Easy Brioche French Toast Recipe – Rich, Sweet & Irresistible!

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a golden, buttery slice of brioche French toast—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and infused with warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Whether you’re looking to elevate your weekend brunch or simply craving a cozy breakfast, this brioche French toast recipe is a foolproof way to impress your taste buds.

Why Brioche Bread Makes the Best French Toast

Not all bread is created equal when it comes to making the perfect French toast. While you can technically use any type of bread, brioche bread stands out as the absolute best choice. Here’s why this buttery, rich bread is the secret to fluffy, custard-soaked, golden-brown perfection.

What is Brioche Bread?

Brioche is a French-style bread made with a high amount of eggs, butter, and milk, giving it a soft, tender crumb and a slightly sweet flavor. Unlike regular sandwich bread, brioche has a rich, buttery texture that makes it perfect for absorbing custard without falling apart.

Some key characteristics of brioche bread:
✔️ Rich & Buttery Flavor: The extra butter and eggs give it a deep, slightly sweet taste.
✔️ Soft Yet Sturdy: Unlike plain white bread, brioche is pillowy soft but holds its shape when soaked.
✔️ Beautifully Golden: When cooked, brioche develops a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds to the overall indulgence.

Why Use Brioche for French Toast?

Brioche is the gold standard for making restaurant-style French toast, and here’s why:

1. Superior Absorption Without Sogginess

The best French toast should have a soft, custardy inside without being mushy. Brioche’s slightly dense but airy crumb absorbs the egg and cream mixture beautifully, allowing it to soak up just the right amount of liquid without falling apart.

2. Buttery, Slightly Sweet Flavor

Since brioche is already made with butter, milk, and eggs, it naturally enhances the richness and depth of French toast. This means you don’t need as much added sugar in the custard mixture—it’s already packed with flavor!

3. Crispy, Golden-Brown Exterior

Thanks to its buttery composition, brioche develops a perfectly caramelized crust when cooked in a skillet with butter. The slight sweetness of the bread, combined with the golden exterior, makes for an irresistible bite every time.

Brioche vs. Other Breads

Wondering how brioche stacks up against other bread choices? Here’s a quick comparison:

While challah is a close second, brioche remains the ultimate choice for a soft yet sturdy, rich yet light French toast experience.

Final Verdict: Brioche is King!

If you want a luxurious, buttery, golden-brown French toast that feels like a restaurant-quality treat, brioche is the way to go. Its ability to soak up just the right amount of custard while maintaining its structure makes it the perfect canvas for all your favorite toppings, from maple syrup to fresh berries and whipped cream.

Now that you know why brioche is the best, let’s move on to the ingredients you’ll need for this rich, sweet, and irresistible brioche French toast recipe! 🍞✨

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

To make the best brioche French toast, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness. Below, I’ll break down what you’ll need, why each ingredient matters, and some possible substitutions for dietary preferences.

Main Ingredients for Brioche French Toast

1. Brioche Bread (The Star of the Recipe!)

✔ Why? Brioche is rich, buttery, and slightly sweet, making it the best choice for French toast. It absorbs the custard mixture beautifully without getting soggy.
✔ Best Type: Use thick-cut slices (about ¾ to 1 inch thick) for a perfect balance of crispiness and softness.
✔ Fresh or Stale? Slightly stale brioche (1–2 days old) works best as it soaks up the custard without falling apart.

🔄 Substitutions: If you don’t have brioche, you can use challah, Texas toast, or even thick-cut white bread, but the results won’t be as rich and buttery.

2. Eggs (The Custard Base)

✔ Why? Eggs provide structure and help the custard bind to the bread, giving French toast its signature texture.
✔ How Many? About 3 to 4 large eggs for every 4–6 slices of brioche.

🔄 Substitutions:

• For a healthier alternative, substitute whole eggs with egg whites.
• For a vegan option, substitute flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).

3. Heavy Cream & Milk (For a Rich, Creamy Texture)

✔ Why? A combination of heavy cream and whole milk creates a lusciously thick custard that soaks into the bread beautifully.
✔ Best Ratio: Use ½ cup whole milk + ½ cup heavy cream for the perfect balance of richness and moisture.

🔄 Substitutions:

• For a lighter option, use all whole milk or half-and-half.
• For a dairy-free version, use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk (full-fat coconut milk will give the creamiest texture).

4. Vanilla Extract (For Warm, Sweet Aromatics)

✔ Why? Vanilla extract enhances the custard with a subtle sweet, warm aroma. It makes French toast taste more like a bakery-style treat.
✔ How Much? 1 to 2 teaspoons depending on how strong you want the flavor.

🔄 Substitutions: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use maple extract, almond extract, or even a little honey for a unique twist.

5. Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg (The Warm Spice Blend)

✔ Why? These spices add a delicious depth of flavor, making the French toast taste even cozier.
✔ How Much?

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a mild spice kick.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional) for a warm, slightly nutty aroma.

🔄 Substitutions: You can experiment with pumpkin spice, cardamom, or even a pinch of clove for different variations.

6. Butter (For Frying & Flavor!)

✔ Why? Cooking French toast in butter creates a beautifully crispy, golden crust with a rich, caramelized flavor.
✔ Best Type: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.

🔄 Substitutions: For dairy-free, use vegan butter or coconut oil.

Optional Toppings (To Elevate Your French Toast!)

1. Maple Syrup – The classic finishing touch for sweet, rich flavor.

2. Powdered Sugar – A light dusting makes it feel extra indulgent.

3. Fresh Berries – Adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the toast.

4. Whipped Cream – For an extra creamy, luxurious bite.

5. Caramel or Chocolate Drizzle – If you want a truly decadent version.

6. Nuts (Pecans, Almonds, or Walnuts) – Adds a crunchy contrast.

Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations

Final Thoughts on Ingredients

With these simple yet essential ingredients, you’ll create a rich, buttery, and flavorful brioche French toast that’s perfectly golden and indulgent. Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions to cook it to perfection! 🍞✨

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Brioche French Toast

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step process to make the perfect brioche French toast. By following these detailed instructions, you’ll achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust with a soft, custardy center every time!

Step 1: Preparing the Custard Mixture

The custard mixture is what gives brioche French toast its rich, creamy texture and deep flavor. Here’s how to make it:

1️⃣ Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk them until smooth.
2️⃣ Add the milk and heavy cream, whisking gently to incorporate. The combination of dairy gives the custard its creamy consistency.
3️⃣ Mix in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg to infuse warmth and sweetness into the batter.
4️⃣ Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth. You want a slightly thick but pourable consistency.

🔹 Pro Tip: If you want an extra silky, lump-free custard, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before using it.

Step 2: Dipping the Brioche Slices

The key to perfectly soaked brioche is dipping it long enough to absorb the custard, but not too long that it falls apart.

1️⃣ Pour the custard mixture into a shallow dish (like a baking dish or pie plate) to make dipping easier.
2️⃣ Place a slice of brioche into the custard, letting it soak for about 10-15 seconds per side. This allows the bread to absorb the mixture without getting soggy.
3️⃣ Flip the bread gently and let the other side soak for the same amount of time.
4️⃣ Lift the bread out, letting any excess custard drip back into the dish.

🔹 Pro Tip: If your brioche is very fresh and soft, soak it for a shorter time to prevent sogginess. If it’s slightly stale, it can soak a little longer for better absorption.

Step 3: Cooking to Perfection

Now, it’s time to pan-fry the brioche slices to achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior with a soft, custardy inside.

1️⃣ Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
2️⃣ Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan, making sure it evenly coats the surface. The butter will help create a beautifully crisp crust.
3️⃣ Carefully place the soaked brioche slices into the pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed for even browning.
4️⃣ Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and slightly crispy.
5️⃣ Flip gently using a spatula and cook the other side for the same amount of time.

🔹 Pro Tip: If making multiple batches, wipe the pan clean between rounds and add fresh butter to prevent burning.

Step 4: Serving & Garnishing

Once your brioche French toast is perfectly cooked, it’s time to plate and garnish it for the ultimate breakfast experience.

1️⃣ Transfer the cooked French toast to a serving plate and keep it warm by covering loosely with foil.
2️⃣ Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
3️⃣ Drizzle with warm maple syrup for that perfect sweetness.
4️⃣ Add fresh toppings like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas for a refreshing contrast.
5️⃣ For extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

🔹 Pro Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture—French toast is at its crispiest and most flavorful when eaten fresh!

Bonus: How to Make Brioche French Toast in the Oven

If you’re making a large batch for a crowd, you can bake French toast instead of pan-frying it.

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Arrange soaked brioche slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3️⃣ Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp.
4️⃣ Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for an extra crispy top.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve mastered the step-by-step method for making perfect brioche French toast, you can enjoy a rich, buttery, and delicious breakfast anytime. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this easy and irresistible recipe is sure to impress!

🔹 What’s Next? Check out the next section for expert tips on making your French toast even fluffier and more flavorful!

Expert Tips for Fluffy & Golden French Toast

Making fluffy, golden-brown brioche French toast isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about mastering a few key techniques that elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. Here are some expert tips to ensure your brioche French toast turns out crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and packed with flavor every single time.

Use Day-Old Brioche for Better Texture

✔ Why? Slightly stale brioche absorbs custard more evenly and holds its shape better, preventing it from becoming soggy.
✔ How? If your brioche is too fresh, slice it and let it sit out uncovered for a few hours or toast it lightly in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10 minutes to dry it out slightly.
✔ Alternative? If your bread is very fresh, dip it for a shorter time in the custard to prevent excess absorption.

🔹 Pro Tip: If using frozen brioche, let it thaw completely at room temperature before slicing and drying it out slightly in the oven.

Cook on Medium Heat for Perfect Caramelization

✔ Why? Cooking on medium heat allows the toast to develop a deep golden-brown crust while ensuring the custard inside is fully cooked.
✔ Avoid High Heat: If the temperature is too high, the exterior will burn while the inside remains undercooked.
✔ Avoid Low Heat: If too low, the toast will absorb too much butter and turn greasy instead of crispy.

🔹 Pro Tip: Test the heat by adding a small drop of custard mixture to the pan—if it sizzles gently, it’s perfect!

Don’t Over-Soak the Bread

✔ Why? Over-soaking makes brioche too wet and fragile, leading to a mushy texture after cooking.
✔ Perfect Soaking Time: 10–15 seconds per side is enough for the bread to absorb custard without breaking apart.
✔ For Thicker Slices: If using thicker slices (1 inch+), increase soak time slightly but avoid oversaturation.

🔹 Pro Tip: If making a large batch, work in small batches and don’t let the bread sit in the custard while waiting to cook—it will become too soft!

Use Butter and a Touch of Oil for Even Cooking

✔ Why? Butter gives richness and flavor, while a little neutral oil (like vegetable or avocado oil) prevents it from burning too quickly.
✔ Best Method: Use ½ tablespoon butter + ½ tablespoon oil per batch for the best crispy, golden-brown exterior.
✔ Avoid Margarine: It doesn’t brown as well as butter and can make the toast greasy.

🔹 Pro Tip: Wipe the pan clean between batches and add fresh butter to avoid burnt residue affecting the next round of toast.

The Secret to Extra Fluffy French Toast: Whip the Custard!

✔ Why? Whisking the eggs, milk, and cream vigorously incorporates air, making the custard lighter and fluffier.
✔ How? Use a hand whisk or immersion blender for a silky-smooth mixture with no eggy streaks.
✔ Bonus: Let the custard sit for 5 minutes before dipping to allow flavors to meld.

🔹 Pro Tip: If your custard has lumps, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth texture.

Experiment with Flavored Custard for a Gourmet Touch

✔ Upgrade your French toast by adding unique flavors to the custard. Try these fun variations:

🍯 Maple Cinnamon Custard – Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup and an extra pinch of cinnamon.
🍊 Orange Zest Custard – Add 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest for a citrusy twist.
🍫 Chocolate Custard – Mix in 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for a chocolaty treat.
🥥 Coconut Custard – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a tropical flair.

🔹 Pro Tip: Want an even richer taste? Add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Baileys to the custard for a sophisticated flavor.

Use the Right Pan for the Best Results

✔ Why? The type of pan you use affects how evenly your French toast cooks.
✔ Best Choice: A non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan distributes heat evenly, ensuring crispy edges without sticking.
✔ Avoid Thin Pans: They cause uneven cooking and may burn the toast too quickly.

🔹 Pro Tip: If using a griddle, keep the temperature around 325°F (165°C) for consistent results.

Serve Immediately for the Best Texture

✔ Why? French toast tastes best when eaten fresh, as the crispy exterior can soften over time.
✔ Keep Warm: If making multiple servings, keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack.
✔ Avoid Stacking: Stack slices only when serving to prevent them from steaming and getting soggy.

🔹 Pro Tip: If you have leftovers, see the next section for storage and reheating tips!

Final Thoughts on Making the Best Brioche French Toast

With these expert tips, you’ll achieve fluffy, golden-brown, perfectly crisp brioche French toast every single time. Remember:

✔ Use day-old brioche for better absorption
✔ Soak for just the right amount of time
✔ Cook on medium heat for golden perfection
✔ Use butter + oil for crispy edges
✔ Whisk custard well for a silky texture

Now, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to answer any final doubts you might have!

FAQs

Is It Possible to Prepare Brioche French Toast in Advance?

Yes! While French toast is best served fresh, you can make it ahead and reheat it later. Here’s how:

✔ Refrigerate: After cooking, let the French toast cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ Freeze: Lay slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
✔ Reheat:

• Oven (Best Method): Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place on a wire rack, and bake for 5–10 minutes until heated through.
• Toaster Oven: Use a medium setting for 3–4 minutes.
• Skillet: Warm over medium-low heat with a bit of butter for a crispy texture.
• Microwave (Not Ideal): Reheat in 15-second bursts, but note it may turn soft.

🔹 Pro Tip: If freezing, separate slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I Use Milk Instead of Heavy Cream?

Yes! While heavy cream makes the custard extra rich, you can substitute it with other options:

✔ Whole Milk: The best substitute—still creamy but lighter.
✔ Half-and-Half: A mix of milk and cream that gives a balanced richness.
✔ Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk for a non-dairy version.
✔ Low-Fat Milk: Works, but the texture will be less creamy.

🔹 Pro Tip: If using a thinner milk, add an extra egg yolk to keep the custard rich.

Why Is My French Toast Soggy?

Soggy French toast happens when the bread absorbs too much liquid or isn’t cooked properly. Here’s how to fix it:

✔ Use Day-Old Brioche: Fresh bread soaks up too much custard, making it mushy. Slightly stale brioche holds its shape better.
✔ Soak for the Right Amount of Time: 10–15 seconds per side is enough—too long makes the bread oversaturated.
✔ Don’t Overload the Pan: If slices are too close together, steam gets trapped, making them soft instead of crisp.
✔ Cook at the Right Temperature: Medium heat ensures the inside cooks through while the outside crisps up.

🔹 Pro Tip: If your French toast is already soggy, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to dry it out slightly.

Can I Make Brioche French Toast Without Eggs?

Yes! If you’re out of eggs or need a vegan option, try these egg substitutes:

✔ Flaxseed Egg: Mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (per egg), let sit for 5 minutes, then use as a replacement.
✔ Mashed Banana: Adds sweetness and binds the custard. Use ¼ cup mashed banana per egg.
✔ Cornstarch Slurry: Whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp milk for a neutral-tasting alternative.
✔ Silken Tofu: Blend ¼ cup silken tofu per egg for a protein-packed alternative.

🔹 Pro Tip: If skipping eggs, add ½ tsp baking powder for a fluffier texture.

What’s the Best Pan to Cook French Toast In?

The right pan makes a big difference in getting an evenly cooked, golden-brown crust. Here’s what works best:

✔ Non-Stick Skillet: Prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
✔ Cast-Iron Skillet: Holds heat well for a crispy, caramelized texture.
✔ Electric Griddle: Perfect for cooking multiple slices at once—set to 325°F (165°C).

🔹 Pro Tip: If using stainless steel, heat the pan properly and use enough butter to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of making the perfect brioche French toast—a rich, buttery, and irresistibly delicious breakfast treat that is sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a cozy morning at home, a special brunch with family and friends, or even a holiday breakfast, this recipe delivers golden, fluffy, custard-soaked perfection every time.