Experience the perfect morning indulgence with our Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast, where sweet meets smoky in every bite. This decadent breakfast combines the rich warmth of bourbon, the sweetness of pure maple syrup, and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon tucked inside soft, fluffy brioche slices.
Ideal for weekend brunches or special occasions, this French toast elevates a classic comfort food with an exciting twist. Each bite offers layers of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors that will have you savoring every moment at the table.
- A unique blend of sweet bourbon and smoky bacon brings bold flavor contrasts.
- Stuffed French toast adds creamy texture and a savory surprise inside.
- Gluten-free option using brioche or challah bread that suits varied diets.
- Easy to prepare and perfect for impressing guests during breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- Brioche or Challah Bread (8 thick slices): Soft and slightly sweet bread ideal for soaking up the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Thick-cut Bacon (6 strips): Provides smoky, crispy texture and savory richness to complement the sweetness.
- Large Eggs (4): Acts as the binding agent for the custard mixture, adding richness and structure.
- Whole Milk (120 ml): Whitens and softens the egg custard, creating a tender French toast interior.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp + 1 tsp): Adds fragrant vanilla notes to both custard and bourbon maple glaze.
- Ground Cinnamon (0.25 tsp): Brings warm spice and depth enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter (30 g): Used for frying, creating a golden-brown crust and rich buttery flavor.
- Cream Cheese (60 g, softened): Blended with bacon to create a creamy, savory filling inside the bread pockets.
- Pure Maple Syrup (240 ml): Naturally sweet syrup forms the base of the warm bourbon glaze.
- Bourbon (30 ml): Adds warmth and a subtle kick to the glaze, enhancing complexity.
- Fine Salt (pinch): Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors in the glaze and custard.
Instructions
- Cook Bacon Until Crispy
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Arrange bacon on a wire rack over a baking tray and bake at 200°C for 15 minutes for extra crispiness. Baking allows fat to drain away and creates evenly cooked, crunchy bacon perfect for mixing.
- Prepare Egg Custard Mixture
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Whisk together eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This custard mixture will soak into the bread, providing moisture and flavor for the French toast base.
- Make Bacon-Cream Cheese Filling
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Combine softened cream cheese with chopped crispy bacon until fully mixed. This filling offers a rich, savory surprise that contrasts beautifully with the sweet toppings.
- Create Bread Pockets and Stuff
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Carefully slice a pocket into each thick bread slice using a sharp knife. Fill generously with the bacon-cream cheese blend, pressing lightly to seal the filling inside, ensuring it stays in place during cooking.
- Soak Stuffed Bread in Egg Mixture
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Dip each stuffed slice into the egg custard, turning to saturate all sides thoroughly. Proper soaking allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, yielding a tender, flavorful interior when cooked.
- Pan-Fry French Toast Until Golden
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Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook each slice for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step creates a crisp outer layer while warming and setting the filling inside.
- Prepare Warm Bourbon Maple Glaze
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In a small saucepan, gently warm maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt over low heat. Stir for two minutes until fragrant, forming a luscious glaze to drizzle over the French toast.
- Plate and Serve
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Arrange the French toast on plates, generously drizzling with the warmed bourbon maple glaze. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of warm, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to mix smoothly with bacon, avoiding lumps in the filling.
- Adjust bourbon quantity based on personal preference; less for subtle flavor, more for richness.
- Use thick slices of brioche or challah for sturdiness and better filling containment.
Storage Tips
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness without sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas to add a refreshing contrast. A dollop of whipped cream complements the richness perfectly for an extra indulgence.
- Use a serrated knife to slice pockets in bread for cleaner cuts without tearing.
- Cook bacon in the oven for consistent crispiness and less mess compared to stovetop frying.
- Warm the glaze low and slow to avoid burning maple syrup and retain smooth texture.
FAQs
- Can I use regular bread instead of brioche or challah?
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While regular bread can work, brioche or challah’s dense, slightly sweet texture better absorbs custard and holds fillings without falling apart.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
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The recipe calls for brioche or challah which contain gluten; substitute with gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
- Can I make the bourbon maple glaze ahead of time?
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Yes, it can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before serving to maintain flavor and warmth.
- What can I substitute for bourbon?
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Maple extract or whiskey can be used as alternatives to bourbon, but the flavor profile will slightly vary.
- How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
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Ensuring the bread is thick-cut and don’t oversoak it in the custard will help maintain a crisp exterior after frying.
- Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
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This recipe uses eggs, dairy, and bacon, so it would require several adjustments such as vegan eggs, plant-based cheese, and bacon substitutes.
Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast
Equipment
- 1 oven for baking bacon
- 1 wire rack to crisp bacon
- 1 baking tray to catch bacon drippings
- 2 bowls for egg mixture and cream cheese mix
- 1 non-stick skillet for cooking French toast
- 1 small saucepan to warm maple bourbon glaze
Ingredients
- 8 thick slices brioche or challah bread
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon strips on a wire rack over a baking tray and bake for about 15 minutes until crispy.
- Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels to drain and chop finely.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese with chopped bacon until fully mixed.
- Cut a pocket into each bread slice and fill each with the bacon-cream cheese mixture, pressing gently to close.
- Dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook each stuffed slice for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- In a small saucepan, gently warm maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant.
- Serve the French toast plated and drizzled generously with the warm bourbon maple glaze.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Adjust bourbon amount to preference for milder or stronger flavor.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
