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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, custardy breakfast that’s absolutely delicious.
If you’ve been wondering how to make French toast with bagels, the process is simpler than you might think, and it’s a fantastic way to use up day-old bagels.
While classic French toast uses slices of bread, bagels bring a denser, chewier texture that soaks up the custard beautifully.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master how to make French toast with bagels, from prepping the bagels to cooking them to golden perfection.
We’ll also share some tasty topping ideas and pro tips so your bagel French toast turns out perfect every single time.
Let’s dive right in and get your breakfast game to a whole new level.
Why You Should Try Making French Toast with Bagels
There are so many reasons why making French toast with bagels is a brilliant idea, and once you try it, you’ll never look back.
The thick, dense texture of a bagel holds up much better to the egg custard than flimsy bread, so you get a hearty, satisfying bite every time.
Plus, the chewiness of the bagel adds a wonderful contrast to the soft, creamy center that makes this dish so irresistible.
When you learn how to make French toast with bagels, you also open up a whole world of flavor possibilities, as plain, cinnamon raisin, everything, or even blueberry bagels can all be used.
It’s a great way to use up stale bagels that might otherwise go to waste, and it turns a simple breakfast into something truly special.
1. Choose the Right Bagels
To make the best French toast with bagels, you’ll want to start with bagels that are at least a day old.
Fresh bagels are too soft and will become soggy when soaked in the custard, so day-old or even slightly stale bagels are your best bet.
Stale bagels absorb the custard more evenly without falling apart, giving you that perfect texture you’re after.
You can use plain bagels for a classic taste, or get creative with cinnamon raisin, blueberry, or even everything bagels for a savory twist.
Just remember that flavored bagels will change the overall taste of your French toast, so choose according to what you’re craving.
2. Slice the Bagels Properly
One key step in how to make French toast with bagels is slicing them correctly.
Instead of cutting them in half like you normally would, slice them horizontally into thick rounds, about ¾ to 1 inch thick.
This method creates flat, even pieces that will cook uniformly on the griddle and soak up the custard nicely.
If you’re using an everything bagel, be aware that the toppings might fall off during slicing, which is totally fine.
The seasoning will still infuse the custard with flavor even if some of it flakes off.
How to Make French Toast with Bagels: The Classic Recipe
Now that you have your bagels prepped, it’s time to get to the actual cooking process, and it’s really straightforward.
The classic method for how to make French toast with bagels involves a simple custard made from eggs, milk, and a few flavorings.
Here’s the basic recipe you’ll need to get started, and it’s easily scalable if you’re cooking for a crowd.
You’ll need about 2 large eggs, ½ cup of milk or cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for every 2 to 3 bagels.
Whisk all the custard ingredients together in a shallow dish until they’re well combined and slightly frothy.
Then, dip each bagel slice into the custard and let it soak for about 30 seconds on each side, ensuring it’s fully coated but not falling apart.
1. The Perfect Custard Ratio
Getting the custard ratio right is essential when you’re figuring out how to make French toast with bagels.
A good rule of thumb is to use one egg for every half cup of milk, and that ratio works beautifully for bagels.
If you want a richer, more decadent French toast, swap some of the milk for heavy cream or half-and-half.
The fat in the cream helps create a softer, more custardy interior that pairs perfectly with the chewy bagel.
Don’t be shy with the vanilla and cinnamon, as they add that classic French toast flavor everyone loves.
2. Soaking Time Matters
One of the most important tips for how to make French toast with bagels is not to over-soak them.
Because bagels are so dense, they can handle a slightly longer soak than bread, but you still don’t want to leave them in the custard for too long.
Thirty to forty-five seconds per side is usually perfect, and you’ll know they’re ready when the custard has soaked into the bagel but the slice is still firm.
If you soak them for too long, they’ll become soggy and fall apart in the pan, so keep an eye on the clock.
The goal is to have them saturated but still holding their shape so they cook up crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
3. Cook Them on a Hot, Buttered Pan
Now comes the fun part, and that’s cooking the soaked bagels to golden-brown perfection.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a generous knob of butter, letting it melt and sizzle.
Carefully place the soaked bagel slices onto the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd them so they get nice and crispy edges.
Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until it’s golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the second side.
The finished French toast with bagels should be crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and absolutely irresistible.
Creative Twists and Toppings for Bagel French Toast
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique for how to make French toast with bagels, it’s time to have some fun with toppings and variations.
The beauty of this dish is that it’s endlessly customizable, so you can make it sweet or savory depending on your mood.
1. Sweet Toppings for a Classic Breakfast
The most classic way to serve French toast with bagels is with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
You can also add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a scoop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
For a cinnamon raisin bagel, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk takes it over the top.
And if you’re a fan of a little crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or almonds on top for added texture.
These sweet toppings are perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday morning.
2. Savory Variations to Try
If you’re using an everything bagel, you can skip the sweet stuff and go for a savory take on how to make French toast with bagels.
Just make the same custard but omit the vanilla and cinnamon, and add a pinch of garlic powder or black pepper instead.
Cook the bagel slices as usual, then top them with avocado, smoked salmon, or a fried egg for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
You could also serve them alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a satisfying, savory meal.
This savory bagel French toast is a game-changer for anyone who prefers less sugar in the morning.
3. Make It Ahead for Easy Mornings
You can even prepare this French toast with bagels ahead of time for busy weekday mornings.
Just soak the bagel slices, cook them as directed, and then let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Stack the cooked slices with parchment paper between them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or on a hot skillet for a couple of minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again.
This make-ahead trick is perfect for meal prep and ensures you can enjoy bagel French toast even on rushed mornings.
So, How to Make French Toast with Bagels?
You can make French toast with bagels by slicing them thick, soaking them in a simple egg custard, and frying them until golden brown.
That’s really all there is to it, and the results are absolutely deliciously chewy and satisfying.
The key steps to master how to make French toast with bagels are choosing day-old bagels, slicing them horizontally, and using the right custard ratio.
Don’t forget to soak them just enough so they’re saturated but not soggy, and always use a hot, buttered pan for that perfect crispy finish.
Whether you go sweet with maple syrup or savory with avocado and eggs, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
We hope this guide has shown you just how easy and rewarding it is to make French toast with bagels in your own kitchen.
So grab some bagels, whip up that custard, and enjoy a breakfast that’s anything but boring.