French Toast Bagels are a fun twist on your breakfast favorites! They combine soft bagels with the yummy flavors of classic French toast—think cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness.
These bagels are a perfect way to start your day. Just toast them up and add syrup or your favorite toppings. Trust me, they’re so good, you’ll want to have breakfast twice! 🥯✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Day-old bagels work best as they soak up the mixture without turning mushy. If you don’t have day-old ones, try toasting fresh bagels slightly beforehand. Any plain bagel like sesame or poppy also works, but avoid flavored ones for this recipe.
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding the mixture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), but note that it changes the texture slightly.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute it with almond, oat, or even coconut milk for a lighter version. Each will change the flavor a bit, so choose one you like!
Granulated Sugar: You can reduce the sugar or replace it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Alternatively, try honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may change the consistency of the batter.
Cinnamon: This is a key flavor in French toast! If you don’t have cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice offers a nice alternative. You can also increase the amount if you’re a cinnamon lover, like me!
How Do I Get That Perfectly Crispy French Toast Bagel?
Getting crispiness is all about the frying technique. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Preheat your skillet and ensure it’s at medium heat. This is crucial as low heat makes soggy bagels, while high heat can burn them.
- Use enough butter! It helps fry the bagels and provides a nice golden crust. Don’t skimp on the butter.
- Don’t soak the bagels too long! A quick dip of about 10-15 seconds is all you need. You want them coated but not swimming in egg mixture.
- Cook the cut sides down first. This allows the egg mixture to set, making a perfect golden base. Flip only when you see that nice brown color.
- If using oats or cornflakes for crunch, apply them after dipping and before frying. This extra step adds great texture and a pleasant crunch!
Delicious French Toast Bagels Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast Bagels:
- 4 plain bagels (preferably day-old for better texture)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
For Serving (Optional):
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit
- Optional: oats or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch on bagels
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes to enjoy these tasty French Toast Bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the Bagels:
Start by slicing each bagel horizontally into two halves. This will create the perfect canvas for your delicious French toast transformation!
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth. This will be the rich coating for your bagels.
3. Add Crunch (Optional):
If you want a little extra crunch, spread some oats or crushed cornflakes on the cut side of the bagels. This adds a delightful texture!
4. Heat the Skillet:
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s warm, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan, making a nice buttery surface to cook your bagels.
5. Soak the Bagels:
Take each bagel half and dip the cut side down into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 10-15 seconds. You want it well coated but not too soggy.
6. Cook the Bagels:
Place the soaked bagel halves on the skillet cut side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Flip them over and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes just to warm through.
7. Add More Butter If Needed:
As you cook, if the bagels start to stick, feel free to add the remaining butter to the pan to prevent this and enhance browning.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove your French Toast Bagels from the heat. Serve them warm with maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or some fresh fruit on top. Enjoy your crispy, sweet breakfast treat!
Can I Use Fresh Bagels for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh bagels, but day-old bagels are preferred as they absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. If using fresh bagels, consider toasting them slightly before dipping for a better texture.
What Can I Substitute for Whole Milk?
You can substitute whole milk with any non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Each one will give a slightly different flavor, but they all work well in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover French Toast Bagels?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, toast them in a toaster or on a skillet for a couple of minutes until warm and slightly crispy again.
Can I Add Other Flavors to the Egg Mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a dash of nutmeg or a few teaspoons of orange zest for a different flavor profile. You can customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar or adding flavored extracts, like almond or maple, for an extra twist!
