Description
Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast is a decadent breakfast recipe combining the sweet warmth of pure maple syrup, crispy smoky bacon, and a subtle bourbon kick. Made with thick-cut brioche or challah soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, bourbon, and warming spices, it yields a soft, custardy interior with a golden crisp crust. Perfect for weekend brunches or special mornings, this dish delivers a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and boozy flavors with a satisfying textural contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
For the French Toast Custard
- 4 large fresh eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Bread and Toppings
- 6 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 6 to 8 slices quality smoked bacon
- Butter, for pan-frying (about 2 tablespoons)
- Additional warm pure maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon: Cook the bacon slices until crispy, either in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Once cooked, transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Mix the custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk or cream, bourbon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Dip the bread: Submerge each slice of thick-cut bread in the custard mixture. Allow each side to soak for about 20 seconds, ensuring the bread absorbs the liquid but remains intact.
- Cook the French toast: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and hot. Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and crisp.
- Assemble and serve: Transfer the cooked French toast to serving plates. Top with crispy bacon slices and drizzle generously with warm maple syrup for the full bourbon-infused breakfast experience.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better soaking without falling apart.
- Don’t skip the bourbon—it adds a warm, complex flavor note.
- Cook bacon ahead of time to save prep time during breakfast.
- Keep the pan properly heated to achieve a crisp crust without drying out the toast.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 to 2 slices plus bacon and syrup)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: Bourbon French Toast, Maple Bacon Breakfast, Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast, Sweet and Smoky French Toast, Brunch Recipe