If you’ve been looking for a delicious way to shake up your breakfast routine, let me introduce you to French Toast Waffles! This delightful hybrid combines the crispy texture of waffles with the soft, flavorful goodness of French toast. It’s the perfect comfort dish to start your day on a sweet note.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy and Soft: The unique texture is an irresistible blend of crispy and tender in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with kitchen staples, you’ll have everything you need to whip this up anytime!
- Versatile Delight: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner—it fits any occasion.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead and enjoy them later with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients. This French Toast Waffles recipe relies on just a handful of essentials that each play a crucial role in delivering that perfect blend of flavor and texture. Trust me, using good-quality ingredients makes all the difference!
- Challah Bread: Its rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft texture are perfect for soaking up the custardy mixture.
- 2% Milk: Provides the right amount of moisture to bind everything together without making the batter too heavy.
- Eggs: Essential for the custard base, giving the dish its classic French toast feel.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that pairs beautifully with maple syrup.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings a sweet aroma and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter slightly and helps achieve a nice golden color.
- Butter and Maple Syrup: For topping and adding richness and sweetness.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, perfect for those days when you feel like experimenting or need to accommodate specific dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute your favorite gluten-free bread, and it’s as easy as that.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Use almond or oat milk for those sensitive to dairy, keeping the dish delightfully creamy.
- Fruity Additions: Mix in some fresh berries or sliced bananas for an extra burst of flavor and color.
How to Make French Toast Waffles
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by slicing your challah bread into thick, one-inch pieces. This thickness helps the bread soak up just the right amount of egg mixture, ensuring each piece is flavorful to the core without falling apart.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined. This custard will infuse your French Toast Waffles with that classic, comforting flavor we all love.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Dunk each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Allow them to soak just enough to absorb the flavors without becoming too soft.
Step 4: Cook in Waffle Iron
Place the custard-soaked bread onto a preheated waffle iron. Cook until each one is golden and slightly crisp, then move them to a wire rack to keep them from getting soggy while you prepare the rest.
Pro Tips for Making French Toast Waffles
- Perfect Soak Time: Allow the bread slices to soak just briefly enough to absorb flavors but not so much that they become soggy.
- Ideal Waffle Iron Heat: Preheat the waffle iron thoroughly. This ensures an even, golden brown finish with the perfect crispness.
- Keep Them Warm: Place cooked waffles on a wire rack instead of stacking to keep them from getting soggy as you finish the batch.
- Ingredient Freshness: Use fresh eggs and good-quality vanilla extract to maximize flavor.
How to Serve French Toast Waffles
Garnishes
Top your French Toast Waffles with a generous pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for classic flair. For added elegance, sprinkle some powdered sugar or add a dash of cinnamon on top.
Side Dishes
Pair these waffles with crispy bacon or savory sausage links for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Fresh fruit provides a light and refreshing contrast that complements the rich waffles.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your French Toast Waffles with whipped cream or yogurt between each one, and top with fresh berries or compote for a stunning brunch centerpiece. Present them on a rustic serving board for a touch of charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to three days. This way, you can have a quick and delicious breakfast ready for busy mornings.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making breakfast planning a breeze!
Reheating
For the crispiest texture, pop the waffles into the toaster straight from the freezer. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a softer result, making them just as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While challah offers a nice balance of richness and texture, any thick-cut bread like brioche, cinnamon raisin, or even day-old French bread will work beautifully.
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How do I prevent the waffles from sticking to the iron?
Make sure to preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron. You can brush it with melted butter or use a non-stick spray to help the waffles release easily.
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Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk before using it to ensure everything is fully combined.
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What’s the best way to serve them for a crowd?
Keep cooked waffles in a warm oven (around 200°F) on a wire rack so they stay warm and crispy as you prepare the batch. This also makes serving seamless when entertaining.
Final Thoughts
These French Toast Waffles are the perfect way to transform a simple breakfast into something exciting and memorable. I warmly invite you to try this recipe; it’s a delightful treat that’s sure to become a new favorite at your table. Enjoy every crispy, custardy bite!
Print
French Toast Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 waffles
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful French Toast Waffles recipe combines the rich, sweet flavors of classic French toast with the crispy texture of waffles, making for a versatile breakfast treat. Using challah bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, then cooked to golden perfection on a waffle iron, it’s a perfect way to elevate your morning menu. Serve with butter and maple syrup for an indulgent start to your day or freeze for quick breakfasts during busy mornings.
Ingredients
For the Waffles
- 1 loaf Challah bread
- 1 cup 2% milk (8 ounces)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (8 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 grams)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (36 grams)
- Butter, for cooking and serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Slice the challah bread into thick slices about an inch thick, ensuring each piece will fit comfortably into your waffle iron.
- Make the egg mixture: In a medium bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Dip the bread: Dunk each slice of bread into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak for a few seconds to absorb some of the mixture, but not so long that it becomes overly soggy.
- Cook the waffles: Preheat your waffle iron. Lightly grease with butter if necessary. Place the coated bread slices into the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes depending on your appliance.
- Repeat: Remove the cooked waffles and place on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter if needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately with melted butter and warm maple syrup. Optionally, top with fresh fruit or powdered sugar for extra flair.
Notes
- This recipe works beautifully with challah bread, but also with cinnamon bread, French bread, or cinnamon raisin bread for different flavors.
- Stale bread works well, making this a great way to use up leftovers.
- Cool the cooked waffles on a wire rack to prevent sogginess if not serving immediately.
- Freeze leftover waffles in an airtight bag; reheat in a toaster for crispiness or in a microwave for softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle (about 85 grams)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 9 grams
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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