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Easy Brioche French Toast (Crispy Outside, Custardy Inside)

Easy Brioche French Toast (Crispy Outside, Custardy Inside)

5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast
Cuisine: American, French
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices Trader Joe’s Braided & Sliced Brioche
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter for the pan
For Serving
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Maple syrup optional

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Make the Custard
  2. In a shallow bowl whisk together:
  3. Eggs
  4. Milk
  5. Vanilla
  6. Cinnamon
  7. Salt
  8. Whisk until completely smooth.
  9. Step 2: Dip the Bread
  10. Dip each slice for about:
  11. 10–15 seconds on the first side
  12. 5–10 seconds on the second side
  13. Do not soak for too long.
  14. Brioche absorbs liquid quickly.
  15. Step 3: Heat the Pan
  16. Melt butter over medium heat.
  17. The pan should be hot enough that the butter gently sizzles but doesn’t brown immediately.
  18. Step 4: Cook
  19. Cook French toast for:
  20. 3–4 minutes per side
  21. Until deeply golden brown and lightly crisp.
  22. Step 5: Serve
  23. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries.
  24. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use Slightly Stale Brioche

Bread that is 1–3 days old absorbs custard better and stays fluffy inside.

Don’t Oversoak

The most common mistake is soaking brioche too long.
A quick dip is enough.

Cook Over Medium Heat

High heat burns the outside before the center cooks.

Let Excess Custard Drip Off

Shake gently before placing into the skillet.

Keep Warm

Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing the batch.

Variations

Berry French Toast

Top with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast

Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle while warm.

Stuffed French Toast

Add cream cheese between two slices before dipping.

Protein French Toast

Add 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder to the custard.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my French toast soggy?

Usually because:
  • Bread is too fresh
  • Bread soaked too long
  • Too much milk
  • Pan wasn’t hot enough

Can I use fresh brioche?

Yes, but day-old brioche gives the best texture.

Can I make French toast without vanilla?

Absolutely.
Vanilla adds flavor but isn’t required.

Why does French toast taste too eggy?

Too many eggs.
The 2 eggs to ¾ cup milk ratio prevents that.

What milk works best?

Whole milk gives the richest texture, but:
  • 2% milk
  • Oat milk
  • Almond milk
all work well.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes.
Store in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer.

What to Serve With French Toast

  • Fresh berries
  • Crispy bacon
  • Breakfast sausage
  • Whipped cream
  • Maple syrup

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!