Buttery Brioche with Strawberries

This decadent brioche French toast transforms ordinary breakfast into a special occasion meal that feels like dining at your favorite brunch spot without leaving home. The thick slices of buttery brioche create the perfect canvas for the silky custard, while fresh strawberries add brightness and natural sweetness.

I first made this brioche French toast for a lazy Sunday brunch with friends, and it's become my signature dish whenever I have overnight guests. There's something magical about watching people take that first bite and seeing their eyes light up with pleasure.

Ingredients

• Brioche bread: Thick slices give this French toast its luxurious texture. The enriched dough with butter and eggs creates a pillowy interior that soaks up the custard beautifully.
• Fresh eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard mixture. Always use large eggs for consistent results.
• Whole milk and heavy cream: Create the perfect custard base. The fat content ensures a velvety texture and helps achieve that golden exterior.
• Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness. Use pure rather than imitation for the best flavor profile.
• Ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice notes that complement the richness of the brioche.
• Fresh strawberries: Offer the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Look for bright red berries with no white shoulders for maximum flavor.
• Real maple syrup: Is worth the splurge here. The complex sweetness elevates the entire dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the custard mixture:

Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large shallow bowl until completely combined. The mixture should be smooth with no visible streaks of egg. This uniform custard ensures even flavor and texture throughout each slice.

Prepare your cooking surface:

Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat until warm but not smoking. Add butter and swirl to coat the entire surface. The butter should sizzle gently but not brown immediately. This indicates your pan is at the perfect temperature.

Soak the brioche:

Working with one slice at a time, place brioche in the custard mixture and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 seconds per side. The bread should absorb some custard but still maintain its structure. Brioche is delicate, so avoid oversaturating or it may fall apart during cooking.

Cook to golden perfection:

Place the soaked brioche onto your buttered surface and cook until the bottom develops a rich golden brown color, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip carefully with a thin spatula and cook the second side until equally golden. The exterior should have a slight crispness while the interior remains custardy and soft.

Prepare the strawberry topping:

While the French toast cooks, toss sliced strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. The sugar draws out the natural juices, creating a simple maceration that intensifies the strawberry flavor. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until slightly syrupy.

Serve immediately:

Transfer finished French toast to warmed plates. Top generously with macerated strawberries, drizzle with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar if desired. The contrast between the warm toast and cool berries creates a delightful temperature contrast.

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I discovered the magic of brioche for French toast during a culinary weekend in Paris. My host family insisted that brioche was the only proper bread for what they called "pain perdu" or lost bread. The buttery richness of the brioche transforms an everyday breakfast into something truly special, and now I keep a loaf in my freezer specifically for weekend French toast emergencies.

Make Ahead Options

This French toast recipe works beautifully as part of a meal prep strategy. The custard mixture can be prepared the night before and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply whisk again before using. For a brunch gathering, you can cook all the French toast in advance and keep it warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes. The strawberry topping can also be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated until serving time.

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Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Balance the richness of brioche French toast with complementary sides. A crisp bacon or breakfast sausage provides savory contrast to the sweet toast. For beverages, consider serving with a bright mimosa or a robust coffee with notes of chocolate or caramel. If serving for brunch, add a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and complete the meal.

Seasonal Adaptations

While strawberries create a classic topping, this versatile French toast base pairs beautifully with whatever fruits are in season. Try caramelized bananas and a sprinkle of walnuts in winter, mixed berries in summer, or sautéed apples with cinnamon in fall. You can also incorporate seasonal spices into the custard mixture such as cardamom in spring, ginger in fall, or nutmeg during holiday seasons. The brioche base serves as a perfect canvas for endless seasonal variations.

Common Questions

→ Can I make brioche French toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture and slice the brioche the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also fully cook the French toast and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm. However, for best texture and flavor, it's ideal to cook just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for brioche bread?

If brioche isn't available, challah, Texas toast, or thick-cut French bread make excellent alternatives. The key is using a slightly sweet, buttery bread with good structure that can absorb the custard without falling apart.

→ How do I prevent my French toast from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, don't soak the bread too long in the custard mixture—just a few seconds per side is sufficient for brioche. Also, ensure your pan is properly preheated and cook until each side is golden brown and slightly crisp, which helps seal in the custard.

→ What other fruits work well with this dish?

While strawberries are classic, many fruits pair beautifully with brioche French toast. Try blueberries, raspberries, sliced peaches, caramelized bananas, or sautéed apples with cinnamon. You can also use a mix of seasonal fruits for variety.

→ Can I freeze leftover French toast?

Yes, French toast freezes well. Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat from frozen in a toaster, toaster oven, or regular oven until hot throughout.

→ What's the best way to serve brioche French toast for a crowd?

For serving many people, keep cooked French toast warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This maintains crispness while you finish cooking all portions. Consider setting up a toppings bar with different fruits, nuts, syrups, and whipped cream so guests can customize their own.