Ah, French toast – the ultimate breakfast comfort food. But why settle for the same old boring recipe when you can elevate it to a whole new level with creative twists and flavors? From sweet treats like banana bread and red velvet, to savory delights like parmesan and herb, we’ve got 20 irresistible unique French toast recipes that will make your taste buds do the happy dance. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or adventurous and exotic, there’s a recipe on this list that’s sure to satisfy.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring the flavors of France (of course!), Italy, Asia, and more. From decadent caramelized apples and crispy bacon to creamy ricotta and fragrant lavender honey, each recipe is carefully crafted to showcase the versatility and deliciousness of French toast.
So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and treat yourself to a weekend breakfast or brunch that’s truly special. Your taste buds – and your guests – will thank you!
Brioche French Toast with Lavender Honey
Elevate your morning routine with this decadent twist on classic French toast, featuring the subtle sweetness of lavender honey and the richness of brioche bread.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of brioche bread
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup lavender honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each brioche slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Drizzle lavender honey over the French toast and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Savory Parmesan and Herb French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this savory twist on the classic French toast. Crunchy breadcrumbs, melted Parmesan cheese, and fragrant herbs create a delightful combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and chives.
2. In a separate dish, whisk together the eggs and softened butter until well combined.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Roll the coated bread slices in the breadcrumb mixture to coat, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Banana Bread French Toast with Caramel Drizzle
Elevate your breakfast game with this decadent banana bread French toast, topped with a rich caramel drizzle. Moist and flavorful, this treat is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of banana bread
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Pinch of salt
– Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh sliced bananas, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter.
2. Slice banana bread into 1-inch thick pieces and dip each piece into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook French toast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Serve warm with caramel drizzle spooned on top. Garnish with fresh sliced bananas and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Matcha Green Tea French Toast with Coconut Cream
Elevate your breakfast game with this unique and delicious twist on classic French toast. The subtle bitterness of matcha green tea pairs perfectly with the sweetness of coconut cream and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Challah bread
– 2 teaspoons of matcha powder
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
– Coconut cream (store-bought or homemade)
– Maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together matcha powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Dip each bread slice into the matcha mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream.
5. Place cooked French toast slices onto a serving plate and top with whipped coconut cream.
6. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top and drizzle with maple syrup or honey (if using).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Glaze
Elevate your breakfast game with this decadent twist on classic French toast. Moist red velvet bread, soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, cream, and spices, is then grilled to perfection and topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of red velvet bread
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook French toast for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
4. In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
5. Dust with powdered sugar (if desired). Serve warm, topped with the cream cheese glaze.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pumpkin Spice French Toast with Candied Pecans
Pumpkin Spice French Toast with Candied Pecans: A delicious twist on classic breakfast fare, this recipe combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the crunch of candied pecans for a truly autumnal treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably Challah or Brioche)
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup candied pecans (see note)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Dip each bread slice into the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook French toast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan. Add granulated sugar and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until caramelized.
5. Top cooked French toast with candied pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed French Toast
Start your day off right with this decadent breakfast treat that combines the richness of chocolate and hazelnuts with the fluffiness of French toast.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and salt.
2. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Place a spoonful of chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts onto one half of each bread slice.
4. Fold the other half over to enclose the filling.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the stuffed French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm and dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cinnamon Roll French Toast with Cream Cheese Frosting
Start your day off right with a sweet and indulgent breakfast treat that combines the flavors of cinnamon roll and French toast. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or Brioche work well)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Repeat with remaining bread slices.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Drizzle over French toast before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Blueberry Ricotta French Toast
Elevate your morning routine with this vibrant and flavorful twist on classic French toast. Moist ricotta-infused bread, tangy lemon zest, and sweet blueberries come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Challah or brioche bread
– 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
– Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, and sugar until smooth.
2. Dip each bread slice into the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Place coated bread on a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Top with lemon zest, blueberries, and maple syrup (if using).
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Tiramisu-Inspired French Toast with Mascarpone
Elevate your breakfast game with this creative twist on classic French toast, infused with the rich flavors of tiramisu.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together mascarpone, butter, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until lightly beaten. Add brewed coffee and whisk until combined.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated bread slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
5. Drizzle half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the bread slices.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 with remaining mascarpone mixture and bread slices.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Caramelized Apple and Brie French Toast
Elevate your brunch game with this sweet and savory twist on classic French toast. Crunchy caramelized apples and creamy brie cheese add a delightful surprise to each bite.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or baguette work well)
– 2 ripe apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons brie cheese, crumbled
– Salt and cinnamon to taste
– Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Dip bread slices into the mixture, coating evenly.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook French toast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Top each slice with caramelized apples, crumbled brie cheese, and a pinch of salt and cinnamon. Drizzle with maple syrup, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chai-Spiced French Toast with Vanilla Bean Syrup
Elevate your breakfast game with this unique twist on classic French toast, infused with the aromatic spices of chai and topped with a rich vanilla bean syrup.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or brioche work well)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Vanilla bean syrup (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with vanilla bean syrup drizzled on top.
Vanilla Bean Syrup:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla bean and remove from heat. Let steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast
Start your day with a sweet twist on traditional French toast. This Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast recipe combines the warmth of bread, the creaminess of cheesecake, and the sweetness of strawberries for a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or brioche work well)
– 1/2 cup strawberry jam
– 1/4 cup granola
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese (softened)
– Fresh strawberries, sliced
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. In a small bowl, mix together strawberry jam and granola.
6. Spread the jam-granola mixture on top of the French toast slices.
7. Top with whipped cream cheese and sliced strawberries.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Peanut Butter and Jelly Stuffed French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this sweet and satisfying twist on classic French toast. This decadent treat combines the creamy richness of peanut butter, the fruity sweetness of jelly, and the softness of bread.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tbsp peanut butter
– 1 tbsp grape or strawberry jelly
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– Cinnamon or powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
2. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Place a coated bread slice in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Spread 1/2 tsp peanut butter and 1/2 tsp jelly onto one half of the toasted bread.
6. Fold the other half over to create a sandwich, pressing gently to seal.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
8. Dust with cinnamon or powdered sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (depending on skillet heat and bread thickness)
S’mores French Toast with Toasted Marshmallows
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this sweet and indulgent S’mores French toast recipe, featuring toasted marshmallows and gooey chocolate.
Ingredients:
• 4 slices of bread ( Challah or Brioche work well)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
• 4-6 marshmallows
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Cook French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, toast marshmallows by holding them over an open flame (gas stove or fire pit) for about 30 seconds per side, until they’re puffed and slightly caramelized.
5. Sandwich a toasted marshmallow between two slices of French toast, then drizzle with melted chocolate chips.
6. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Eggnog French Toast with Rum Glaze
Start your day off right with this indulgent breakfast treat, featuring the creamy richness of eggnog and a hint of rum. This sweet and savory combination is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or Brioche work well)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup eggnog
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Rum Glaze ingredients: 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons dark rum, 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, eggnog, and melted butter.
2. Add the vanilla extract and salt; whisk until combined.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the Rum Glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, rum, and heavy cream until smooth.
6. Serve French toast warm with the Rum Glaze drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Avocado and Sriracha French Toast
Start your day with a flavorful and creamy twist on traditional French toast, infused with the richness of avocado and the spicy kick of sriracha.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce (depending on desired level of spiciness)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated bread slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, mix mashed avocado with softened butter.
6. Spread a layer of the avocado-butter mixture onto each toasted French toast slice.
7. Drizzle sriracha sauce over the top (to taste).
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fig and Goat Cheese French Toast with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your breakfast game with this sweet and savory Fig and Goat Cheese French Toast, finished with a rich Balsamic Glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably Challah or brioche)
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh figs
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
– Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and honey until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, crumble goat cheese onto one side of each toast slice.
6. Top with chopped figs.
7. Drizzle Balsamic Glaze over the figs.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pistachio and Rose Water French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this exotic twist on the classic French toast. Pistachio and rose water add a delightful Middle Eastern flair to this sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon pistachio extract
– 1 teaspoon rose water
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Chopped pistachios and dried rose petals for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, pistachio extract, and rose water until well combined.
2. Dip each bread slice into the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Place coated bread slices on a plate or tray.
4. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the flavors.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Cook French toast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with melted butter and garnish with chopped pistachios and dried rose petals, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Maple Bacon French Toast with Bourbon Syrup
Start your day off right with this sweet and savory twist on classic French toast. Crunchy bacon, caramelized maple syrup, and a hint of bourbon come together to create a breakfast treat like no other.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Confectioner’s sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Cook French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, mix crumbled bacon with maple syrup and bourbon in a small saucepan.
6. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.
7. Serve French toast warm, drizzled with the maple-bacon-bourbon syrup. Dust with confectioner’s sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these 20 unique French toast recipes! From sweet treats like Banana Bread French Toast with Caramel Drizzle and Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast, to savory options like Savory Parmesan and Herb French Toast and Avocado and Sriracha French Toast, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget the indulgent treats like Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed French Toast and Maple Bacon French Toast with Bourbon Syrup. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, these irresistible recipes are sure to impress!
