If you’ve ever wondered how to make french toast waffles that combine the crisp texture of waffles with the rich, custardy goodness of classic French toast, you’re in for a treat. This delightful twist transforms simple slices of brioche bread into golden pockets of cinnamon-spiced goodness, creating a breakfast that’s both satisfyingly crispy and decadently soft inside. Perfect for weekend brunches or any morning you want to feel a little extra special, learning how to make french toast waffles is easier than you think—and the result is pure comfort on a plate.

how to make french toast waffles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To master how to make french toast waffles, you’ll want to gather a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a key role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma. Each component enhances the final dish, from the buttery brioche bread to the warm spices that create that irresistible breakfast scent.

6 slices brioche bread: This rich, tender bread soaks up the custard without falling apart, giving you that perfect balance of soft and crispy.
3 large eggs: Eggs provide the custardy base that binds the flavors and helps create the structure of the dish.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and elevates the texture beyond a simple egg mixture.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: The signature warm spice giving french toast its iconic flavor.
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: A subtle spice that deepens the flavor complexity without overpowering.
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a fragrant and slightly sweet note, perfectly complementing cinnamon.
1/4 teaspoon cardamom: This unique spice brings an exotic touch and a hint of citrusy warmth.
1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the custard and helps with caramelization for that golden crust.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used for cooking to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown color and a rich buttery finish.

How to Make how to make french toast waffles

Step 1: Prepare Your Custard Mixture

Begin by cracking the eggs into a large mixing bowl, then pour in the heavy cream. Whisk these together until they’re thoroughly combined, creating the base for your custard. Next, mix in the cinnamon, sugar, a pinch of salt, and those beautiful warm spices — cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom. This aromatic egg mixture is what will transform your brioche slices into fluffy, flavorful french toast waffles.

Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface

Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add your unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly, coating the pan evenly so your french toast waffles develop a rich golden crust without sticking. The moderate heat allows the inside to cook fully while ensuring a crisp outside.

Step 3: Dip and Cook the Bread

Working with two slices of brioche at a time, dip each piece into the egg mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated but not soggy. Place the bread slices gently onto the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom turns a beautiful golden brown. Carefully flip with a spatula and cook the other side until it’s just as golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Keep the Waffles Crisp

As you finish cooking, avoid stacking your french toast waffles on top of each other. Instead, lay them flat on a large sheet pan or cooling rack. This helps keep their edges crisp and prevents them from becoming soggy as they cool, maintaining that wonderful contrast of textures that makes this dish so addictive.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your french toast waffles are now ready to be served! Whether you enjoy them simply dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup and fresh fruit, these waffles offer an elevated breakfast experience that’s both comforting and impressive.

How to Serve how to make french toast waffles

Garnishes

Garnishing your french toast waffles is a fun and delicious way to personalize the dish. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts add vibrant color and texture contrasts. Don’t underestimate the magic of a dusting of powdered sugar or a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup—classic toppings that never fail to delight.

Side Dishes

For a satisfying breakfast, pair your french toast waffles with crisp bacon or sausage to add savoriness. A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or whipped cream balances the spices with a cool freshness. Seasonal fruit compotes or freshly squeezed orange juice make for bright, refreshing complements to this rich dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your french toast waffles with layers of whipped cream and fresh fruit in between for a beautiful breakfast tower that looks as good as it tastes. Serving individual portions on stylish plates with a small bowl of syrup or honey on the side allows everyone to customize their perfect bite. For a brunch party, arrange the waffles on a large platter garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover french toast waffles keep well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Laying them flat and separated with parchment paper helps avoid sogginess and preserves their crispy edges.

Freezing

If you want to save your french toast waffles for later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled waffles on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, toast the waffles in a toaster or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps restore their crispiness while warming them through. Avoid the microwave if you crave that perfect contrast between crunchy outside and tender inside.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than brioche for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche offers the richest flavor and texture, you can also try challah, white sandwich bread, or even thick-sliced sourdough. Just be sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the custard without falling apart.

How is how to make french toast waffles different from regular french toast?

This recipe focuses on cooking french toast in a waffle iron or creating a waffle-like texture by crisping the outer edges, resulting in a crisper, slightly thicker bite. It’s a fun hybrid that gives you the best of both worlds: waffle crispiness combined with french toast flavor.

Why is it important not to stack the french toast waffles after cooking?

Stacking traps steam, which makes the waffles soggy. To keep that delightful crispy exterior, it’s best to let them cool separately on a flat surface.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or any other dairy-free cream alternative. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.

Is it okay to prepare the batter the night before?

For best results, it’s recommended to prepare the egg mixture fresh before cooking. The spices and sugar can separate or settle if left too long, which may affect flavor and texture. However, you can slice your bread and have everything prepped to make morning cooking faster.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make french toast waffles, you’re ready to transform your breakfast routine with a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, these waffles deliver incredible flavor and texture that feel like a special occasion any day of the week. So grab your favorite toppings and enjoy the delicious magic of homemade french toast waffles!

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