Bacon French Toast: The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Breakfast Recipe

Bacon French Toast: Prepare to experience a breakfast revelation! Imagine the comforting sweetness of classic French toast, elevated to a whole new level with the salty, smoky crunch of perfectly cooked bacon. It’s a flavor explosion that will redefine your morning routine and leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of Bacon French Toast are shrouded in mystery (likely born from a brilliant late-night craving!), the concept builds upon the time-honored tradition of French toast itself. Dating back to ancient Rome, variations of “pain perdu” (lost bread) have been enjoyed for centuries as a way to revive stale bread. Adding bacon, that quintessential American breakfast staple, simply takes this classic to a decadent and irresistible place.

What makes this dish so universally appealing? It’s the perfect marriage of sweet and savory. The custardy, vanilla-infused bread provides a soft, pillowy base, while the crispy bacon delivers a satisfying salty counterpoint. It’s also incredibly versatile! Enjoy it as a weekend brunch treat, a quick and easy weekday breakfast, or even a surprisingly delicious dessert. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, making Bacon French Toast a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, are you ready to ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the French Toast:
• 1 loaf challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices (about 8-10 slices)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup maple syrup, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
• For the Bacon:
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (for glazing, optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for glazing, optional)
• For the Garnish:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), for serving
• Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Bacon:

1. Cook the Bacon: I like to cook my bacon in the oven for even cooking and less mess. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake the Bacon: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your bacon. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
3. Glaze the Bacon (Optional): While the bacon is baking, prepare the maple glaze, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup maple syrup and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the bacon with the maple glaze. Return to the oven and continue baking until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
4. Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Set aside.

Preparing the French Toast Batter:

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, bourbon (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no streaks of egg yolk. This is your French toast batter!

Soaking and Cooking the French Toast:

1. Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of challah bread into the French toast batter, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Let the bread soak for about 30-60 seconds per side. You want the bread to be saturated with the batter, but not falling apart. Don’t overcrowd the dish; soak the bread in batches.
2. Heat the Pan: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the bread. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
3. Cook the French Toast: Carefully place the soaked bread slices into the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The French toast should be nicely browned and slightly puffed up.
4. Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed. You may need to adjust the heat as you go to prevent the French toast from burning.
5. Keep Warm (Optional): If you’re making a large batch, you can keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven (200°F/95°C) while you finish cooking the rest. Place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Plate the French Toast: Arrange the cooked French toast slices on plates.
2. Add the Bacon: Top each serving of French toast with a few slices of crispy bacon.
3. Garnish: Dust the French toast with powdered sugar. Add fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the bacon French toast immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup on top. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Bacon French Toast:

• Use Good Quality Bread: Challah bread is my favorite for French toast because it’s rich, eggy, and soaks up the batter beautifully. However, you can also use brioche, Texas toast, or even day-old sourdough bread.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the French toast to steam instead of brown. Cook in batches for best results.
• Adjust the Heat: Keep a close eye on the heat and adjust it as needed to prevent the French toast from burning. You may need to lower the heat as the pan gets hotter.
• Keep it Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked French toast warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the rest. This will prevent it from getting cold and soggy.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! In addition to powdered sugar, berries, and whipped cream, you can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the French toast batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just whisk it again before using. You can also cook the bacon ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Bourbon Boost: The bourbon is optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor to the French toast. If you don’t have bourbon, you can substitute rum or brandy. Or, simply omit it altogether.

Variations:

• Savory French Toast: For a savory twist, omit the maple syrup and cinnamon from the batter. Add a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder instead. Serve with a fried egg and a sprinkle of chives.
• Stuffed French Toast: Make a sandwich with cream cheese and berries between two slices of bread before dipping it in the batter. Cook as directed.
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Use cinnamon rolls instead of bread for an extra decadent treat. Slice the cinnamon rolls in half horizontally and dip them in the batter. Cook as directed.
• Vegan French Toast: Use plant-based milk and eggs to make a vegan version of this recipe. There are many great vegan egg substitutes available on the market.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Bacon French Toast recipe is truly a game-changer, a delightful collision of sweet and savory that will redefine your brunch expectations. I know, I know, it sounds a little wild, but trust me on this one. The crispy, salty bacon perfectly complements the custardy, sweet French toast, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor impact. It’s the perfect way to impress your friends and family at your next brunch gathering, or simply treat yourself to a decadent weekend breakfast. Forget boring toast – this is an experience! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover bacon you might have (though, let’s be honest, is there ever *really* leftover bacon?).

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly indulgent experience, top your Bacon French Toast with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream – it’s surprisingly delicious!

Looking for savory options? A fried egg on top takes this dish to a whole new level. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds a touch of freshness and color. You could even add a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a tangy twist.

For variations, consider using different types of bread. Challah bread makes for an extra rich and decadent French toast, while sourdough adds a subtle tang. You can also experiment with different types of bacon. Applewood smoked bacon adds a hint of sweetness, while peppered bacon provides a spicy kick. If you’re not a fan of bacon (gasp!), you could even try using prosciutto or pancetta.

And don’t forget the dipping sauce! While maple syrup is a classic choice, you could also try a homemade berry compote, a caramel sauce, or even a savory cheese sauce. The possibilities are endless!

This recipe is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. So, go ahead, unleash your inner chef and experiment with different flavors and textures. I guarantee you’ll create a Bacon French Toast masterpiece that’s uniquely your own.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe it will become a new favorite in your household. Once you’ve given it a whirl, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family and friends think?

Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below! I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Let’s build a community of Bacon French Toast enthusiasts! Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a surefire way to start your day off right. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. After all, the best recipes are the ones that are made with love and a little bit of creativity. So, get in the kitchen and start cooking! You won’t regret it.