Bacon Stuffed French Toast Sliders: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Brunch just got a serious upgrade! Forget your standard pancakes or waffles; these Bacon Stuffed French Toast Sliders are here to steal the show. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and savory, crispy and gooey, and bite-sized deliciousness. Imagine: golden-brown French toast, oozing with melted cheese and bursting with crispy bacon, all neatly packaged in slider form. Need I say more?

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a weekend brunch with friends and family. It’s also a great option for a special occasion breakfast or even a fun dinner. These sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, no matter when you serve them.

Let’s dive into the details of creating these mouthwatering Bacon Stuffed French Toast Sliders!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Sweet and Savory Perfection:** The contrast between the sweet French toast and the salty bacon is simply divine.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite looking fancy, these sliders are surprisingly simple to put together.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves bacon and French toast, so this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Try different cheeses, add a drizzle of maple syrup, or even sprinkle on some chopped nuts.
* **Perfect for Brunch or Breakfast:** Whether you’re hosting a brunch party or just want a special breakfast, these sliders are the perfect choice.
* **Portable and Fun:** The slider format makes them easy to eat and perfect for gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these irresistible Bacon Stuffed French Toast Sliders:

* **Slider Buns:** 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice for their slight sweetness)
* **Bacon:** 1 pound of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (or cut into slider-bun sized pieces)
* **Cheese:** 8 ounces of cheese, shredded (Cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend – your choice!)
* **Eggs:** 4 large eggs
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2% works best)
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon salt
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
* **Maple Syrup (optional):** For serving
* **Powdered Sugar (optional):** For dusting

**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:**

* **Slider Buns:** Hawaiian rolls add a delightful sweetness, but you can use any slider buns you prefer. Brioche buns would also be delicious. You can even cut slices of a regular loaf of bread into smaller squares.
* **Bacon:** Use your favorite type of bacon! Thick-cut bacon adds a satisfying chewiness. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
* **Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere adds a nutty flavor, while Monterey Jack is mild and creamy. A blend of cheeses provides a more complex flavor profile.
* **Milk:** Whole milk will create a richer custard for the French toast, but 2% or even almond milk can be used. Be aware that using a non-dairy milk may slightly alter the texture.
* **Spices:** The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth of flavor to the French toast. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Bacon Stuffed French Toast Sliders:

**1. Prepare the Bacon:**

* Cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. You can also bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or air fry it for about 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Baking or air frying can be less messy options. Once the bacon is cooked, drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease.
* Crumble or cut: Once cooled slightly, crumble the bacon into small pieces or cut it into squares that will fit inside the slider buns.

**2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:**

* Whisk the eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.

**3. Assemble the Sliders:**

* Slice the buns: Slice each slider bun horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. Lay the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet.
* Add cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns.
* Add bacon: Top the cheese with the crumbled or chopped bacon. Distribute the bacon evenly over the cheese.
* Top with more cheese: Sprinkle another layer of cheese over the bacon. This will help to bind the filling together.
* Place the tops: Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the cheese and bacon filling.

**4. Dip in the Egg Mixture:**

* Heat a large skillet: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is hot enough before you start cooking the sliders.
* Dip the sliders: Carefully dip each slider into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both the top and bottom. Hold the slider in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side to allow it to soak up the mixture. Be careful not to oversaturate the buns, as they can become soggy.

**5. Cook the French Toast Sliders:**

* Cook the sliders: Place the dipped sliders in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. If the sliders are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
* Add more butter: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet as needed to prevent the sliders from sticking.
* Flip carefully: Use a spatula to carefully flip the sliders to ensure even cooking.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Serve immediately: Serve the Bacon Stuffed French Toast Sliders immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted and gooey.
* Add toppings (optional): Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or add any other toppings you desire.

## Tips for Perfect Bacon Stuffed French Toast Sliders

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cooking the sliders in batches will ensure that they brown evenly and don’t steam. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and can result in soggy sliders.
* **Don’t Oversaturate the Buns:** Be careful not to soak the slider buns for too long in the egg mixture. This can make them soggy and difficult to handle. A quick dip on each side is all you need.
* **Use a Non-Stick Skillet:** A non-stick skillet will prevent the sliders from sticking and make them easier to flip.
* **Control the Heat:** Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the sliders from burning. Medium heat is usually ideal.
* **Press Gently:** As the sliders cook, you can gently press down on them with a spatula to help them cook evenly and ensure that the cheese melts properly.
* **Keep Warm (Optional):** If you’re making a large batch of sliders, you can keep them warm in a preheated oven (200°F or 95°C) until ready to serve.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for variations and customizations:

* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, provolone for a mild and creamy flavor, or Swiss for a nutty and slightly tangy taste.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or onions and add them to the filling for a more nutritious and flavorful slider.
* **Sweeten it Up:** Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans to the filling for a sweeter treat.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Different Meats:** Substitute the bacon with sausage, ham, or even pulled pork for a different flavor profile.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Use vegetarian bacon or skip the meat altogether and add more vegetables and cheese.
* **French Toast Sticks:** Cut the bread into sticks instead of using buns for a fun twist.

## Serving Suggestions

These Bacon Stuffed French Toast Sliders are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your brunch experience:

* **Maple Syrup:** A classic pairing for French toast, maple syrup adds sweetness and complements the savory bacon.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
* **Fresh Berries:** Serve the sliders with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence.
* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad is a great complement to the richness of the sliders.
* **Coffee or Juice:** Pair the sliders with your favorite coffee or juice for a complete brunch experience.
* **Mimosa or Bellini:** For a special occasion, serve the sliders with a mimosa or bellini.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These sliders can be partially prepared ahead of time, which is perfect for busy mornings or when you’re entertaining.

* **Prepare the Bacon:** Cook and crumble the bacon a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Assemble the Sliders:** Assemble the sliders with the cheese and bacon filling, but don’t dip them in the egg mixture. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator overnight.
* **Dip and Cook:** When you’re ready to serve, dip the assembled sliders in the egg mixture and cook them as directed.

**Storage Instructions**

Leftover Bacon Stuffed French Toast Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them for a minute or two, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

## Recipe

**Yields:** 12 sliders
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
* 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled or cut
* 8 ounces shredded cheese (Cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
* 4 large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
* Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

**Equipment:**

* Large skillet or griddle
* Baking sheet
* Medium bowl
* Whisk
* Spatula

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bacon:** Cook the bacon until crispy using your preferred method (skillet, oven, or air fryer). Drain on paper towels and crumble or cut into slider-sized pieces.
2. **Prepare the Egg Mixture:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. **Assemble the Sliders:** Slice the slider buns horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with cheese, then bacon, then more cheese. Top with the other half of the bun.
4. **Dip in the Egg Mixture:** Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each slider in the egg mixture, coating both sides quickly.
5. **Cook the French Toast Sliders:** Place the dipped sliders in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately with maple syrup and/or powdered sugar, if desired.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate per slider)

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 12-15 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

## Conclusion

These Bacon Stuffed French Toast Sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will take your brunch game to the next level. They’re easy to make, customizable, and utterly delicious. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I’d love to see your variations and hear what you think! Happy cooking!