Maple Bourbon Bacon French Toast Recipe

Indulge in a breakfast fit for royalty with this sumptuous Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast recipe. Picture this: thick-cut brioche or challah bread stuffed with a creamy filling and crispy bacon, all drenched in a warm bourbon maple syrup. It’s a decadent twist on a classic favorite that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

I first created this masterpiece for my husband’s birthday, and it quickly became a beloved weekend tradition in our home. The moment of revelation when you bite into that luscious pocket of cream cheese and bacon is pure magic. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, creating unforgettable moments and lasting memories.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a special morning or hosting a brunch gathering, this Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast is sure to steal the show. With tips for substitutions and make-ahead preparations, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. So, gather your loved ones, savor each delicious bite, and let the celebration begin!

Quick Benefits

• Decadent Brunch Option: Perfect for special mornings or celebratory occasions with its unique flavor combination.
• Family Favorite: A hit with both adults and children, offering a delightful surprise with the cream cheese bacon filling.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Leftovers can be easily stored and reheated for up to two days, making it a practical option for busy mornings or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Bacon French Toast Recipe Recipe

• The combination of salty bacon, creamy filling, and sweet bourbon maple syrup creates an indulgent and flavorful twist on traditional French toast.
• Perfect for special occasions or weekend treats, this recipe will make any morning feel like a celebration.
• The surprise element of melty cream cheese and crispy bacon inside the French toast adds a fun and delicious touch that everyone will love.
• Leftovers can be easily stored and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or a quick brunch.
• Offers versatility with ingredient substitutions, such as using different types of bread, alternative to bourbon, and even gluten-free options.
• Easy to prepare ahead of time by assembling the night before, making it a convenient option for stress-free mornings.
• The addition of toppings like fresh berries, toasted pecans, or powdered sugar allows for customization and extra flair to the dish.

Ingredients for Maple Bourbon Bacon French Toast Recipe

Main

• 120 ml whole milk
• 8 slices brioche or challah bread, cut thick
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 30 g unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 6 strips thick-cut bacon

Filling and Glaze

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 30 ml bourbon
• 240 ml pure maple syrup
• 60 g cream cheese, softened
• Pinch fine salt

Pro Tips for Maple Bourbon Bacon French Toast Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For an extra flavor boost, try using thick-cut white or sourdough bread as a sturdy alternative to brioche or challah. This will help hold the filling together and provide a delicious base for your French toast.

Pro Tip 2: If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can easily substitute it with apple juice or simply omit it for a classic maple finish. This way, you can still achieve that rich and sweet maple syrup flavor without the alcohol.

Pro Tip 3: To save time in the morning, you can assemble and stuff the bread the night before. This allows the flavors to meld overnight and makes the cooking process quicker the next day. Just remember to cook the French toast fresh and add the warm bourbon maple syrup glaze right before serving for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Maple Bourbon Bacon French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Place bacon strips on a wire rack over a baking tray. Bake at 200°C for about 15 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels and finely chop.

Step 2: Prepare Custard Mixture

Combine eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl and whisk until well mixed.

Step 3: Combine Bacon and Cream Cheese

Combine softened cream cheese and chopped bacon in a separate bowl until well mixed.

Step 4: Stuff the Bread

With a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket in each bread slice. Fill each pocket with the bacon-cream cheese mixture, then press gently to close.

Step 5: Coat Bread in Custard

Coat each stuffed bread slice in the egg mixture, making sure all sides are covered.

Step 6: Pan-Fry French Toast

Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each stuffed slice for 3–4 minutes on each side until deep golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Bourbon Maple Glaze

Combine maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant.

Step 8: Serve

Place the French toast on a plate and drizzle with the warm bourbon maple glaze. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

Once your Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast is made, storing any leftovers is easy. Wrap the leftover French toast in foil or place it in an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the slices in a toaster oven or skillet to crisp them up. You can also warm up the bourbon maple syrup glaze either in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.

For variations on the recipe, you can use different types of bread like thick Texas toast or sturdy white or sourdough bread. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can swap out the bourbon with apple juice or simply omit it for a classic maple flavor. To make mornings easier, you can assemble and stuff the bread the night before, then cook it fresh and add the glaze just before serving. Feel free to personalize your dish with toppings like fresh berries, toasted pecans, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flair and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a twist on this Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast recipe, you can swap out brioche for thick Texas toast or another sturdy bread like sourdough or white bread. These bread options will still provide a substantial base for the filling while adding a unique taste and texture to the dish.

If you don’t have bourbon on hand or prefer not to use alcohol, you can easily substitute it with apple juice or simply omit it altogether for a classic maple finish. The apple juice will add a hint of sweetness and depth similar to bourbon, maintaining the essence of the maple syrup drizzle without the alcoholic undertone.

To accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions, you can use your favorite gluten-free bread in place of brioche or challah. Make sure the gluten-free bread is thick-sliced for the best texture and flavor. This substitution allows everyone to enjoy this indulgent French toast dish without compromising on taste or quality.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast, consider serving it on a beautiful brunch platter garnished with a mix of fresh berries, toasted pecans, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. The vibrant colors and textures will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the French toast. For a complete brunch experience, pair this indulgent dish with a side of perfectly scrambled eggs for a balanced meal that will surely impress your guests.

For a fun twist on presentation, consider cutting the Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast into bite-sized pieces and serving them as a sweet and savory appetizer at your next brunch gathering. Skewer each piece with a toothpick for easy serving, and top them off with a dollop of whipped cream for a playful finishing touch. Your guests will love the convenience of these mini French toast bites, making them the perfect finger food option for a social brunch event.

FAQs for Maple Bourbon Bacon French Toast Recipe

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes! Thick-cut white or sourdough bread also works well, but opt for something sturdy to hold the filling.

Can I make this recipe without bourbon?

You can replace bourbon with apple juice or simply omit it for a classic maple finish.

Can I prepare the stuffed bread the night before?

You can assemble and stuff the bread the night before. Cook fresh and add glaze right before serving.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread, ensuring it’s thick-sliced for best results.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast becomes a cherished tradition in your home, just like it has in mine. The joy of creating a dish that brings loved ones together around the table is truly special. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy filling, and warm bourbon maple syrup is a delightful treat that never fails to impress.

Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or simply to elevate your weekend brunch, the indulgent flavors of Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast are sure to leave everyone wanting more. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite bread, toppings, or even a non-alcoholic alternative to bourbon. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ability to bring a touch of luxury to any morning. Enjoy every bite of this decadent creation and savor the moments shared around the breakfast table.