French Toast Bagels are a fun twist on a breakfast classic! These bagels are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, just like your favorite French toast.
Imagine biting into a warm bagel with the sweetness of cinnamon and vanilla—yum! I love to top mine with a drizzle of syrup and some fresh fruit for a cheerful morning treat!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Plain bagels work best, especially if they’re day-old. If you can’t find plain, try cinnamon raisin or everything bagels for a fun twist!
Eggs: Large eggs are ideal for the custard mixture. If you want a lighter version, you can use egg whites or a plant-based egg substitute like flax eggs.
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute with any milk you prefer – almond, oat, or soy milk are great alternatives.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the batter. You could use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar if you’d like a natural sweetener.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives that classic French toast flavor! If you don’t have it, pumpkin pie spice is a great substitute for added warmth.
Rolled Oats: These add a nice crunch! If you want a nutty flavor, you could use chopped nuts like almonds or pecans instead.
How Do I Prevent Soggy Bagels When Dipping?
Preventing sogginess is key to making perfect French toast bagels. The goal is to coat them without letting them soak too long. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare your egg mixture in a shallow dish – this makes dipping easier.
- Quickly dip each bagel half, ensuring both sides are coated but remove them right away. A quick dip is key!
- If you’re using very fresh bagels, be extra quick – day-old bagels absorb less moisture.
By following these tips, you’ll get bagels that are golden and crispy on the outside, perfect for enjoying with syrup!
How to Make French Toast Bagels?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 4 plain bagels (preferably day-old)
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (for topping)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying your crispy French Toast Bagels in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bagels:
Start by slicing the bagels horizontally into halves to create 8 half-bagels. Set them aside on a cutting board or plate while you prepare the batter.
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow dish (like a pie plate), whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and a bit frothy.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Next, preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to melt. Make sure it coats the bottom of the skillet for a nice non-stick surface.
4. Dip the Bagels:
Take each bagel half and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure to coat both sides well, but don’t soak them too long. A quick dip is all you need to avoid sogginess!
5. Cook the Bagels:
Place the dipped bagel halves onto the hot skillet. Immediately sprinkle rolled oats on the top side of each bagel half for a crunchy finish. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Don’t forget to add more butter to the skillet if needed!
6. Keep Warm and Serve:
Once they’re cooked, remove the French Toast Bagels from the skillet and keep them warm on a plate. Repeat the dipping and cooking process with the remaining bagel halves.
7. Enjoy Your French Toast Bagels:
Serve these warm, crispy bagels drizzled with maple syrup. Feel free to dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!
Enjoy your delightful, cinnamon-spiced French Toast Bagels—perfect for breakfast or a delicious brunch treat!
Can I Use Fresh Bagels for This Recipe?
While day-old bagels are preferred for better absorption of the egg mixture, you can use fresh bagels. If using fresh, just be sure to dip them quickly to prevent sogginess.
How Do I Store Leftover French Toast Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or warm them in a skillet for a few minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with chia seeds or flaxseeds mixed with water as a binding agent, and use plant-based milk instead of whole milk. Just make sure to use vegan bagels without dairy.
What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, try honey or agave syrup for a sweet drizzle. For a different flavor, fruit compote or yogurt can make delicious toppings too!