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There’s something truly special about starting your morning with a warm, golden-brown French toast bagel. It’s the perfect combination of crispy edges, a soft, custardy middle, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re treating yourself to a slow weekend brunch or need a quick and delicious way to upgrade your usual breakfast routine, this recipe will hit the spot!
I’ve always been a fan of both French toast and bagels, but when I first tried combining the two, I couldn’t believe how incredible the results were! The bagel absorbs the cinnamon-spiced custard beautifully while keeping that signature chewiness. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can top it with syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra indulgent touch.
And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish! Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This French Toast Bagel
If you’re on the fence about trying this recipe, here are a few reasons to convince you:
- Quick & Easy: A delicious breakfast ready in under 15 minutes!
- Crispy Meets Custardy: The perfect texture contrast of a slightly crisp outside and soft, custardy center.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite bagel flavor and top it however you like!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: A cozy weekend breakfast, a fun brunch treat, or even a quick weekday indulgence.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
What Does a French Toast Bagel Taste Like?
Imagine the rich, buttery flavor of traditional French toast combined with the slightly chewy, toasty texture of a bagel. The edges crisp up beautifully in the pan, while the inside remains soft and custardy. The cinnamon, vanilla, and touch of sweetness give it a cozy, nostalgic flavor—especially when drizzled with warm maple syrup.
Pair it with crispy bacon, a hot cup of coffee, or a side of fresh fruit, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy breakfast at home!
Ingredients for the Best French Toast Bagel
To make this quick and delicious breakfast, you’ll need:
- 1 bagel (plain, cinnamon raisin, or your favorite flavor)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk (whole, almond, oat—whatever you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a sweeter version)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- Chocolate chips or caramel drizzle
Tools You’ll Need
- A shallow bowl for mixing the custard
- A non-stick skillet or frying pan
- A whisk or fork
- Tongs or a spatula for flipping
How to Make a French Toast Bagel
This is a super simple recipe that comes together in just a few steps:
1. Prepare the custard:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Slice the bagel:
Cut your bagel in half to create two flat sides.
3. Soak the bagel:
Dip each half into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10-15 seconds per side. You want it to absorb the mixture without getting soggy.
4. Heat the pan:
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the bagel:
Place the soaked bagel halves in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy warm.
What to Serve with French Toast Bagels
While this dish is already delicious on its own, here are some fantastic sides to make it a full meal:
- Scrambled eggs or an omelet – A savory contrast to balance the sweetness.
- Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit – The ultimate breakfast combo!
- Greek yogurt & fruit – A light and refreshing pairing.
- A hot beverage – Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa to complete the experience.
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this French toast bagel, you’ll definitely want to try these other delicious breakfast ideas:
- Brioche French Toast – A classic French toast recipe made with rich and buttery brioche!
- Mini Pancakes Recipe – Bite-sized pancakes perfect for dipping in syrup!
Tips for the Best French Toast Bagel
- Use slightly stale bagels: They soak up the custard without getting too soggy.
- Don’t over-soak: A quick dip is all you need—too much time in the custard can make the bagel fall apart.
- Cook on medium heat: Too high, and it’ll burn before cooking through. Too low, and it won’t get that golden, crispy finish.
- Try different flavors: Use a flavored bagel like cinnamon raisin, blueberry, or pumpkin spice for a fun twist!
How to Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftover French toast bagel halves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side.
- Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
French Toast Bagel FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can soak the bagel halves in the custard and store them in the fridge overnight. Just cook them fresh in the morning.
What kind of bagel works best?
Plain, cinnamon raisin, or vanilla-flavored bagels work best for a classic taste. But if you’re adventurous, try a blueberry or pumpkin spice bagel!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use almond, oat, or coconut milk, and swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
How can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat bagels, skip the sugar in the custard, and top with fresh fruit instead of syrup.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and indulgent breakfast, this French toast bagel is a must-try! It’s crispy, custardy, and packed with warm, sweet flavors. Plus, it’s totally customizable—so make it your own and enjoy every bite!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your creations! Share your French toast bagel on Pinterest or leave a review below.
And if you loved this, check out these other amazing breakfast ideas:
Happy cooking!