Walking into a kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon is one of life’s simple pleasures. When that scent is coming from a sizzling pan of Blueberry Brioche French Toast, you know your day is starting right. This isn’t just breakfast—it’s an experience that transforms ordinary mornings into something special.
I discovered this recipe years ago when looking to elevate my weekend brunch game, and it’s been a favorite ever since. The combination of pillowy brioche bread soaked in a rich custard, topped with bursts of juicy blueberries creates something magical that even breakfast skeptics can’t resist.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Blueberry Brioche French Toast stands head and shoulders above standard breakfast fare for several reasons. First, using brioche as your base introduces a buttery richness that regular bread simply can’t match.
The bread’s natural sweetness creates the perfect foundation for the egg mixture to shine. What makes this version special is the blueberry element—rather than just serving berries on top, we’re incorporating them into the cooking process, creating pockets of jammy goodness that burst with flavor in every bite. The berries also caramelize slightly during cooking, adding a deeper dimension to the dish.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between elegant and approachable. It feels special enough for celebrations but is straightforward enough for regular weekend breakfasts. The techniques used here will actually improve your overall cooking skills—mastering the perfect soak time for the bread and learning the ideal cooking temperature are lessons that transfer to many other dishes.
Equipment needed: Large mixing bowl, whisk, non-stick skillet or griddle, spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Blueberry Brioche French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread about 8 thick slices, preferably day-old
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups fresh blueberries frozen will work in a pinch, but don’t thaw
- 3-4 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- Pure maple syrup for serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Extra blueberries for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your bread by slicing the brioche into 1-inch thick slices. If your bread is very fresh, you can leave the slices out for 30 minutes to dry slightly, which helps them absorb the custard mixture without falling apart.
- Make the custard mixture by whisking together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large, shallow bowl until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Soak the bread slices in the custard mixture, allowing each slice to absorb the liquid for about 30 seconds per side. Don’t oversoak or the bread may become too soggy and fall apart during cooking.
- Gently press blueberries into both sides of the soaked bread slices, about 6-8 berries per slice, pressing them in just enough to stick without tearing the bread.
- Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, swirling to coat the pan surface completely.
- Cook the French toast for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown, being careful when flipping as the blueberries can make the bread slightly more delicate.
- Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until golden and the center is cooked through but still moist.
- Add fresh butter to the pan between batches for the best flavor and to prevent sticking.
- Keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the remaining bread.
- Serve immediately with warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and additional fresh blueberries if desired.
Notes
- Day-old brioche works best as it’s slightly firmer and absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart.
- For a make-ahead option, prepare the custard mixture the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, just slice the bread, soak, and cook.
- The key to perfect Blueberry Brioche French Toast is medium-low heat – too high and the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- If blueberries aren’t in season, try raspberries, blackberries, or thinly sliced strawberries.
- For special occasions, serve with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a side of crispy bacon for a sweet-savory contrast.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (2 slices)
- Protein: 11g per serving
- Fat: 24g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 48g per serving
- Contains: Dairy, eggs, wheat (gluten)
- Not suitable for: Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, or egg-free diets without modifications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Soaking the bread too long – This leads to soggy French toast that falls apart. Aim for 30 seconds per side, just enough to absorb the custard without becoming saturated.
- Cooking at too high heat – This causes the outside to burn while the inside stays raw. Medium to medium-low heat ensures even cooking.
- Not allowing the pan to preheat properly – A properly heated pan ensures the custard starts cooking immediately upon contact, preventing soggy results.
- Using cold ingredients – Let eggs and milk come to room temperature for a smoother custard that cooks more evenly.
- Skimping on quality ingredients – This is a simple dish where ingredient quality really matters, especially the bread and maple syrup.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Bread alternatives: Challah, thick-cut Texas toast, or even a good quality sourdough can work in place of brioche.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute almond milk or oat milk for the milk and coconut cream for the heavy cream.
- Sugar alternatives: Honey or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar in the custard mixture.
- Egg substitute: For each egg, try 1/4 cup silken tofu blended with a tablespoon of cornstarch (though texture will differ).
- Fruit variations: Try other berries, sliced peaches, caramelized bananas, or sautéed apples instead of blueberries.
- Flavor twists: Add orange zest, almond extract, or a tablespoon of Grand Marnier to the custard for different flavor profiles.
FAQs
Can I make Blueberry Brioche French Toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. You can also fully cook the French toast and refrigerate, then reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. However, for the best texture and flavor, cooking just before serving is ideal.
Why is my French toast soggy in the middle?
This usually happens when the heat is too high (burning the outside before the inside cooks) or if the bread slices are too thick. Try lowering your heat and allowing a longer cooking time, or cutting slightly thinner slices of brioche.
Can I freeze leftover Blueberry Brioche French Toast?
Absolutely! Cool completely, then freeze slices separated by parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or 350°F oven until warmed through.
What can I serve with this to make it a complete brunch?
Pair it with savory elements like crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a simple herb omelet. A light fruit salad or citrus segments add freshness to balance the richness of the French toast.
Is there a way to make this recipe less rich?
You can use all milk instead of the milk and cream combination, reduce the egg yolks (use 2 whole eggs and 2 egg whites), and serve with fresh fruit instead of maple syrup for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts
Blueberry Brioche French Toast is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the morning. There’s something magical about the combination of buttery brioche, warm spices, and juicy blueberries that transforms an ordinary breakfast into something memorable. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a weekend, this dish brings a touch of elegance to your table without complicated techniques. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!
