Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe

If you’re anything like me, breakfast is the one meal where a little indulgence feels just right—hello, weekend vibes! That’s why I am super excited to share this fan-freaking-tastic Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe. Imagine soft, gooey cinnamon roll flavors baked right into bite-sized French toast pieces, paired perfectly with salty, crispy turkey bacon. Trust me, once you try this combo, it’ll become your go-to brunch or breakfast treat that everyone at your table will rave about.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crunchy Meets Soft: The crispy turkey bacon adds an irresistible contrast to the tender, cinnamon-soaked bites.
  • Super Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and fuss make it perfect for a delicious weekend breakfast or brunch.
  • Family Favorite: My family literally cheers when I make these; they vanish before I get seconds!
  • Versatile & Fun: Serve them up with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream to easily personalize every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from using cinnamon swirl bread, which brings the cinnamon roll flavor without extra work. You’ll also need a few pantry basics and some turkey bacon to nail that sweet & savory combo.

  • Cinnamon swirl bread: Look for a loaf with a visible cinnamon swirl—it’s the base for those cinnamon roll vibes.
  • Large eggs: These help soak your bread bites and provide structure to the custard.
  • Milk: Whole or 2% works best for a rich custard.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor—don’t skip it!
  • Ground cinnamon: Intensifies that cinnamon kick without overpowering.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the custard just right to balance the bacon’s saltiness.
  • Turkey bacon: Lean, smoky, and crisps up beautifully, making it the perfect savory sidekick.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to play around!

  • Use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon: When I first made this, I swapped in thick-cut bacon and loved the extra smoky richness.
  • Try different breads: If you can’t find cinnamon swirl bread, challah or brioche works well—even if it lacks cinnamon swirl, you can sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top.
  • Make it dairy-free: Swap milk for almond or oat milk and use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
  • Add fruit: Toss in some fresh blueberries or sliced apples before baking for a fruity twist I adore.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Start by cutting your cinnamon swirl bread into bite-size cubes—think roughly 1 to 1.5 inches. I love this step because it’s quick, and those little bites soak up just the right amount of custard. Pro tip: If your bread is a tad fresh, let the cubes sit out for 15 minutes to dry out slightly; it helps them soak up the egg mixture without turning soggy.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, ground cinnamon, and sugar until everything is combined and smooth. This custard is the flavor and moisture powerhouse of your dish, so mixing it well ensures every bite is packed with that sweet cinnamon goodness.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes

Pour the custard over your bread cubes and gently fold to combine. I like to do this slowly to make sure each cube soaks up just the right amount without breaking apart. Let the mixture rest for about 5-10 minutes—this resting time is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Grease your baking dish and arrange the soaked bread cubes evenly. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and set. You’ll know it’s done when the surface is lightly crisp but the inside remains soft and custardy. A gentle jiggle in the middle is a telltale sign it’s perfectly baked.

Step 5: Fry Your Crispy Turkey Bacon

While your bites bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the turkey bacon until it’s irresistibly crispy. I usually lay the slices out without crowding the pan, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. The crispy bacon really balances the sweetness of the French toast bites beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites warm, topping each helping with those crispy turkey bacon slices. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with maple syrup, and watch everyone’s faces light up. This combo has become my family’s weekend ritual—we all look forward to it!

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the bread soak for a few minutes before baking makes the inside perfectly soft, so don’t rush this.
  • Even Sizing Matters: Cutting the bread cubes uniformly helps them cook evenly—no sad, burnt outsides with undercooked centers here!
  • Crisp Bacon Last Minute: Cook your turkey bacon just before serving to keep it extra crispy—making all the difference texture-wise.
  • Watch Your Oven Time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out your bites.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a simple dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of pure maple syrup—that classic sweetness is hard to beat. Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries also add a pop of color and tartness I really enjoy. Sometimes I even sprinkle a little chopped pecans on top for crunch, which is a total game-changer.

Side Dishes

Since this recipe is hearty enough on its own, you might want to keep sides light. A fresh fruit salad or some Greek yogurt with honey pairs beautifully. If you want something savory alongside, a simple green salad or avocado slices balance the sweet and salty components perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, I’ve arranged these bites on a rustic wooden board with piles of bacon artistically placed alongside—looks stunning and invites guests to help themselves. Another fun idea: serve the bites in small mason jars layered with whipped cream and berry compote for a layered French toast parfait twist. It’s a hit every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers (which isn’t often!), I store the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for about 2–3 days, making them perfect for quick breakfasts during busy mornings.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bites on occasion, and they freeze beautifully! Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months—great for those “make ahead” breakfast options.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the bites in the toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes—this keeps the outside nice and crisp without drying out the inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that amazing texture; I learned that the hard way!

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular French bread or other bread types for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While cinnamon swirl bread gives the best cinnamon roll flavor, you can use challah, brioche, or even regular French bread. Just be sure to add a bit more cinnamon or vanilla to compensate for the missing swirl when using non-cinnamon bread.

  2. Is turkey bacon the only option for the crispy side?

    Nope! I often switch between turkey bacon and regular bacon depending on what I have on hand or how indulgent I feel. Both work great, though turkey bacon is leaner and crisps nicely.

  3. Can I prepare the cinnamon roll bites the night before?

    Yes, prepping the soaked bread cubes the night before and baking them fresh in the morning adds convenience. Just cover and refrigerate the mixture, then bake as instructed when you’re ready.

  4. How sweet are these—should I add syrup?

    They’re delightfully sweet on their own due to the cinnamon swirl bread and sugar in the custard, but adding maple syrup is a personal favorite for me (and many of my guests), because it enhances the flavor without overpowering.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe is hands-down one of my best breakfast discoveries—I love how it brings the warmth of cinnamon rolls together with the comfort of French toast, all in tiny, shareable bites. Paired with that perfectly crispy turkey bacon, it feels like a little celebration every time you eat it. I really hope you give it a try and find yourself making it over and over; it’s perfect for those cozy mornings where you want something special without too much fuss.

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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites with Crispy Turkey Bacon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites paired with crispy turkey bacon create a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Soft, cinnamon-spiced bread cubes soaked in a rich custard mixture are baked until golden and tender, then served with savory, crispy turkey bacon for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 loaf cinnamon swirl bread
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Side

  • 8 slices turkey bacon


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the French toast bites.
  2. Prepare Bread: Cut the cinnamon swirl bread into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large bowl, ensuring even pieces for consistent soaking and baking.
  3. Mix Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sugar until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and gently fold to coat all pieces evenly without breaking them apart.
  5. Arrange for Baking: Grease a baking dish and spread the soaked bread cubes evenly in it, ensuring an even layer.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the bites are puffed and golden brown on top.
  7. Cook Turkey Bacon: While the French toast bites bake, cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
  8. Serve: Serve the warm cinnamon roll French toast bites topped with crispy turkey bacon, optionally drizzling maple syrup over for extra sweetness.

Notes

  • For extra sweetness, drizzle maple syrup over the French toast bites before serving.
  • You can substitute regular bacon for turkey bacon if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
  • The cinnamon swirl bread is key for authentic cinnamon roll flavor; do not substitute with plain bread.
  • Ensure the bread is fully soaked but not overly saturated to avoid soggy bites.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe with 1-2 slices turkey bacon)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

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