Easy French Toast Waffles: A Delicious Breakfast Upgrade

French toast? Waffles? Why choose when you can have both in one glorious breakfast creation! These Easy French Toast Waffles combine the comforting flavors of classic French toast with the delightful texture of waffles, all with minimal effort. Perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or a special treat any day of the week, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love These French Toast Waffles

* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in minutes.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup creates a classic French toast flavor that everyone loves.
* **Perfect Texture:** Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside – the waffle iron ensures every bite is delightful.
* **Versatile:** Customize with your favorite toppings, from fresh fruit to chocolate chips.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids (and adults!) will love this fun and tasty twist on a breakfast classic.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Bread:** Use your favorite type of bread. Brioche, challah, or Texas toast are excellent choices for extra richness. Sliced sandwich bread works well for a lighter option. Stale bread is ideal, as it soaks up the custard better without becoming soggy.
* **Eggs:** The base of the custard mixture, providing structure and richness.
* **Milk:** Use whole milk for a richer flavor, or substitute with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
* **Heavy Cream (Optional):** Adding a touch of heavy cream elevates the richness and creaminess of the custard. If you’re omitting, you can substitute with more milk.
* **Sugar:** A touch of sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavor and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
* **Cinnamon:** A classic spice that complements the other flavors perfectly.
* **Salt:** A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Butter or Cooking Spray:** For greasing the waffle iron to prevent sticking.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Waffle Iron:** A standard waffle iron will work perfectly. Adjust the cooking time based on your waffle iron’s settings.
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the custard mixture.
* **Whisk:** For combining the ingredients smoothly.
* **Shallow Dish or Plate:** For dipping the bread slices.
* **Tongs or Spatula:** For removing the waffles from the waffle iron.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect French Toast Waffles every time:

**Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture**

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of egg yolk remaining. The mixture should be smooth and consistent.

**Step 2: Dip the Bread**

Place the custard mixture in a shallow dish or plate. One at a time, dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked. Allow the bread to soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. This allows the bread to absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy. If using very stale bread, you may need to soak it for a bit longer.

**Step 3: Preheat and Grease the Waffle Iron**

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once preheated, lightly grease the waffle iron with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the waffles from sticking and ensures they release easily.

**Step 4: Cook the French Toast Waffles**

Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated waffle iron. Do not overcrowd the waffle iron; work in batches if necessary. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your waffle iron, so keep a close eye on them.

**Step 5: Remove and Serve**

Once the French Toast Waffles are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the waffle iron using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a plate and serve immediately.

**Step 6: Add Your Favorite Toppings**

Top the French Toast Waffles with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit (berries, bananas, sliced peaches), whipped cream, chocolate chips, Nutella, powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Get creative and customize them to your liking!

## Tips for Perfect French Toast Waffles

* **Use Stale Bread:** Stale bread soaks up the custard mixture better without becoming soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out slightly by leaving it out on the counter for a few hours before using it.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Waffle Iron:** Cooking the waffles in batches ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on your waffle iron, so keep a close eye on the waffles and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Grease the Waffle Iron Well:** Generously grease the waffle iron with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
* **Don’t Oversoak the Bread:** Oversoaking the bread can result in soggy waffles. Soak the bread for just long enough to absorb the custard mixture.
* **Keep Waffles Warm:** If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked waffles warm in a preheated oven (200°F/93°C) until ready to serve.

## Variation Ideas

* **Chocolate Chip French Toast Waffles:** Add chocolate chips to the custard mixture or sprinkle them on top of the waffles while they’re cooking.
* **Berry French Toast Waffles:** Top the waffles with fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
* **Cinnamon Roll French Toast Waffles:** Add a swirl of cinnamon roll filling (butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon) to the custard mixture.
* **Savory French Toast Waffles:** Omit the sugar and vanilla extract and add savory spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Top with cheese, eggs, and bacon for a savory breakfast.
* **Pumpkin Spice French Toast Waffles:** Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the custard mixture for a fall-inspired treat.
* **Peanut Butter French Toast Waffles:** Swirl peanut butter into the custard mixture, or spread peanut butter on top of the cooked waffles. Top with banana slices for a classic combination.

## Serving Suggestions

These French Toast Waffles are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides and toppings:

* **Maple Syrup:** A classic topping for French toast and waffles.
* **Fresh Fruit:** Berries, bananas, sliced peaches, or any other fruit you enjoy.
* **Whipped Cream:** Adds a touch of indulgence.
* **Chocolate Chips:** For chocolate lovers.
* **Nutella:** A delicious hazelnut spread.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A simple and elegant topping.
* **Cinnamon:** A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and flavor.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** For a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
* **Eggs:** Scrambled, fried, or poached, eggs complement the waffles perfectly.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Custard Mixture:** The custard mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Whisk well before using.
* **Cooked Waffles:** Cooked waffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or microwave.

## Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 waffles
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 slices of bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast recommended)
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk (whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk)
* 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, substitute with more milk if omitting)
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* Pinch of salt
* Butter or cooking spray, for greasing the waffle iron

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Place the custard mixture in a shallow dish or plate. One at a time, dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked. Allow the bread to soak for about 15-20 seconds per side.
3. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once preheated, lightly grease the waffle iron with butter or cooking spray.
4. Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated waffle iron. Do not overcrowd the waffle iron; work in batches if necessary. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
5. Once the French Toast Waffles are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the waffle iron using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a plate and serve immediately.
6. Top with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, Nutella, powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 8-10g
* Fat: 12-18g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the type of bread, milk, and toppings used.*

Enjoy these Easy French Toast Waffles for a delightful and satisfying breakfast or brunch! They’re sure to become a family favorite.