French Toast Bagels are a wonderful treat that combines the best of both worlds! These yummy bagels are dipped in a sweet egg mixture and cooked until golden brown.
They make breakfast feel special, like a cozy hug! I love topping mine with maple syrup and fresh fruit. It’s such a fun twist, and my family can never get enough! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Plain bagels are best for this recipe as they soak up the egg mixture nicely. If you’re looking for something different, try cinnamon raisin bagels for a sweet twist or whole wheat for a healthier option.
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are key, giving that rich custard flavor. For a vegan option, consider using a mix of 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) per egg.
Whole Milk: Whole milk helps create a creamy base. You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk if you’re dairy-free, though this might change the flavor slightly. If you want a richer taste, use half-and-half or cream instead.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the egg mixture, but you can swap it with honey, maple syrup, or agave if you prefer natural sweeteners.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth, but feel free to experiment with nutmeg or even pumpkin spice for a fun holiday twist!
How Do I Avoid Soggy Bagels When Dipping?
Soaking the bagels is crucial, but it can be tricky to get it right. The key is to dip each bagel half in the egg mixture for about 20 seconds on each side. This allows them to absorb enough custard without becoming too soggy. Here are steps to make it easy:
- Make sure the egg mixture is in a shallow dish – this makes dipping easier.
- Dip quickly and gently, letting excess mixture drip off before placing them in the skillet.
- If you’re unsure, test with one bagel half first, adjusting the soak time as needed.
With a little practice, you’ll nail the perfect balance for that custardy texture! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make French Toast Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast Base:
- 4 plain bagels, halved horizontally
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
For Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries), for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at around 30 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a quick breakfast or fancy brunch with friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined for a rich custard flavor.
2. Get Cooking Equipment Ready:
Preheat a large skillet or a griddle over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt completely and coat the surface of the skillet.
3. Soak the Bagels:
Take each bagel half and dip it into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 20 seconds on each side, ensuring it absorbs enough custard without getting too soggy. It’s all about balance!
4. Cook the Bagels:
Carefully place the soaked bagel halves onto the skillet, cut side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Once done, flip the bagels and cook the other side until they’re golden and cooked through, about another 3 minutes. If needed, add more butter between batches for extra flavor!
5. Optional Crunchy Topping:
If you want to make your bagels even more delicious, sprinkle some brown sugar and rolled oats on top of each bagel half during the last minute of cooking. This gives them a nice crunchy sugary crust!
6. Serve Warm:
Once cooked, remove the bagels from the skillet and let them cool briefly on a rack or a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess butter. Serve them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a side of fresh berries for a lovely breakfast or brunch treat.
Enjoy your crispy, custardy French Toast Bagels! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Different Types of Bagels?
Absolutely! While plain bagels work best for soaking up the egg mixture, you can experiment with cinnamon raisin or whole wheat bagels for added flavor. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the taste profile of the dish!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk you prefer. For the eggs, try using a mixture of 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water as a substitute for each egg.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftover French Toast Bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or pop them in the toaster to regain some crispness!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Beyond brown sugar and oats, you can top these bagels with whipped cream, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of peanut butter for a delicious twist. Get creative with your toppings to match your taste!
