French Toast Waffles Recipe

If you adore the cozy goodness of French toast but crave an exciting twist, this French Toast Waffles Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the rich, custardy flavors of classic French toast transformed into crispy, golden waffles that are perfect for dipping into maple syrup or piling high with your favorite toppings. Fun to make and irresistibly delicious, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds and is sure to become a staple in your weekend brunch lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe elevates simple pantry staples into a show-stopping breakfast. Each component plays a special role, from adding sweetness and warmth to creating a beautifully golden and fluffy texture.

• Challah bread: Thick, soft slices provide the perfect airy base that soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without falling apart.
• 2% milk: Adds creaminess and helps give the custard its signature rich texture.
• Large eggs: The star for that custardy, binding effect, transforming bread into French toast magic.
• Cinnamon: A warming spice that infuses the batter with cozy, familiar flavor notes.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweet aroma that perks up every bite.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance spices and enhance the natural bread flavors.
• Butter and maple syrup: Essential for topping, blending rich and sweet finishes with buttery indulgence.

How to Make French Toast Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Slice Your Bread

Start by slicing your loaf of Challah bread into thick pieces about an inch thick. The thickness ensures the slices soak up the custard mixture effectively while holding their shape when cooked in the waffle iron. Challah’s soft crumb makes for a wonderfully tender French toast waffle that crisps on the outside without becoming too dense.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Batter

In a medium bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until fully combined. This custard mixture is the heart of your French Toast Waffles Recipe, delivering that classic sweet and spiced flavor with a silky smooth texture that will coat each slice perfectly.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dunk each thick slice of bread into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides thoroughly. Allow the bread to absorb the batter just enough to soak through without becoming soggy—this is the key step to keeping your waffles tender inside and crisp outside. Let any excess drip off before transferring to the waffle iron.

Step 4: Cook in the Waffle Iron

Place each soaked bread slice onto a preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy, typically about 3 to 5 minutes. The waffle iron creates a beautifully even cook and those iconic waffle ridges that hold syrup and butter perfectly. Repeat this process with all remaining slices for a batch everyone will love.

Step 5: Keep Warm and Serve

To prevent sogginess, place cooked waffles on a wire rack while you finish cooking the rest. This small step keeps them crisp and ready to stack high on your plate. Once all waffles are done, top with plenty of butter and drizzle with maple syrup for that ultimate comfort breakfast experience.

How to Serve French Toast Waffles Recipe

Garnishes

The beauty of French Toast Waffles Recipe lies in its adaptability, and toppings can truly make it your own. Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even whipped cream add vibrant color and contrast. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds on top. Creative garnishing keeps each bite exciting and visually stunning.

Side Dishes

Pair these waffles with protein options like crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for a hearty meal. A side of fresh fruit salad balances the richness and delivers a refreshing burst. You could also add a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for subtle tang that complements the sweet and spicy notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun brunch presentation, stack the waffles and insert a skewer with mixed berries or fruit slices for height and drama. Alternatively, make a waffle sandwich by layering cream cheese and jam between two French toast waffles. Kids love dipping the waffles in yogurt or chocolate sauce, turning breakfast into a delightful interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover French Toast Waffles Recipe waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Lining them up in a single layer with parchment between will help maintain texture without sticking together, so every bite stays just as tasty.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooked waffles on a baking sheet to flash freeze individually for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents clumping and lets you reheat just the amount you want. Frozen waffles stay delicious for up to 2 months and make for a quick breakfast solution.

Reheating

Reheat waffles in a toaster, toaster oven, or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. A quick reheat brings back that fresh-out-of-the-waffle-iron magic every time.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than Challah for this French Toast Waffles Recipe?

Absolutely! While Challah adds a wonderful soft texture and sweetness, other thick, sturdy breads like brioche or Texas toast will work well. Just make sure the slices aren’t too thin, so they hold the custard without falling apart.

Do I need a special waffle iron for this recipe?

No special waffle iron is required. Any standard waffle iron will do the trick. Just be sure it’s well preheated and non-stick, so the French toast waffles release easily and cook evenly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the 2% milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still be delightful. Butter toppings can be swapped with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.

How do I prevent the waffles from getting soggy?

Placing the cooked waffles on a wire rack rather than stacking them directly allows steam to escape and keeps them crisp. Also, reheating just before serving helps maintain that wonderful crispy texture.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit?

Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or sliced strawberries to the batter before dunking the bread adds bursts of flavor. Just be careful not to overload, as too much moisture can affect cooking time and crispness.

Final Thoughts

There is something deeply comforting about the flavors of French toast, and turning it into a waffle offers a fresh, playful spin that the whole family can enjoy. This French Toast Waffles Recipe is easy to prepare with accessible ingredients, and the results are pure breakfast happiness on a plate. I encourage you to try it, experiment with your favorite toppings, and create moments of joy around the breakfast table that everyone will look forward to.

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