If you are searching for a breakfast that truly thrills your taste buds, look no further than this Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast Recipe. It masterfully blends the rich warmth of bourbon and pure maple syrup with the smoky crunch of crisp bacon, all embraced by thick, custardy slices of brioche. This dish is a celebration of sweet and savory flavors that come together in perfect harmony, delivering a breakfast experience that feels indulgent yet comforting—ideal to brighten any weekend morning or special brunch occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, quality ingredients is all it takes to create this unforgettable French toast. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing the dish’s complex flavors, velvety texture, and inviting golden color to life.
- 8 slices thick cut brioche or challah bread: The soft, slightly sweet bread is perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
- 4 large eggs: Provides the rich, creamy base that makes the French toast custardy and satisfying.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and lightness while balancing richness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Boosts the velvety texture and richness of the custard.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Naturally sweetens and infuses the custard with classic maple flavor.
- 1 tablespoon bourbon: Adds a warm, subtle depth and complexity—feel free to omit if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors with a delicate aromatic note.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Lends a gentle spice that complements the maple and bacon perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped: Brings the smoky, crispy contrast that makes this dish irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking: Helps develop a crisp, golden crust on the French toast.
- Additional maple syrup for serving: For that final touch of luscious sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A pretty garnish that adds a hint of extra sweetness and sophistication.
How to Make Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Chop the Bacon
Start by cooking your bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat until they’re beautifully crisp. This step is key because the crispy bacon provides the perfect smoky crunch against the tender French toast. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside to sprinkle later.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, pure maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is fully combined. This custard is the heart of the recipe, infusing each slice of bread with rich flavors and a luscious texture that will make your Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large skillet or griddle. Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the custard mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side so the bread absorbs all that delicious flavor without becoming soggy. This soaking step is essential to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth softness with a golden crust.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Place each soaked slice onto the hot skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is cooked through. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and repeat with the rest of the bread slices. The goal is a perfectly crisp exterior with a creamy interior that complements the bacon and maple syrup beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once cooked, immediately sprinkle the chopped bacon generously over the French toast. Drizzle additional maple syrup on top for extra sweetness. If you like, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Serve warm and savor that delightful marriage of bourbon, maple, bacon, and custardy bread.
How to Serve Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling powdered sugar over your Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast Recipe adds a lovely touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries make gorgeous color contrasts and bring a fresh tartness that balances the richer elements brilliantly.
Side Dishes
Complement this star dish with light sides such as fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette to brighten up the plate. For a heartier breakfast, serve with scrambled eggs or sautéed spinach to round out the meal with additional textures and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch crowd, stagger the stacks of French toast on a rustic wooden platter, then drizzle maple syrup in a slow, deliberate pattern to wow your guests. You can also serve individual portions on elegant plates, layering the bacon on top or to the side for a restaurant-style presentation that looks as incredible as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight and make for a quick, indulgent breakfast the next day.
Freezing
This French toast freezes beautifully. After cooking and cooling completely, arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then stack the slices separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month, making it easy to enjoy later.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread a little soggy. Add fresh maple syrup and bacon after reheating for that perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
Absolutely! The bourbon adds a lovely depth, but if you prefer to keep it family-friendly or alcohol-free, just omit it. The dish will still be delicious with all the other flavors shining through.
What kind of bread works best for this French toast?
Thick-cut brioche or challah is ideal because these breads are soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread works best to avoid sogginess.
Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick whisk before dipping the bread to ensure everything is well combined.
How do I get the French toast crispy on the outside?
Cooking the soaked bread over medium heat with enough butter helps create that golden, crisp crust. Make sure your skillet or griddle is properly heated before adding the bread to achieve the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan or dairy-free version, you can swap eggs for a flax or chickpea batter, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and replace butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil. The bacon could be replaced with vegan bacon options to maintain that savory element.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast Recipe is one breakfast you will want to make again and again. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth with each bite, offering comfort and indulgence all at once. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and full bellies. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and boozy magic. Your morning just got a whole lot better!
Print
Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a sweet and savory breakfast with this Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast. Thick-cut brioche soaked in a rich custard infused with bourbon and maple syrup, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with crispy chopped bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup for an irresistible brunch treat.
Ingredients
Bread
- 8 slices thick cut brioche or challah bread
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Bacon & Cooking
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
Serving
- Additional maple syrup for serving
- Powdered sugar (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, pure maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to prevent sticking and add richness to the French toast.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak thoroughly but not overly soggy, about a few seconds on each side, ensuring the bread absorbs the flavorful custard.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Cook until each side is golden brown and the inside is cooked through. Repeat the process with the remaining butter and bread slices.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon evenly over the cooked French toast slices. Drizzle generously with additional maple syrup for a sweet finish. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a stronger maple flavor, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to the custard mixture.
- The bourbon can be omitted for a family-friendly, non-alcoholic version.
- Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Use thick-cut brioche or challah for the best texture and richness.
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough before cooking to achieve a golden crust.
