If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like an absolute treat but is delightfully easy to whip up, these French Toast Waffles are ready to become your new weekend obsession. With the caramelized edges of classic French toast and the irresistible crispy pockets only a waffle iron can provide, this hybrid is pure breakfast magic. Each bite is golden, fluffy, and rich with cinnamon, making your kitchen smell like nostalgia and comfort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting brunch, or just craving something special, French Toast Waffles guarantee smiles and empty plates!

French Toast Waffles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of French Toast Waffles is how humble the ingredient list is, yet each component plays a vital role in building that crave-worthy taste and texture. Here’s exactly what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Challah bread: Thick-sliced Challah soaks up the custard and holds together perfectly for that crisp-and-tender finish.
2% milk: Chosen for just the right richness without weighing the waffle down.
Large eggs: Eggs are what transform the bread into custardy, luscious French toast inside every waffle divot.
Cinnamon: Adds an irresistible layer of warmth that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug.
Vanilla extract: A splash brings out all the sweet, bakery notes we love in breakfast classics.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten and help caramelize the waffle’s edges in the iron.
Butter and maple syrup (for topping): The crown jewels—melted butter and real maple syrup make these French Toast Waffles sing.

How to Make French Toast Waffles

Step 1: Prepare the Challah

Start by slicing your loaf of Challah into thick slices, about an inch wide. The secret here is that extra thickness—it helps the bread hold up to the soaking and gives your French Toast Waffles that soft, pillowy center with crisp edges that are just begging to be drenched in syrup.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

Grab a medium bowl or a flat, shallow dish (wide enough to dip your bread slices). Whisk together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar until it’s all combined and the cinnamon is evenly dispersed throughout the mixture. Don’t skimp on the whisking; a smooth custard means even flavor in every bite of French Toast Waffles.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dunk each piece of Challah into the custard, turning them gently to coat both sides. Let each slice linger and soak just a little—enough to drink up some of that eggy goodness, but not so much that it falls apart. The goal? Custardy inside, crispy outside.

Step 4: Cook in the Waffle Iron

Carefully lift the soaked bread slices out of the custard and arrange them on your preheated waffle iron. Cook until the outsides are golden brown and crisp, a telltale sign your French Toast Waffles are ready. Depending on your waffle maker, this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Remove, and repeat with any remaining slices.

Step 5: Keep Them Warm and Serve

To keep your French Toast Waffles beautifully crisp, place them on a wire rack after cooking. This simple step prevents steam from making them soggy as you finish the batch. When you’re ready, serve them warm with a generous drizzle of melted butter and maple syrup.

How to Serve French Toast Waffles

Garnishes

The finishing touches truly make French Toast Waffles feel brunch-worthy. Classic melted butter and pure maple syrup are always a hit, but don’t be shy with powdered sugar, a scattering of berries, sliced bananas, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

To turn this into a feast, pair your French Toast Waffles with sides that balance the richness. Crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs are all wonderful choices. For a lighter touch, a bowl of fresh fruit or creamy Greek yogurt makes the meal complete without overshadowing the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your brunch by building a waffle bar with little bowls of different toppings—think whipped cream, yogurt, nut butters, granola, or even a chocolate drizzle. Stack your French Toast Waffles high, cut into quarters for sharing, or serve open-faced with fruit and a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a restaurant-style touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which almost never happens in my house), refrigerate the cooled French Toast Waffles in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and flavorful for up to three days—making for incredibly easy breakfasts during the week.

Freezing

For make-ahead magic, freeze French Toast Waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then stack them in a sealed freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick to each other, and you can pull out just what you need for a no-fuss breakfast or snack anytime.

Reheating

The best way to reheat French Toast Waffles is in the toaster or a preheated oven. This brings back all that crispy-edged perfection. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make them a bit too soft. Simply toast until heated through, then finish with your favorite toppings.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of bread instead of Challah?

Absolutely! While Challah offers a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a sturdy texture, brioche, Texas toast, or even thick-sliced sandwich bread will work well. Just look for bread that’s at least an inch thick so it can stand up to the custard soaking.

Do I need to let the bread sit out and get stale first?

Using day-old or slightly stale bread does help the French Toast Waffles hold their shape and soak up more custard without falling apart, but it’s not strictly necessary. If you only have fresh bread, just soak each slice a little less as you dip it.

Can I make French Toast Waffles dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the 2% milk for your favorite non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat, and choose a non-dairy butter for topping. The results are still absolutely delicious and nobody will feel left out.

What if I don’t have a waffle iron?

No waffle iron? No problem. You can still follow the same recipe and cook the soaked bread slices in a skillet or on a griddle as traditional French toast. You’ll miss the waffle pockets, but all those amazing flavors will still shine through.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. You can double (or even triple) the custard and bread, then keep the finished French Toast Waffles warm in a low oven while you finish the rest. Perfect for family gatherings or brunch parties.

Final Thoughts

Breakfast just feels a little more special with French Toast Waffles on the table. They’re simple enough for a lazy morning but impressive enough to wow at brunch. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if this recipe quickly becomes a beloved part of your breakfast rotation!

French Toast Waffles Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

French Toast Waffles are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, combining the flavors of French toast with the crispiness of waffles. These waffles are fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and perfect for a cozy weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Challah Bread:

1 loaf Challah bread

Egg Mixture:

1 cup 2% milk (8 ounces)
8 large eggs
1 tablespoon cinnamon (8 grams)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 grams)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (36 grams)

For Topping:

butter
maple syrup

Instructions

Slice the Bread: Cut the Challah bread into thick slices, about an inch thick.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl or shallow dish, whisk together milk, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar.
Coat the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated.
Cook in Waffle Iron: Place the coated bread slices onto a hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown.
Serve: Serve the cooked waffles with melted butter and maple syrup. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
Method: Waffle Iron
Cuisine: American