If cinnamon French toast and fluffy waffles fell in love, this would be their sweet little brunch-baby.
A few weeks ago, my roommate and I had the house to ourselves on a Sunday morning. It was a bright, sunny day, with the first signs of spring starting to pop up. Birds were chirping, deer were running over the hills, and our leftover bread was getting stale from the sudden warm weather. Then, my dear friend had an idea. “French toast waffles,” he exclaimed, retrieving the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and bread. “Grab the waffle iron, and let’s do this!”
Even though I was initially skeptical, this French toast waffles recipe now has me hooked. It’s one of the cleverest ways to breathe life back into day-old bread. Not only that, but it harmonizes two of the loveliest brunch foods I’ve ever tasted. The result is a stack of chewy, cinnamon-laced, waffle-shaped toast pieces drizzled in maple syrup. The rich, cozy flavors washed away all my doubts with their deeply satisfying deliciousness.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a special occasion or just another morning—this dish is the perfect fit because it’s plate-ready in less than half an hour. Whip it up to satisfy not only your sweet tooth, but all the sweet cravings of your entire household.
What’s the best bread for French toast waffles?
The kind of bread you use for this recipe is ultimately based on your personal preference. But most chefs agree that thicker, sturdier, and fluffier slices work best for French toast waffles. Breads like brioche and challah are especially popular because they are rich, slightly sweet, and absorb the custard mixture beautifully without falling apart. French bread, Potato Bread, and Texas toast are also excellent choices.
For the best texture, use bread that’s at least a day old—slightly stale bread is drier, which allows it to soak up more of the egg mixture without becoming mushy. Aim for slices about one inch thick. This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover or stale bread, turning it into something delicious and satisfying.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, French toast waffles can be stacked in an airtight container—with parchment or wax paper between each to prevent sticking—and refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag, layered with parchment, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and enjoy them cold, or reheat directly from frozen. Bake in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp, or use a toaster or toaster oven for extra crispiness.
Serving suggestions
Serve your French toast waffles the classic way with a drizzle of maple syrup or a pat of butter and some honey. Or bedazzle them with this Strawberry Whipped Cream Recipe, Cinnamon Roll Homemade Cashew Butter, this Cinnamon Apples Recipe, or Chocolate-Covered Blueberries. This brunch dish also goes great with a Coffee Smoothie or Vanilla Protein Shake.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 4 slices day-old bread 1-inch thick
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
- Preferred toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Dunk each slice of bread into the mixture. Let the bread soak for about 2 minutes, then let the extra liquid drip off.
- Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray or brush with butter. Cook one soaked slice until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining slices.
- Serve warm with preferred toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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