Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast
Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast is a decadent breakfast dish that masterfully blends smoky, crispy bacon with sweet maple syrup and a warm hint of bourbon, all soaked into tender, golden brioche or thick-cut bread. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures, making it an impressive yet simple choice for weekend brunch or special mornings.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Not Gluten Free (but can be adapted by using gluten-free bread)
Bread
- Brioche or thick-cut bread (6 to 8 slices)
Bacon
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking
- Butter (2 to 3 tablespoons for cooking)
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy but not burnt. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess grease, then chop or crumble into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and serving.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a wide bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, bourbon, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This custard will soak into the bread, flavoring every bite.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of brioche or thick-cut bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak up enough liquid without becoming saturated or falling apart. Let the excess drip off to avoid sogginess during cooking.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked bread slices in the pan, cooking until golden brown on one side (about 3 to 4 minutes), then flip and cook the other side to a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Add Bacon and Serve: Top the freshly cooked French toast with the crispy bacon pieces. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup and, if desired, an extra splash of bourbon for a special touch.
Notes
- Choose thick, sturdy bread such as brioche or Texas toast to hold the custard well and create a tender yet firm texture.
- Don’t over-soak the bread; a quick dip prevents mushiness and maintains structure.
- Use medium heat to achieve a golden crust without burning the sugars in the syrup and bourbon.
- Use real pure maple syrup for authentic flavor.
- Let bacon rest before chopping to keep it crisp and prevent sogginess on the French toast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: bourbon, maple syrup, bacon, French toast, breakfast, brunch, sweet and smoky, bourbon maple bacon French toast