Soft & Custardy Brioche French Toast: A Simple Way to Make Breakfast Feel Special
There’s something about French toast that feels like a small celebration. It’s familiar, comforting, and just indulgent enough to turn an ordinary morning into something slower and more intentional. This brown butter brioche French toast is exactly that kind of recipe — simple to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch.
What makes this version stand out is the combination of rich brioche bread and nutty brown butter. Brioche has a naturally tender crumb and a subtle sweetness that soaks up custard beautifully without falling apart. Finishing the toast in the oven keeps the inside soft and custardy while the outside stays golden and lightly crisp. And the brown butter? That’s the finishing touch that adds warmth and depth without any extra fuss.
It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
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Why Brioche Makes the Best French Toast
While you can make French toast with almost any bread, brioche brings something special to the table. Its soft texture and buttery flavor create a richer result, and the thicker slices hold up well when dipped in custard. The goal is a slice that’s tender in the center but still structured enough to cook evenly.
If you’ve ever had French toast that turned out soggy, it usually comes down to the bread. Slightly stale or day-old brioche absorbs the custard more evenly, preventing the toast from becoming too soft during cooking. If your bread is fresh, letting it sit out overnight or giving it a quick toast can make all the difference.
Looking for something lighter, try our
The Secret to Custardy French Toast
The custard is where the magic happens. A simple mixture of milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar adds just enough sweetness while letting the bread’s flavor shine through. The key is soaking each slice briefly so it absorbs flavor without becoming overly saturated.
Cooking the slices in butter until golden creates that classic French toast texture — lightly crisp edges with a tender center. From there, a short time in the oven ensures everything cooks through evenly and gives the toast a gentle puff that feels bakery-worthy without any extra effort.
Brown Butter: Small Step, Big Flavor
Brown butter might sound fancy, but it’s one of the easiest ways to add depth to a dish. As butter cooks, the milk solids toast and develop a warm, nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of maple syrup. It takes just a few minutes and instantly elevates the finished dish.
If you’ve never made brown butter before, this recipe is a great place to start. Just keep an eye on it as it cooks and remove it from the heat once it turns golden and fragrant. That’s it — no special equipment required.
Perfect for Slow Mornings or Brunch
This is the kind of recipe that fits beautifully into a relaxed morning routine. It’s simple enough to make without feeling rushed, but it still feels special enough to serve when you have guests over. Pair it with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a hot cup of coffee, and you have a breakfast that feels complete without being complicated.
It’s also a great reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be elaborate to feel thoughtful. Sometimes the best meals come from taking a classic and giving it just a little extra attention.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about French toast is how adaptable it is. You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for extra warmth, top it with fresh berries for brightness, or sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a classic finish. Even a spoonful of whipped cream can turn it into a brunch centerpiece.
However you serve it, the foundation stays the same — soft, custardy bread, golden edges, and that rich drizzle of brown butter and maple syrup.
Want to strengthen your foundation? Read our guide to essential cooking techniques to learn the core methods every home cook should understand.
A Comfort Classic Worth Repeating
Recipes like this tend to become favorites because they’re dependable and satisfying, yet require little effort. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll find yourself coming back to it whenever you want something comforting but a little elevated.
That’s the beauty of simple technique paired with good ingredients — it lets familiar dishes shine in a new way while still feeling approachable.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself on a quiet morning, this brown butter brioche French toast is a reminder to slow down, enjoy the process, and savor something warm and homemade.
If you’re looking to build more confidence in the kitchen, explore our cooking skills and techniques hub for practical guides that help you improve every recipe.
Soft & Custardy Brioche French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of butter, divided (plus more if needed)
- 4 thick slices, about 1 inch day-old brioche
- ¼ cup butter, for brown butter
- 6 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and set a baking sheet aside.
- Make the custard
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Cook the French toast
- Heat about 1 ½ teaspoons butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Working in batches, dip each slice of brioche into the custard, allowing it to soak briefly without becoming overly saturated. Place the bread in the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side, adding more butter as needed.
- Transfer the cooked slices to the baking sheet.
- Finish in the oven
- Bake the French toast for 8–10 minutes, until slightly puffed and custardy in the center.
- Make the brown butter
- In a small skillet over medium-low heat, melt the ¼ cup butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 3–5 minutes.
- Immediately transfer to a cool dish to stop the cooking.
- Serve
- Drizzle the warm brown butter over the French toast and finish each slice with maple syrup. Serve warm.
