French Toast Bagels are a tasty twist on your breakfast favorites! Imagine soft bagels coated in a sweet, eggy mixture and cooked to golden perfection. Yum!
These bagels make mornings special and are great with maple syrup or fresh fruit on top. Honestly, I sometimes just eat them plain—they’re that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Stale or day-old bagels work best as they absorb the egg mixture without falling apart. You can use any flavor you like, such as cinnamon raisin for an extra flavor kick.
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for the egg mixture. If you’re looking for a lower cholesterol option, you can use egg whites or a combination of whole eggs and egg whites.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk gives a rich flavor, but skim or plant-based milk (like almond or oat) can be substituted for a lighter option.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both add sweetness, but if you’re looking for a sugar-free alternative, unsweetened applesauce can work in a pinch.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. For a vegetarian option, consider using avocado or cooked tempeh instead.
How Can I Get My Bagels Perfectly Golden Brown?
Getting that beautiful golden crust takes a bit of attention. After dipping the bagels, let any excess egg mixture drip off. This ensures they won’t be soggy. Cook them over medium heat, so the outside crisps up without burning. Sprinkle brown sugar on top during the last minute of cooking to caramelize it for a sweet, crunchy layer!
- Slice bagels and prepare the egg-mixture.
- Dip, letting excess mixture drip back into the bowl.
- Preheat your skillet and use enough butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, checking for golden color.
How to Make French Toast Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast Bagel:
- 4 plain bagels (preferably day-old or slightly stale)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- Butter or oil for cooking
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- Optional: powdered sugar or syrup for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll enjoy around 5 minutes of prep time for slicing bagels and mixing the egg mixture, and about 10 minutes of cooking time to fry those delicious bagels to golden perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Bagels:
Start by slicing each bagel in half horizontally and set them aside. This way, they’ll be ready to soak in that yummy egg mixture!
2. Making the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is smoothly combined and you see a lovely uniform color.
3. Dipping the Bagels:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil to coat the cooking surface. Dip each bagel half into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides get a nice coating but are not soaked through. You want them to be moist, not soggy!
4. Cooking the Bagels:
Now, place the dipped bagel halves on the hot skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. As they cook, sprinkle some brown sugar on the top side to create a sweet, caramelized crust that’ll add a special touch!
5. Assembling the Sandwich:
Once all your bagel halves are beautifully cooked, it’s time to layer them up! Take one half and place a crispy slice of bacon on the bottom, then top it with the other half to create a tasty sandwich.
6. Serving:
Serve your French toast bagel sandwiches warm and fresh! For an extra sweet treat, you can dust with powdered sugar or drizzle on some syrup. Enjoy this delightful twist that combines the best of French toast and bagels!
Happy cooking! You’re going to love this scrumptious take on a classic dish!
Can I Use Any Type of Bagel for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While plain bagels are recommended, feel free to experiment with other flavors like cinnamon raisin or everything bagels for a fun twist on taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the eggs with a mixture of 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) per egg. Use a plant-based milk and skip the bacon or replace it with avocado or a vegan bacon alternative!
How to Store Leftover French Toast Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Prep This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good whisk before using it. You can also slice the bagels in advance, keeping them covered to prevent them from drying out.
