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You can make French toast with bagels by treating them just like thick slices of bread, and the result is a chewy, golden, and absolutely delicious breakfast twist.
Making French toast with bagels is one of those genius kitchen hacks that transforms a morning staple into something extra special, and it’s way easier than you might think.
Whether you’re using a day-old everything bagel, a classic plain one, or a sweet cinnamon raisin variety, the process of making French toast with bagels follows the same simple principles as the traditional version.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make French toast with bagels, share my favorite tips for the perfect custard soak, and give you some fun flavor ideas to try.
Let’s dive into the deliciousness.
Why Making French Toast With Bagels Works So Well
Making French toast with bagels is a fantastic idea because bagels have a dense, chewy texture that holds up beautifully to the egg custard.
Unlike regular bread that can turn soggy quickly, bagels have a sturdy crumb that soaks up the batter without falling apart, giving you a hearty and satisfying bite every single time.
The outside gets perfectly crispy and caramelized in the pan, while the inside stays soft and tender, and this contrast of textures is what makes French toast with bagels so irresistible.
Plus, you get all the wonderful flavor of a bagel mixed with the sweet, comforting taste of French toast, and it’s a combination that works for breakfast, brunch, or even a fun dessert.
1. The Best Bagels to Use
When you’re thinking about how to make French toast with bagels, the type of bagel you choose really matters.
You’ll want to use bagels that are a day or two old, as slightly stale bagels absorb the custard more evenly without getting too mushy.
Fresh bagels are fine, but they might not soak up the batter quite as well, and that can lead to a less flavorful center.
For a classic French toast flavor, plain or brioche bagels are perfect, but you can also get creative with cinnamon raisin, blueberry, or even everything bagels for a savory-sweet twist.
The best part about making French toast with bagels is that you can use whatever you have on hand, so there’s really no wrong choice.
2. Slicing Your Bagels the Right Way
To make French toast with bagels that cooks evenly, you’ll want to slice them properly.
Unlike cutting a bagel in half horizontally for a sandwich, you’ll want to slice the bagel into thick, coin-shaped rounds, similar to how you would slice a loaf of bread.
Aim for slices that are about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch thick, and this thickness allows the custard to soak into the center without the outside becoming too soggy.
If you slice them too thin, the bagel pieces might fall apart in the pan, and if you slice them too thick, the center might not cook through.
Take your time with this step because good slicing is the foundation of great French toast with bagels.
The Perfect Custard for French Toast With Bagels
The custard is the heart and soul of any French toast recipe, and this is where you can really make French toast with bagels shine.
A simple custard is made with eggs, milk, and a little bit of sweetener and flavoring, but you can adjust it to your taste.
The goal is to create a batter that’s rich enough to coat the bagel slices nicely but not so thick that it leaves a gooey, uncooked layer in the middle.
Here is my go-to custard ratio for making French toast with bagels.
Ingredients for the Custard
For every two large bagels (which yields about four to six slices), you’ll need two large eggs, half a cup of whole milk or half-and-half, one tablespoon of granulated sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
If you want a little extra warmth, you can add a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture.
Whisk all the ingredients together in a shallow dish until the eggs are fully beaten and the sugar is dissolved, and make sure there are no streaks of egg white left.
This custard is the perfect amount for soaking about four to six bagel slices, so you can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd.
1. Soaking the Bagel Slices
The key to making French toast with bagels is to not oversoak them.
Because bagels are dense, they need a little more time to absorb the custard than regular bread, but they can also become heavy and raw in the center if you leave them in the batter for too long.
I recommend soaking each slice for about 15 to 20 seconds per side, depending on the thickness of your slices.
You’ll want the custard to penetrate just below the surface, but the slice should still hold its shape when you pick it up.
If you’re using very thick bagel slices, you might need to let them sit for up to 45 seconds per side, but be careful not to let them turn into a mushy mess.
This gentle soak is what gives you that perfect custardy center.
2. Adding Flavor Boosters
While a classic vanilla custard is wonderful, you can easily elevate your French toast with bagels by adding different flavor boosters to the batter.
For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the custard, and this pairs especially well with blueberry or plain bagels.
For a more indulgent treat, you can swap the vanilla extract for almond extract or add a splash of bourbon or rum to the mixture.
You can also go savory by skipping the sugar and vanilla, and instead adding a pinch of garlic powder and black pepper to the custard, then cooking the everything bagel slices for a savory French toast that’s amazing topped with avocado and a fried egg.
No matter what you choose, making French toast with bagels is a great opportunity to customize the flavor to your liking.
Cooking and Serving French Toast With Bagels
Once your bagel slices are soaked, it’s time to cook them to golden-brown perfection.
Making French toast with bagels is best done in a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium heat, and you want to make sure your pan is hot but not smoking.
Melt a little butter or heat a splash of oil in the pan, and carefully place the soaked bagel slices in a single layer.
1. Getting the Perfect Golden Crust
Cook the slices for about two to three minutes on the first side, until the bottom is deeply golden brown and crispy.
Then, carefully flip them over and cook for another two to three minutes on the other side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even browning.
The goal is to have a beautiful, caramelized crust on the outside while the inside is fully cooked through and fluffy.
If you find that the centers are still a bit custardy after the outside is browned, you can pop the finished slices onto a baking sheet and place them in a 350°F oven for five minutes to finish cooking.
This is a great trick for making French toast with bagels for a large group.
2. Toppings and Serving Suggestions
The best part of making French toast with bagels is the toppings, and the options are endless.
Classic toppings include a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and a pat of butter melting into the warm crevices.
You can also add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a spoonful of whipped cream for extra freshness.
For a savory version, top your French toast with bagels with smoked salmon, a dollop of crème fraîche, and some capers, which is a nod to a classic bagel and lox but in a whole new form.
Or, keep it simple and serve it with a side of crispy bacon and a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate weekend breakfast.
Tips for The Best French Toast With Bagels Every Time
Making French toast with bagels is pretty straightforward, but a few extra tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and get the best results.
First, always preheat your pan properly before adding any butter or oil, because if the pan isn’t hot enough, the bagels will absorb too much fat and become greasy.
Second, don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and steam the bagels instead of frying them.
Cook in batches and keep the finished slices warm on a baking sheet in a low oven while you work through the rest.
Third, if you want a little extra crunch, you can dredge the soaked bagel slices in a bit of crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs before cooking.
This adds an amazing crispy texture to the outside of your French toast with bagels and is a fun variation the whole family will love.
So, How Do You Make French Toast With Bagels?
You can make French toast with bagels in just a few simple steps, and the result is a breakfast that feels both familiar and brand new.
Making French toast with bagels is truly as easy as slicing your bagels, whisking together a quick custard, soaking the slices briefly, and pan-frying them until golden brown.
The dense bagel texture gives you a chewy, satisfying bite that I honestly prefer over regular bread, and the flavor possibilities are endless.
We hope this guide has given you all the confidence and information you need to make French toast with bagels right in your own kitchen.
So go ahead, grab your favorite bagels, whip up that custard, and treat yourself to a truly amazing twist on a classic breakfast favorite.