Subtly sweet with a soft, custardy interior and crunchy edges, bagel french toast is a delicious and creative spin on the breakfast classic. Chewy bagels stand in for regular bread and soak up the custard before a slow bake in the oven, creating a french toast dish like no other. It’s easy to make, great for a crowd and perfect for celebratory brunches, bridal showers, holiday mornings or anytime you find yourself with a surplus of bagels!
4 to 6plain bagels cut in half, then cut into quarters
6eggs
2cupsmilk
¼cupbrown sugar
1tspkosher salt
2tspground cinnamon
¼tspgrated nutmeg
3tspvanilla paste
3tbspunsalted butter
fresh berries for serving
powdered sugar for serving
maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cut the bagels lengthwise (separating the tops and bottoms) then cut them again crosswise to create quarters and set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix together the eggs, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla paste and whisk together until thoroughly combined and homogenous.
Once everything is thoroughly mixed, whisk in the milk until fully incorporated.
Grease the bottom and sides of a 2 quart baking dish with butter, then layer in the bagel quarters.
Pour the custard mixture over the bagels, making sure the liquid is evenly distributed.
Cover the baking dish with foil and let the bagels soak in the custard for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Set the oven to 350F.
When the bagels are done soaking, pop the dish in the oven with the foil still on and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the edges of the bagels turn golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
Top with powdered sugar, fresh berries and maple syrup.