If you’re anything like me, breakfast is a wonderful excuse to get creative in the kitchen, and this Waffle French Toast Recipe is my all-time favorite way to elevate a classic morning meal. Imagine the crispy golden exterior of a waffle combined with the custardy richness of French toast — it’s honestly the best of both worlds! I love serving this on slow weekend mornings when we all have a little extra time to savor every bite.
What makes this Waffle French Toast Recipe so special is how simple it is, yet you get such an impressive result. From the sweet hints of cinnamon and maple syrup to the crispy edges and tender center, every slice feels like a warm hug on a plate. You’ll find that this recipe is perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or even a cozy solo treat with a cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Custardy: Combines the best crispiness of waffles with the soft, tender inside of French toast.
- Quick to Make: You can whip it up in around 10 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunches.
- Versatile Bread Options: Works wonderfully with cinnamon raisin, challah, or any sturdy bread you like.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too once you try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess in your Waffle French Toast Recipe. I always recommend using good-quality eggs and fresh bread to get the best flavor and texture.
- Eggs: Large eggs help create the custard that soaks into the bread, giving richness.
- Milk: Milk thins out the egg mixture; whole milk adds extra creaminess, but you can use what you have.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that’s better than plain sugar.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors without making it taste salty.
- Ground Cinnamon: Optional, but I swear cinnamon makes everything better — adds warmth and spice.
- Bread: I love to use cinnamon raisin, challah, or pain perdu bread because they soak up the custard without getting soggy.
Variations
One of the best things about this Waffle French Toast Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like to experiment with different add-ins or toppings depending on the season or mood — it keeps breakfast exciting and personal.
- Use different breads: When I tried brioche instead of challah, the fluffiness took it over the top!
- Swap maple syrup for honey or agave: Great if you want a different sweetness profile or need a vegan option.
- Add vanilla extract: A teaspoon of vanilla in the egg mixture adds a lovely subtle flavor.
- Make it savory: Skip the cinnamon and maple syrup, add salt, pepper, and herbs — then top with cheese and bacon!
How to Make Waffle French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Start by cracking your eggs into a shallow bowl. Whisk them together with the milk, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. I like to make sure the mixture is smooth and a bit frothy — this helps the bread soak up just the right amount without getting soggy.
Step 2: Dip the Bread Thoroughly
Take each slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture, coating both sides well. Don’t rush this step — let the bread soak a few seconds so it absorbs the custard nicely. I usually do this one slice at a time to avoid dripping and mess.
Step 3: Cook in the Preheated Waffle Iron
Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Place the coated bread slices inside and close the lid. Let them cook for about 5 minutes — you’re looking for a golden brown, crispy outside with a tender inside. This step is where the magic really happens!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, transfer your waffle French toast to a plate and add your favourite toppings or sides. I love pairing mine with fresh fruit and a generous drizzle of real maple syrup. It’s such a comforting and delicious way to start the day!
Pro Tips for Making Waffle French Toast Recipe
- Bread Choice Matters: Use bread that’s a day or two old — it soaks better and won’t fall apart.
- Don’t Overfill the Waffle Iron: Place one slice at a time to avoid overflow and sticking.
- Let It Rest Briefly: After cooking, let the waffle French toast rest a minute for the texture to set perfectly.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Every waffle iron is different — check early to avoid burning and adjust time as needed.
How to Serve Waffle French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a light, fresh finish. Sometimes, a pat of butter melting slowly and a drizzle of warm maple syrup are all you need. For a little extra indulgence, whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt also pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I usually throw on some crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit or a simple green salad also works well if you want something lighter. Coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice are my go-to drinks to pair with this.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered these waffles with mascarpone and berry compote for a fancy brunch twist. You can also cut the waffles into triangles and skewer them with fruit for fun fruit-and-toast kabobs at a party — kids love it! Playing with presentation makes it feel extra special without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover waffle French toast (though that hardly ever happens in my house), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I’ve found that letting it cool completely before storing helps keep the texture intact when you reheat.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Lay the cooked waffle French toast slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. It’s a lifesaver for quick breakfasts later on.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a toaster or toaster oven to bring back the crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you can — it tends to make the texture soggy. A quick reheat in the oven also works great if you’re warming up several slices at once.
FAQs
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Can I make this Waffle French Toast Recipe with gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use sturdy gluten-free bread that can hold up when dipped in the custard mixture. Thick slices of gluten-free sourdough or challah work best to prevent falling apart.
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What kind of waffle iron should I use?
Any standard waffle iron will do, but I prefer one with deeper grids to get those nice crisp pockets. Non-stick surfaces or a little butter will help prevent sticking.
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Can I prepare the egg mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the eggs, milk, syrup, and spices up to a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick whisk before dipping your bread for even coating.
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Is it necessary to use maple syrup in the custard?
Maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness and depth, but you can substitute with honey, agave nectar, or even a teaspoon of sugar if you prefer. It’s all about your taste preferences!
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How do I know when my waffle French toast is cooked through?
Look for a golden brown crust and a firm exterior. The waffle iron will usually beep or indicate when done, but you can gently open and check if it’s crispy and cooked without soggy spots.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Waffle French Toast Recipe has become my go-to for impressing guests and delighting my family without spending lots of time on breakfast. I absolutely love how the flavors and textures come together, delivering something a little special without a fuss. Give it a try next weekend — I’m sure you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like me!
PrintWaffle French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Waffle French Toast recipe combines the classic flavors of French toast with the crispy texture of waffles. Eggs, milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon blend together to create a sweet and flavorful coating for your favorite bread, which is then cooked in a waffle iron until golden and crisp. Perfect for a delightful breakfast treat that’s easy and quick to prepare.
Ingredients
Waffle French Toast Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt, a pinch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 8 slices bread (such as cinnamon raisin, challah, pain perdu, or other good bread)
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and ground cinnamon if using. Mix until fully combined to create a flavorful custard.
- Coat the bread: Dip each side of the bread slices into the egg mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated but not soaked through to the point of falling apart.
- Preheat and grease the waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cook the bread in the waffle iron: Place the coated bread slices onto the preheated waffle iron and cook for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the waffle French toast carefully and serve immediately with desired accompaniments such as syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best results, as it holds up better when dipped in the egg mixture.
- You can experiment with different types of bread like brioche, sourdough, or whole grain for different textures and flavors.
- Adding cinnamon is optional but adds a warm, spiced flavor to the dish.
- Ensure the waffle iron is well greased to prevent sticking and aid easy removal.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture before it softens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 110mg