from sticking together, so you can take out only what you need.

How to Reheat Without Losing Texture

Reheating French toast the wrong way can make it soggy or rubbery. Here’s how to bring it back to life:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Pros: Keeps the texture closest to fresh French toast.
Cons: Takes the longest time.

• Place a slice in the toaster on medium heat.
• Works best for halved pieces to avoid burning.

Pros: Fast, crispy, and convenient.
Cons: Works best with thinner slices.

• Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place slices in a single layer.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway.

Pros: Quickest and crispier than other methods.
Cons: Requires an air fryer.

• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add a small pat of butter.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until heated through.

Pros: Adds a freshly made taste.
Cons: Can make toast greasy if too much butter is used.

💡 Tip: Avoid microwaving if possible—it makes the toast rubbery and soggy.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Elevate Your Brunch Game?

By now, you’ve got everything you need to make Brioche French Toast Recipe that’s crispy on the outside, custardy on the inside, and ridiculously delicious. From choosing the perfect bread to mastering the custard soak and caramelization, you’re officially a French toast pro.

If you’re looking for more breakfast ideas, you’ll love Cinnamon Crescent Rolls—they’re flaky, buttery, and full of cinnamon goodness.

Or, if you want something healthier, try Matcha Overnight Oats for a nutrient-packed, grab-and-go breakfast.

But before you run off to the kitchen, let’s make this interactive!

👉 What’s Your Favorite Topping?

Are you keeping it classic with maple syrup, or going all out with caramelized bananas and whipped cream? Maybe you’re tempted to try Nutella with a sprinkle of sea salt?

Drop your favorite combo in the comments below! You might just inspire someone to try something new.

🧐 Challenge: Create Your Own Signature Version!

A recipe is just the starting point—now it’s time to make it your own!

Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty depth.
• Use chocolate croissants instead of brioche for a chocolate-infused version.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the custard for a sweet & spicy kick.

Have an idea? Share your creative spin below! I’d love to hear how you’re making this recipe your own.

📷 Show Off Your Creations!

If you try this Brioche French Toast, snap a photo and tag @quick_savory on Instagram. Let’s see those golden, caramelized masterpieces!

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