Description
Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast is a deliciously sweet and smoky breakfast dish that combines crispy thick-cut bacon, rich bourbon-infused maple syrup, and tender, custardy French toast made from brioche or challah bread. This recipe is easy to prepare and offers the perfect contrast of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for weekend brunches or a special morning treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Custard
- 6 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread (preferably day-old)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Bourbon Maple Syrup
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
Bacon and Cooking
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Bourbon Maple Syrup: Gently warm pure maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a splash (about 1 tablespoon) of bourbon and let it simmer briefly to blend flavors without boiling off the bourbon’s character.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry or bake thick-cut bacon slices until extra crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and set aside.
- Mix the Custard: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined to form the custard mixture.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the custard mixture, soaking thoroughly but avoiding sogginess, to ensure a tender yet firm French toast.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Cook each soaked bread slice for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange French toast slices on plates, layer or place crispy bacon alongside, then drizzle generously with warm bourbon maple syrup. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better custard absorption without sogginess.
- Don’t skip the bourbon; it elevates the syrup’s flavor significantly.
- Cook bacon separately to keep it crispy and prevent greasiness.
- Maintain medium heat when cooking French toast to avoid burning.
- Warm your syrup before serving to enhance texture and taste contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: Bourbon maple bacon French toast, sweet and smoky breakfast, bourbon infused syrup, crispy bacon, custardy French toast
