With a golden brown and crispy exterior and a lightly and chewy custard-like center, Bagel French Toast is our new favorite variation on the breakfast classic. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast and brunch!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, light brown sugar, salt, pure vanilla extract, large eggs, all-purpose flour, and orange or lemon zest until combined.
One at a time, add the sliced bagels to the egg mixture. Gently turn them to cover and remove the bagel halves from the mix once they have absorbed the liquids, not letting them soak longer than a minute each.
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray or grease with additional butter. Add a few bagel halves to the pan, spacing them out at least 1 inch apart. Cook the French toast for 1-2 minutes per side, flipping halfway through, or until the bagels are golden brown.
Repeat the cooking steps with the remaining bagels, spraying the pan with additional nonstick spray or butter between batches if necessary.
Serve the French toast warm with your favorite toppings!
Notes
Storage Directions:
Refrigeration: Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: The bagel French toast can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For the easiest defrosting, freeze the toast with squares of parchment or wax paper between them. Defrost the toast in the microwave on low heat for 30-45 seconds or until thawed through.
Reheating: Warm French toast in a toaster oven or Air Fryer preheated to 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Recipe Pro-Tips:
Variations: Make this recipe your own by using your favorite flavor of bagel. Cinnamon raisin, blueberry, chocolate chip, egg, and cranberry would all be delicious.
Don't Oversoak the Bagels: Instead, turn them in the egg and milk mixture until just saturated with milk or for less than 1 minute. Oversoaking the bagels will make them mushy and give the French toast an undesirable texture.
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