There are some recipes that just seem to get better every time you make them. French Toast Waffles are one of those dishes that quickly go from a fun idea to a permanent part of your weekend breakfast routine. Imagine the crispy, golden exterior of a waffle combined with the soft, custardy inside of French toast. It’s a sweet, comforting dish that’s perfect for lazy mornings, brunch gatherings, or when you just want to treat yourself to something special. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. This recipe is a total game-changer for your breakfast game!
I first discovered this combo at a cozy brunch spot in my neighborhood, and it was love at first bite. The best part? You don’t need to go out to enjoy this indulgent breakfast. In fact, making French Toast Waffles at home is simpler than you think, and I’ll walk you through every step, offering tips and tricks along the way. This is a recipe your family will beg for every weekend.
So, why do I love these French Toast Waffles? They’re fluffy and crispy in all the right ways, with just the right amount of sweetness and flavor. The outside is golden and crispy, thanks to the waffle iron, while the inside stays tender and perfectly custardy, just like French toast should be. Topped with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream, these waffles are the ultimate breakfast treat. Ready to dive into this sweet, crispy, deliciousness? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
French Toast Waffles are a breakfast lover’s dream come true. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
1. Easy to Make
You don’t have to be a professional chef to make French Toast Waffles. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a breakfast that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy brunch spot. The hardest part? Deciding how to top them!
2. Crispy and Tender
The waffle iron creates the perfect crispy edges while keeping the inside soft and custardy, just like traditional French toast. It’s the best of both worlds in every bite.
3. Versatile Toppings
You can go as simple or as indulgent as you want with toppings. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or top with fresh fruit and whipped cream for an extra treat.
4. Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike will adore these. Plus, the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, making it perfect for feeding a crowd on lazy weekend mornings.
5. Great for Meal Prep
Want to make breakfast for the week? These waffles freeze beautifully. You can make a big batch, freeze them, and then reheat in the toaster for a quick and delicious breakfast all week long.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 (depending on portion size)
Nutrition Facts
Calories per serving: 250
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 12g
Ingredients for French Toast Waffles
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy, custardy French Toast Waffles:
- 4 large eggs – The base of your custard mixture. Eggs create the structure and help the bread soak up the liquid.
- 1 cup milk – Whole milk works best for richness, but you can substitute with any milk you prefer.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – For that warm, comforting flavor that makes French toast so delicious.
- 1 tbsp cinnamon – This is what makes French toast taste like home. The cinnamon adds a warm, cozy spice.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (Brioche, challah, or Texas toast work wonderfully!) – The thicker the bread, the better it soaks up the custard.
- Butter – To grease the waffle iron. You want the waffles to come out golden and crispy.
- Maple syrup – For drizzling on top. Nothing beats real maple syrup for that sweet, rich flavor.
- Fresh berries or whipped cream (optional) – Add some fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. You want to create a custard base that will soak into the bread and give it that rich, flavorful texture. Don’t skip the cinnamon! It’s key to the delicious flavor of French toast.
2. Preheat the Waffle Iron
While you’re mixing the custard, preheat your waffle iron. This is important because you want it nice and hot when you add the bread. Lightly grease the plates with butter to ensure the waffles don’t stick.
3. Soak the Bread
Take your thick-cut slices of bread and dip them into the custard mixture. Let the bread soak for a few seconds on each side so that it absorbs the liquid but doesn’t become soggy. You want a good soak, but not to the point where the bread falls apart.
4. Cook the Waffles
Once the bread is soaked, place it in the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook the waffles for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Depending on the thickness of your bread and the heat of your waffle iron, you might need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the French toast waffles are done, remove them from the waffle iron and serve them immediately. You can serve them with a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a handful of fresh berries. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top them with whipped cream!
How to Serve French Toast Waffles
French Toast Waffles are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert! Here are a few serving suggestions to make your dish even more delicious:
- Classic Maple Syrup: Drizzle with warm maple syrup for the ultimate sweet touch.
- Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, and add a dollop of whipped cream for a festive touch.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar makes these waffles feel extra special.
- Nutella or Peanut Butter: If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, spread a thin layer of Nutella or peanut butter between the waffles for a rich, creamy bite.
Additional Tips for Perfect French Toast Waffles
- Use Thick-Cut Bread
Opt for thick-cut bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast. The thicker slices hold up better to the custard and give you the perfect texture. Thin bread can get soggy and won’t hold the custard as well. - Let the Bread Soak for Just the Right Amount of Time
Don’t rush the soaking process. Give the bread enough time to absorb the custard, but be careful not to let it sit too long, or it will become soggy. A few seconds on each side is all you need. - Preheat the Waffle Iron
Make sure your waffle iron is preheated and ready to go before adding the bread. This ensures a crispy exterior and soft interior. - Butter the Waffle Iron
Don’t skip the buttering step. This helps prevent the waffles from sticking to the plates and gives them that perfect crispy texture. - Freeze Leftovers for Later
Made too many? No problem! These waffles freeze wonderfully. Simply let them cool, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. To reheat, pop them in the toaster for a quick breakfast any day of the week.
Recipe Variations
While this French Toast Waffle recipe is already amazing, here are a few fun variations to switch things up:
1. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Waffles
For a cinnamon roll twist, use cinnamon roll dough instead of bread. Cut the dough into pieces and dip them in the custard mixture, then cook them in the waffle iron. You’ll have the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the crispy, fluffy texture of French toast waffles.
2. Stuffed French Toast Waffles
If you’re craving something extra decadent, stuff your French Toast Waffles with cream cheese or Nutella before cooking. This creates a gooey filling that’s irresistible!
3. Vegan French Toast Waffles
To make this recipe vegan, swap out the eggs and dairy for plant-based options. Use almond milk and a flaxseed mixture instead of eggs. You’ll get a similar texture and flavor without the animal products.
4. Savory French Toast Waffles
If you’re more of a savory breakfast person, try adding some savory spices (like garlic powder or onion powder) to the custard mixture. Top with crispy bacon (turkey bacon for halal) and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-savory balance.
FAQ Section
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the French Toast Waffles a day ahead. Just soak the bread and store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to cook, simply cook them in the waffle iron as usual.
Can I freeze French Toast Waffles?
Absolutely! After cooking, let the waffles cool and then freeze them. To reheat, just pop them in the toaster or oven until crispy and warm.
What if I don’t have a waffle iron?
No problem! You can still make French Toast on a griddle or in a skillet. Just cook the soaked bread on medium heat until both sides are golden and crispy.
Conclusion
French Toast Waffles are a delicious, easy-to-make breakfast that combines two classic favorites into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch or just treating yourself to a weekend breakfast, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to get creative with toppings, and try out some fun variations to keep things exciting!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this comforting, crispy, and tender breakfast treat. And, when you make them, be sure to snap a photo and tag me—I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy!