There is something truly magical about Brioche Perdu (Brioche French Toast) Recipe that instantly transforms a simple breakfast into a luxurious experience. With its golden, custardy interior and crisp, buttery exterior, this dish brings a delightful balance of textures and rich flavor that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re treating yourself on a slow Sunday morning or impressing guests at brunch, this recipe turns everyday brioche bread into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Trust me, once you try this Brioche Perdu (Brioche French Toast) Recipe, your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas and your heart with pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Brioche Perdu (Brioche French Toast) Recipe plays an essential role in crafting that perfect bite — simple but powerful enough to lift the dish with flavor, moisture, and a touch of warmth.
- 3 large eggs: These create the luxurious custard coating that brings the French toast to life.
- ¾ cup milk: Adds creaminess and ensures the custard is smooth and tender.
- ¾ teaspoon granulated sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to balance the richness of the brioche.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant depth; vanilla paste is a great alternative.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that gives the toast a cozy, aromatic lift.
- 8 slices brioche bread (½-inch slices): The star ingredient — naturally soft, buttery bread that crisps up beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For browning and adding a nutty, rich flavor to each slice.
How to Make Brioche Perdu (Brioche French Toast) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by blending your eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg together. This step ensures the custard is perfectly mixed and smooth, which helps to coat each slice of brioche evenly for that desired custardy texture inside.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard into a shallow dish—this makes it easy to soak the bread slices. Don’t forget to pierce the brioche lightly with a fork! This little trick allows the egg mixture to soak deeper, infusing every bite with flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Coat the Brioche
Gently dip a few slices into the custard, turning them to soak both sides. You want the bread saturated but not soggy, as brioche is delicate and absorbs quickly. Let the excess drip off before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once melted and sizzling, place the soaked slices in a single layer. Cook until golden brown on the underside (about 4–5 minutes), then flip and brown the other side for another 3–4 minutes. This step locks in a crisp, caramelized crust while keeping the center creamy.
Step 5: Repeat and Serve
Continue with the remaining slices and custard. Serve your Brioche Perdu (Brioche French Toast) Recipe immediately for the best texture, topped with your favorite sweet or fresh garnishes.
How to Serve Brioche Perdu (Brioche French Toast) Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup are classic accompaniments that highlight the brioche’s buttery richness beautifully. For an extra touch of freshness, add sliced berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Side Dishes
Pair the Brioche Perdu with crisp bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a side of creamy yogurt. These additions provide balance with either savory contrasts or light, refreshing textures, perfect for a well-rounded brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, stack the French toast and layer between slices with mascarpone and fresh fruit. Alternatively, sprinkle with toasted nuts or a splash of fruit compote for visual appeal and a burst of flavor that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), allow them to cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay good for up to 2 days while maintaining most of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
Brioche Perdu freezes wonderfully. Lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen slices will keep for up to 1 month, making it easy to enjoy this treat anytime.
Reheating
To regain that beautiful crispy exterior, reheat leftover or frozen Brioche Perdu in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy instead of perfectly crisp.
FAQs
What makes brioche ideal for French toast?
Brioche has a rich, buttery crumb that soaks up custard like no other bread, resulting in a tender interior with a deliciously crisp outer crust. Its slightly sweet flavor also complements the French toast perfectly.
Can I use another type of bread if I don’t have brioche?
While brioche is ideal, challah or a thick sliced white bread work well too. The key is to use a bread that is soft and can absorb the custard without falling apart.
How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy?
Make sure to soak the bread just enough to absorb the custard but not overly saturated. Cooking on medium heat and ensuring the pan is hot helps create a crispy crust that prevents sogginess.
Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the custard up to a day ahead and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before soaking the bread.
What toppings pair best with Brioche Perdu?
Classic toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of honey enhance the flavors. For something different, try Greek yogurt with a spoonful of fruit preserves or a sprinkling of toasted nuts.
Final Thoughts
This Brioche Perdu (Brioche French Toast) Recipe is a breakfast game-changer that’s both simple to make and lavishly delicious. It’s a wonderful way to elevate ordinary mornings or add some extra cheer to a weekend brunch. Once you’ve tasted that golden, custard-soaked brioche with just the right crisp edge, it will quickly become a treasured favorite you want to share again and again.
Print
Brioche Perdu (Brioche French Toast) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brioche Perdu, also known as Brioche French Toast, is a rich and indulgent breakfast dish made by soaking slices of buttery brioche bread in a flavorful egg mixture, then pan-frying them until golden and crisp. This classic French toast recipe is enhanced with vanilla and nutmeg for a warm aroma and is perfect served immediately with powdered sugar and warm maple syrup for a delightful morning treat.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla paste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Bread and Cooking
- 8 slices brioche bread (½-inch slices)
- 2 tablespoons butter
To Serve
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Warm maple syrup, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract (or paste), and ground nutmeg. Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fully mixed and slightly frothy.
- Pour mixture into dish: Transfer the blended egg mixture into a shallow baking dish to allow easy dipping of the bread slices.
- Soak the bread: Pierce each brioche slice all over with a fork to help absorb the egg mixture. Submerge a few slices into the mixture, turning them to ensure they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Heat and butter the skillet: Place a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface evenly.
- Cook the soaked bread slices: Arrange the coated brioche slices in a single layer on the skillet. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the undersides turn a golden brown color. Flip the slices carefully and cook the other sides for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Repeat cooking: Continue soaking and cooking the remaining bread slices following the same method.
- Serve immediately: Plate the warm Brioche Perdu slices, dust generously with powdered sugar, and drizzle with warm maple syrup. Enjoy while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Piercing the bread with a fork helps the egg mixture to soak evenly thus ensuring a moist interior.
- Use day-old brioche for better texture; fresh brioche can be too soft to hold the mixture properly.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk to make this recipe dairy-free, but it may slightly alter the texture.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the bread slices to avoid undercooking the center.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of cream to the egg mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
