French Toast with Jam Brioche Recipe

Weekends in our home are synonymous with leisurely brunches, and nothing quite sets the tone for a relaxed and joyful morning like the aroma of French toast wafting from the kitchen. While classic French toast is always a welcome treat, I recently decided to elevate our brunch game with a recipe that has now become a firm family favorite: Jam Brioche French Toast. Imagine the rich, buttery texture of brioche bread, soaked in a fragrant custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and then – the pièce de résistance – a delightful swirl of your favorite jam nestled within, creating a sweet, fruity surprise with every bite. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience. From the moment the kids smelled the sweet spices mingling with the caramelized sugar, they were hooked. Empty plates and contented sighs are now the standard after a Jam Brioche French Toast morning. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, yet it delivers a gourmet touch that will impress everyone at your table. Get ready to transform your weekend brunch into a truly special occasion!

Ingredients for Decadent Jam Brioche French Toast

To create this exquisite Jam Brioche French Toast, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and texture. Choosing the right components is crucial to achieving that perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and fruity delight. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need:

• Brioche Bread: 8 thick slices (about 1 inch thick) – Brioche is the star of the show here. Its buttery richness and slightly sweet flavor are the perfect foundation for French toast. Look for a loaf that’s slightly stale, as this will soak up the custard better without becoming soggy. Pre-sliced brioche loaves are readily available, or you can purchase a whole loaf and slice it yourself. If you prefer a slightly different texture, you can even use brioche buns, halved.
• Eggs: 4 large – Eggs are the binding agent for our custard and contribute to the richness and structure of the French toast. Use fresh, large eggs for the best results.
• Milk: ½ cup (whole milk or 2% milk) – Milk adds moisture and creaminess to the custard. Whole milk will provide a richer flavor, but 2% milk works perfectly well too. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk, although this will slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: ¼ cup – Heavy cream elevates the custard to a truly decadent level. It adds richness and a velvety texture that is simply irresistible. If you want a slightly lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, but heavy cream is highly recommended for the ultimate indulgence.
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons – Sugar provides sweetness to the custard and aids in caramelization when cooking the French toast. You can adjust the amount slightly to your preference, but 2 tablespoons is generally a good balance.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm and aromatic note that complements the brioche and jam beautifully. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, or you can substitute with vanilla bean paste for an even more intense vanilla experience.
• Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon – Cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and spice that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the jam and brioche. Freshly ground cinnamon will offer the most vibrant aroma and flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon (optional) – Nutmeg adds a subtle hint of warmth and complexity. It’s optional, but it does enhance the overall spice profile and adds a layer of sophistication.
• Salt: A pinch – A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the custard. It might seem counterintuitive in a sweet dish, but salt plays a crucial role in flavor development.
• Jam: ½ cup (your favorite flavor, such as raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, or apricot) – The jam is the heart of this recipe, providing a burst of fruity sweetness within the French toast. Choose a good quality jam with a vibrant flavor. Seedless jams are generally preferred for a smoother texture, but seeded jams will also work. Consider using homemade jam for an extra special touch. Raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, and apricot jams are all classic choices that pair exceptionally well with brioche. For a more adventurous twist, try fig jam, blackberry jam, or even a citrus marmalade.
• Butter: For cooking – Butter is essential for cooking French toast, as it imparts a rich, golden-brown crust and a delicious buttery flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in your dish. You can also use a combination of butter and oil (like canola or vegetable oil) to prevent the butter from burning at higher temperatures, while still retaining the buttery flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting (optional) – Powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful visual finish to the French toast. It’s optional, but it enhances the presentation and adds a touch of elegance.
• Maple Syrup or Fresh Fruit: For serving (optional) – Maple syrup and fresh fruit are classic accompaniments to French toast. High-quality maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, caramel-like flavor. Fresh fruit, such as berries, sliced bananas, or peaches, adds a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the French toast and jam.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Jam Brioche French Toast

Now that you have all your ingredients assembled, let’s embark on the delightful journey of creating Jam Brioche French Toast. Follow these detailed, step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Custard: In a shallow dish or baking pan (large enough to easily dip the brioche slices), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard is the heart of your French toast, so ensure it’s thoroughly mixed for a consistent flavor and texture.
2. Prepare the Brioche: If your brioche slices are very fresh and soft, you might want to slightly dry them out. You can leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or lightly toast them in a low oven (200°F or 95°C) for 5-7 minutes. This helps prevent the French toast from becoming too soggy and allows it to absorb the custard better.
3. Soak the Brioche: One at a time, gently place a slice of brioche into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side, ensuring that it’s well saturated but not completely drenched. You want the brioche to absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy and falling apart. The soaking time will depend on the staleness of your bread; slightly drier bread will need a bit longer soaking time.
4. Add the Jam: Once a slice of brioche is soaked, carefully remove it from the custard and place it on a clean plate. Using a small spoon or butter knife, gently make a shallow indentation or slit lengthwise down the center of the soaked brioche slice. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen jam into this indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam might ooze out during cooking.
5. Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of butter (or a butter-oil mixture). Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully place the jam-filled brioche slices onto the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
6. Cook to Golden Perfection: Cook the French toast for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your brioche and the heat of your skillet. Keep an eye on them and adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning. You want the outside to be beautifully golden and slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft and custardy.
7. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the Jam Brioche French Toast from the skillet and place it on a serving plate. Serve immediately while it’s warm and delicious.
8. Repeat and Serve: Repeat steps 3-7 with the remaining brioche slices and custard until all the French toast is cooked. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, jammy goodness!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can be helpful, especially when enjoying treats like French toast. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.

• Servings: This recipe typically yields 4 servings (2 slices of French toast per serving).
• Calories per Serving (Approximate): 450-550 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (estimated):

• Calories: 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 12-15g
• Fat: 25-30g (primarily from brioche, butter, and cream)
• Saturated Fat: 15-18g
• Cholesterol: 180-220mg
• Sodium: 250-350mg
• Carbohydrates: 45-55g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 20-25g (from brioche, jam, and added sugar)

Important Note: These are estimates. The exact calorie count will depend on the specific brand of brioche, jam, and dairy products you use, as well as the portion sizes. For a more accurate calculation, you can use a nutrition calculator app and input the specific ingredients you use. Remember that French toast is a treat, and while delicious, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time

The beauty of Jam Brioche French Toast is that it’s relatively quick to prepare, making it perfect for weekend brunches or even a special weekday breakfast.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes whisking custard, preparing brioche, and adding jam)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (approximately 5 minutes per batch of 2 slices, depending on skillet size)
• Total Time: 35 minutes

This timeframe is an estimate and can vary slightly depending on your pace in the kitchen and the size of your cooking equipment. It’s a relatively straightforward recipe that doesn’t require advanced culinary skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.

How to Serve Jam Brioche French Toast

Serving Jam Brioche French Toast is all about enhancing its already delicious flavors and textures. Here are some delightful ways to serve it, ensuring a memorable brunch experience:

• Classic Toppings:
  • Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
  • Maple Syrup: Warm maple syrup is a timeless pairing with French toast. Choose a good quality maple syrup for the best flavor.
  • Butter: A pat of softened butter melting on top adds extra richness and flavor.
• Fresh Fruit:
  • Berries: Fresh raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries provide a refreshing and slightly tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the French toast and jam.
  • Sliced Bananas: Sliced bananas add a creamy texture and natural sweetness.
  • Peaches or Nectarines: Sliced peaches or nectarines, especially when slightly grilled or caramelized, offer a delightful summery flavor.
  • Citrus Segments: Orange or grapefruit segments can add a zesty and bright flavor.
• Creamy and Decadent Enhancements:
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.
  • Crème Fraîche or Sour Cream: A dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: A spoonful of mascarpone cheese adds a creamy richness and subtle sweetness.
• Crunchy Textures:
  • Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Granola: A sprinkle of granola adds a satisfying crunch.
  • Streusel Topping: For extra indulgence, consider adding a homemade streusel topping (flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon) before or after cooking.
• Savory Pairings (for a balanced brunch):
  • Crispy Bacon or Sausage: Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a delightful sweet and savory combination.
  • Scrambled Eggs or Omelets: Scrambled eggs or a light omelet provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the French toast.
  • Side Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can add freshness and cut through the richness.
• Beverage Pairings:
  • Coffee: Freshly brewed coffee or espresso is a classic brunch beverage and pairs perfectly with French toast.
  • Tea: A warm cup of black tea, green tea, or herbal tea complements the flavors beautifully.
  • Orange Juice or Mimosa: Freshly squeezed orange juice or a celebratory mimosa adds a bright and festive touch to brunch.
  • Sparkling Cider or Non-Alcoholic Mimosa: For a family-friendly brunch, sparkling cider or non-alcoholic mimosas are great options.

Additional Tips for Perfect Jam Brioche French Toast

To ensure your Jam Brioche French Toast is a resounding success, here are five essential tips that will elevate your technique and results:

1. Use Stale Brioche (Slightly): While you don’t want rock-hard bread, slightly stale brioche is ideal for French toast. Day-old brioche or brioche that has been lightly dried out will absorb the custard more effectively without becoming overly soggy. If your brioche is very fresh, consider leaving the slices out at room temperature for an hour or so, or lightly toasting them in a low oven as mentioned earlier. This ensures a better texture and prevents mushy French toast.
2. Don’t Oversoak the Brioche: While you want the brioche to be well-soaked in the custard, avoid oversoaking. Brioche is already quite absorbent, so soaking for 20-30 seconds per side is usually sufficient. Oversoaking can lead to soggy French toast that falls apart during cooking. Observe the brioche as it soaks; it should be saturated but still hold its shape.
3. Maintain Medium Heat and Use Butter Generously: Cooking French toast at medium heat is crucial for even browning and cooking through without burning the outside. Use a generous amount of butter in your skillet or griddle. Butter not only prevents sticking but also imparts a rich, golden-brown crust and that signature buttery flavor that makes French toast so irresistible. Replenish the butter between batches if needed to maintain a consistently buttery and non-stick surface.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the French toast in batches, ensuring that you don’t overcrowd the skillet or griddle. Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the pan, which can result in steamed rather than browned French toast. Give each slice enough space to cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Patience is key; cooking in batches will yield superior results.
5. Keep Warm in a Low Oven (Optional): If you are making a large batch of Jam Brioche French Toast and want to serve it all at once, you can keep the cooked slices warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish cooking the rest. Place the cooked French toast on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in the oven. This will prevent the bottom from becoming soggy and keep them warm without further cooking them. Don’t leave them in the oven for too long, as they can dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Jam Brioche French Toast

Here are five frequently asked questions about making Jam Brioche French Toast, along with helpful answers to guide you:

Q1: Can I use a different type of bread if I don’t have brioche?

A1: While brioche is highly recommended for its rich flavor and texture, you can use other types of bread if needed. Challah bread is a good substitute due to its similar richness and slightly sweet taste. Texas toast, thick-sliced white bread, or even sourdough bread can also work, although they will yield a slightly different flavor and texture profile. Avoid using very thin or delicate bread, as it may become too soggy.

Q2: Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Whisk it again briefly before using to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Preparing the custard ahead of time can save you time in the morning, especially if you are making French toast for a larger group.

Q3: What are some good jam flavor variations for this recipe?

A3: The possibilities are endless! Classic choices like raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, and apricot jam are always delicious. For more unique options, consider using fig jam, blackberry jam, cherry jam, or even a citrus marmalade. For a spicier kick, try a jalapeño jam (use sparingly!). Experiment with your favorite flavors and see what delightful combinations you discover. Homemade jam adds an extra special touch if you have the time.

Q4: Can I freeze leftover Jam Brioche French Toast?

A4: Yes, you can freeze leftover Jam Brioche French Toast. Allow the cooked French toast to cool completely. Then, place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen French toast can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, or toast them in a toaster or toaster oven.

Q5: How can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

A5: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives. Unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk work well in place of milk. For heavy cream, you can use full-fat coconut milk (the thick cream from the top of a chilled can) or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. To make it vegan, you will also need to replace the eggs. Vegan egg substitutes like flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or commercial egg replacers can be used. Ensure your brioche is also vegan-friendly, as some brioche recipes may contain eggs and dairy. Vegan brioche options are available in many stores or can be made at home. Use a plant-based butter alternative for cooking.

Enjoy creating and savoring your delicious Jam Brioche French Toast! It’s a recipe that’s sure to bring smiles to your brunch table and become a cherished family favorite.