French Toast Bagels are a fun twist on classic breakfast! These bagels are soaked in a sweet egg mixture, then toasted to golden perfection. They are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside!
What I love about them is how they combine two favorites—bagels and French toast! A drizzle of syrup on top makes it even better. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy this tasty treat? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: You can use plain bagels for a classic taste, but cinnamon raisin adds a lovely sweetness. If you have different bagels on hand, like whole wheat or everything bagels, those can work too. Just remember, the flavor will change slightly!
Eggs: Three large eggs are essential for a fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you could use a mixture of 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce and a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water for each egg.
Milk: Whole milk gives creaminess, but you can substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to keep your flavors balanced.
Maple Syrup: While maple syrup adds a nice touch of sweetness, honey does the job as well. For a lower-calorie option, you can use agave syrup or even a sugar substitute like stevia.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth to the dish. If you’re out of nutmeg, it’s okay to skip it. More cinnamon can be used instead for extra flavor. If you don’t have ground spices, try using whole cinnamon sticks while cooking!
How Do You Cook French Toast Bagels Without Making Them Soggy?
The key to getting the perfect texture with your French Toast Bagels is all in the dipping technique. Here’s how to do it:
- First, slice your bagels in half to create “slices.” This allows them to soak up just enough of the egg mixture.
- In your egg mixture, whisk everything together until well combined. This ensures even coating.
- When dipping, briefly coat each side of the bagel. Aim for 2-3 seconds per side to avoid sogginess.
- Fry in a preheated skillet with medium heat. This allows them to cook through without being overly soft. Make sure there’s enough butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. If you notice they’re browning too quickly, reduce the heat a bit.
Following these tips will help achieve that delightful crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and flavorful!
How to Make French Toast Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 4 plain bagels (or cinnamon raisin for extra flavor)
For the Egg Mixture:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp butter or oil for frying
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Syrup
- Fresh fruit
- Cream cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook, for a total of about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the Bagels:
Start by slicing each bagel in half horizontally. This will give you bagel “slices” that are perfect for dipping!
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt until everything is well blended. This mixture will soak into the bagels for that delicious French toast flavor.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Put a large skillet or griddle on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Let it melt and get all nice and warm!
4. Dip the Bagels:
Take each bagel half and dip it in the egg mixture. Make sure to coat both sides well, but don’t soak them for too long; a few seconds on each side is perfect to avoid sogginess.
5. Cook the Bagels:
Once your skillet is heated, place the dipped bagel halves on it. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Yum!
6. Repeat Cooking Process:
After removing the cooked bagels, you can add more butter or oil to the skillet if needed and repeat with the rest of the bagel halves until they are all cooked.
7. Serve with Love:
Serve your warm French Toast Bagels immediately. Top them with powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or cream cheese according to your taste. Enjoy your crispy, cinnamon-spiced creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Bagels?
Absolutely! While plain bagels provide a classic taste, cinnamon raisin bagels add a delightful sweetness. Feel free to experiment with any bagel flavors you prefer!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to make your French Toast Bagels dairy-free, simply substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or your favorite dairy-free alternative.
Can I Prepare the Egg Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture ahead of time! Just mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick whisk again before using, as some ingredients may settle.
How Do I Store Leftover French Toast Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a toaster or microwave, but for the best texture, reheat them in a skillet on low heat until warmed through.
