Maple French Toast Bagels are a sweet way to start your day! These bagels are dipped in a tasty egg mixture and cooked until golden, then drizzled with delicious maple syrup.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a bagel that tastes like French toast? I like to top mine with some butter and extra syrup. It’s breakfast magic on a plate! 🍁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Using day-old bagels is ideal as they soak up the egg mixture better. Fresh bagels might be too soft. If bagels aren’t available, try using thick slices of brioche or thick French bread.
Eggs: Large eggs are standard here, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with egg whites or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
Maple Syrup: The recipe calls for pure maple syrup for a rich flavor. If you don’t have maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup can be used, but the taste will differ slightly.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works well for creaminess, but you can use almond milk or another non-dairy milk if you prefer dairy-free options.
Spices: Ground cinnamon is a must for warmth, while nutmeg is optional. If you don’t have nutmeg, you can add an extra pinch of cinnamon or try pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
How Do You Get the Egg Mixture Just Right?
The egg mixture is crucial for that French toast effect. Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until everything is combined smoothly. Don’t rush this process.
- Make sure the mixture is in a shallow bowl for easy dipping.
- Soak each bagel half for about 10-15 seconds on each side. Be careful not to soak them too long; you want them coated, not drenched.
- Keep an eye on the heat of your skillet—medium heat works best to ensure the outsides get crispy while the insides heat through.
Taking your time with this step can really elevate the texture and flavor, leading to a delightful breakfast or brunch! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Maple French Toast Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bagels:
- 3 plain bagels (preferably day-old)
For The Egg Mixture:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Frying:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Additional maple syrup (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast treat will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 5 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes cooking those tasty bagels to a golden crisp. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bagels:
Start by slicing the bagels in half horizontally. If your bagels are fresh, a day-old bagel works better as it holds up during the soaking process. Set your sliced bagels aside.
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined for the best flavor!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt, coating the bottom of the pan. This will give your bagels a nice, buttery flavor as they cook.
4. Soak the Bagels:
Take each bagel half and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10-15 seconds on each side. Be careful not to oversaturate the bagels; you just want to coat them, not drown them!
5. Cook the Bagels:
Place the soaked bagel halves in the hot skillet, cut side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Give a gentle press on the bagels to help them brown evenly.
6. Continue Cooking:
Add more butter to the skillet as needed for the remaining bagel halves. Make sure each one gets that rich, buttery flavor!
7. Serve the Bagels:
Once cooked, carefully remove the bagels from the skillet and place them on a plate. They should be perfectly crispy and warm at this point!
8. Add Finishing Touches:
If you like, dust the bagels with powdered sugar for a lovely touch. Serve them warm with an extra drizzle of maple syrup on top for a truly delightful breakfast.
This Maple French Toast Bagels recipe gives you the crispy, caramelized edges and soft interiors reminiscent of French toast, combined with the density and chewiness of bagels. Enjoy every sweet and spicy bite!
Can I Use Whole Grain or Flavored Bagels?
Absolutely! Whole grain bagels will add a nutty flavor and extra fiber, while flavored bagels (like cinnamon raisin or blueberry) can give a fun twist to this recipe. Just keep an eye on the soaking time; flavored varieties may absorb the egg mixture differently.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster for a few minutes or warm them up in a skillet with a bit of butter to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice. Just ensure that your maple syrup and butter are also dairy-free.
What Can I Serve With Maple French Toast Bagels?
These bagels pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast. You can also serve them alongside yogurt for a delicious brunch spread!
