If you’re like me and love waking up to something a little different but still oh-so-comforting, this Waffle French Toast Recipe is a game changer. I absolutely love how this combines the crispy, golden textures of waffles with the soft, custardy goodness of French toast. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become your weekend brunch staple!
This recipe is perfect when you’re craving something quick yet impressive—it only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s super versatile: you can dress it up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or just a drizzle of maple syrup. I find it works beautifully when you want the best of both waffle and French toast worlds without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have breakfast ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The hint of cinnamon and maple syrup makes it comforting with a delicious twist.
- Versatile Bread Options: Works with cinnamon raisin, challah, or your favorite sturdy bread for a great texture.
- Perfect Crispy Texture: The waffle iron gives a satisfyingly crisp exterior that pairs beautifully with a soft inside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Waffle French Toast Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient works harmoniously to give you the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Plus, a quick note—using a good quality bread will seriously elevate the dish.
- Eggs: They create the custard base that gives French toast its signature richness.
- Milk: Adds just the right amount of moisture and helps balance the eggs.
- Maple Syrup: I love using pure maple syrup—it adds natural sweetness and depth.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): Adds warm spice notes; I often use it for a little extra comfort on chilly mornings.
- Bread: I recommend something sturdy like cinnamon raisin, challah, or pain perdu for the best texture and soakability.
Variations
I’m all about making this recipe your own, so don’t be shy with substitutions or add-ons! Over time, I’ve tried several tweaks that keep things exciting while sticking to the cozy base.
- Use Different Breads: Sometimes I swap challah for brioche or even sourdough to switch up flavor and texture.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Adding a splash of vanilla to the egg mix gives a lovely aromatic touch I discovered on a lazy weekend.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can easily sub plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to keep it dairy-free without losing creaminess.
- Spice Variations: Try nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist that my family absolutely enjoys.
How to Make Waffle French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Custard Base
Start by cracking your eggs into a shallow bowl, then whisk in the milk, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk it until everything is combined into a smooth mixture. This is the part where the magic begins—you’ll want the maple syrup well incorporated for that sweet undertone throughout the toast.
Step 2: Soak the Bread Generously
Dip each slice of bread into your custard mixture—make sure to coat both sides fully. I find that giving it about 10 seconds per side soaks up just the right amount without making the bread soggy. Keep an eye on sturdy bread slices like challah; they soak well without falling apart.
Step 3: Cook in the Preheated Waffle Iron
Preheat your waffle iron and give it a quick greasing with non-stick spray or butter. Place the soaked bread slices inside and close the lid gently. The cooking time is usually about 5 minutes—wait until you see that irresistibly golden crust forming. This step is what sets this recipe apart by giving you French toast with a crisp waffle texture on the outside.
Step 4: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!
Once cooked, serve your waffle French toast hot with your favorite toppings. I love it with a pat of butter, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, and some fresh berries for color and brightness.
Pro Tips for Making Waffle French Toast Recipe
- Choose Sturdy Bread: I learned that using thick, sturdy bread prevents sogginess and holds up beautifully in the waffle iron.
- Don’t Over-Soak: Too long in the custard can lead to mushy toast, so dipping for about 10 seconds each side works best for me.
- Grease Your Waffle Iron Well: Prevent sticking by brushing with melted butter or using a non-stick spray before cooking each batch.
- Keep Warm in the Oven: If you’re making multiple batches, place cooked pieces on a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F) to keep them crisp and warm while cooking the rest.
How to Serve Waffle French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
I typically top my waffle French toast with a simple pat of butter and generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Fresh berries and powdered sugar add that little touch of elegance when I have guests over. Sometimes, I even add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs nicely with crispy bacon or sausage if you want a savory contrast. For something lighter, a side of fresh fruit salad or a smoothie complements it perfectly. I love pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or a fresh orange juice to round out brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like stacking the waffle French toast slices into a mini tower layered with whipped cream and berries in between each layer—super impressive but super easy. Another fun idea is cutting them into bite-sized pieces on skewers for brunch parties, turning it into a sweet, handheld treat everyone can enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They last about 2-3 days this way without losing too much moisture or crispness.
Freezing
Freezing waffle French toast works remarkably well! I lay the slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, I can pull out individual portions whenever I want a quick breakfast fix.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the thawed slices in the toaster or oven to revive that crisp, golden exterior. Avoid microwaving if you can—it makes the toast soggy instead of crispy. I find reheating at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes does the trick beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of bread for this Waffle French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While sturdier breads like challah, brioche, or cinnamon raisin work best because they hold up well when soaked, feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that thinner or very soft bread might get soggy or fall apart in the waffle iron.
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Do I need a special waffle iron for this recipe?
Not necessarily! Any standard waffle iron works great. Just make sure it’s properly preheated and lightly greased to prevent sticking. A Belgian waffle iron with deeper grids will give extra crispness, but a classic waffle iron also produces delicious results.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Definitely! For a dairy-free version, swap the milk for almond, soy, or oat milk and use a vegan bread loaf. Making it fully vegan is trickier since eggs are key here, but alternatives like a chickpea flour batter or commercial egg replacers could be experimented with if you’re up for it.
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How do I keep the Waffle French Toast crispy after cooking?
To keep the toast crispy when making multiple servings, place the finished slices on a wire rack in a warm oven set to around 200°F. This prevents them from getting soggy while you finish cooking the rest.
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What toppings do you recommend for this recipe?
I love simple classics like a pat of butter and maple syrup, but fresh fruits, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar all work wonderfully. You can get creative depending on the season or occasion!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Waffle French Toast Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite breakfast hacks. It’s quick, comforting, and so versatile—you really can’t go wrong. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. It’s the kind of recipe I tell all my friends about because it just feels like a little breakfast hug on a plate!
PrintWaffle French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Waffle French Toast combines the best of two breakfast favorites by cooking slices of bread coated in a sweet egg mixture in a waffle iron. This method creates a perfectly crispy exterior with the soft, custardy texture of traditional French toast, providing a delightful twist on a classic morning dish.
Ingredients
Waffle French Toast
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 8 slices of bread (such as cinnamon raisin, challah, pain perdu, or other good-quality bread)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and ground cinnamon (if using) until well combined.
- Coat the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly but without soaking excessively to avoid sogginess.
- Preheat and grease the waffle iron: Heat up your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the French toast: Place the coated bread slices onto the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the cooked waffle French toast and serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread varieties like challah or cinnamon raisin for best results as they hold up well when dipped and cooked.
- Adjust the cinnamon quantity or omit based on your flavor preference.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk.
- Ensure the waffle iron is properly preheated to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 110mg