Breakfast & Brunch Desserts & Baking

French Toast with Crispy Bacon and Berries

Golden brioche slices soaked in vanilla custard and fried until crisp, served with salty bacon, fresh berries, and maple syrup for the ultimate breakfast treat.

4.6 (14 reviews)
By Ricky Robinson Updated July 10, 2023

French toast with crispy bacon and berries is a proper indulgence for breakfast, bringing together sweet and savoury flavours in a way that just works. Thick slices of brioche are soaked in a custard mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, then fried in butter and oil until they turn golden brown with crisp edges and a soft, custardy centre.

The trick to perfect French toast is giving the brioche enough time to soak up the custard without falling apart.

The addition of crispy streaky bacon adds that salty, savoury crunch that balances the sweetness beautifully. The contrast between the tender French toast and the crisp bacon creates a satisfying bite every time. It is simple to prepare but feels special enough for a lazy weekend morning when you have a bit more time to enjoy your breakfast.

French Toast with Crispy Bacon and Berries recipe image
French Toast with Crispy Bacon and Berries

To finish the dish, fresh berries and a generous drizzle of maple syrup bring everything together. The natural sweetness of the berries and the rich, warm notes of maple syrup complement the eggy brioche perfectly, whilst a light dusting of icing sugar adds a touch of elegance. The combination of textures and flavours makes this breakfast feel like a treat without being overly complicated to prepare.

This recipe is quick enough for a weekday if you are organised, but it also makes a lovely brunch dish when you have guests. The key is not to rush the soaking step, as that is what gives the French toast its soft, custardy texture inside whilst keeping the outside crisp. Serve it hot from the pan for the best results, and do not be shy with the maple syrup.

French Toast with Crispy Bacon and Berries

Berries Brioche Egg
Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 servings
Calories 520 cal
Protein 22g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Whisk
  • Shallow Dish
  • Frying Pan
  • Grill

Instructions

  1. 1
    In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk & vanilla, and season with salt & pepper.
  2. 2
    Add the brioche slices in a single layer and allow to soak in the mixture for 2 minutes, then turn over and soak for 2 minutes more.
  3. 3
    Melt the butter with the oil until foaming, then lift the slices of the soaked brioche out of the dish and add to the frying pan. Fry for 3 mins on each side, until golden and crisp.
  4. 4
    Grill the bacon until crispy.
  5. 5
    Remove the bread from the pan and place on a plate. Sprinkle over the berries, add the bacon and lightly dust with icing sugar & pour the syrup over the dish.
Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

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Good to know

Tips &
Extras

Plate it up

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately whilst hot, with extra maple syrup on the side. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche also works beautifully.

Make it yours

Variations

Swap the streaky bacon for crispy pancetta or prosciutto for an Italian twist. For a sweeter version, omit the bacon and add sliced banana with chopped nuts.

Rate & Review

4.6 • 14 reviews

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