Do bagels work for French toast?

French toast is a beloved breakfast dish, known for its crispy exterior, soft center, and ability to absorb flavors from egg custard, spices, and syrups. Traditionally made with sliced bread, French toast is versatile enough to experiment with different types of bread—including bagels.

But do bagels work for French toast? The answer is yes, but with some key considerations. Bagels have a denser and chewier texture than standard bread, meaning they absorb the egg mixture differently and require slight modifications in preparation. If done right, bagel French toast can be a delicious, satisfying, and unique twist on the classic dish.

In this article, we’ll explore how bagels compare to regular bread, the best types of bagels for French toast, preparation tips, recipes, and creative variations to make your breakfast unforgettable.

What Makes a Good French Toast?

The success of French toast depends on several factors:

1. Absorption Ability

Good French toast should soak up just the right amount of custard mixture—enough to add flavor and moisture without making the bread soggy.

2. Texture Balance

A great French toast has a crispy exterior from proper frying while keeping the inside soft and custard-like.

3. Flavor Compatibility

Since French toast is typically flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, the bread used should complement these flavors without overpowering them.

4. Structure & Thickness

The best bread choices are sturdy enough to hold up in the custard without falling apart. That’s where bagels present both opportunities and challenges—their dense structure can either enhance the dish or require extra soaking time.

Traditional vs. Bagel French Toast

Bagels can bring a unique twist to French toast, but how do they compare to regular bread?

Key takeaway: Bagels work for French toast, but they need some adjustments in soaking and cooking time for the best results.

Choosing the Right Bagel for French Toast

Not all bagels work equally well for French toast. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right one:

1. Best Bagel Types for French Toast

• Plain Bagels – Neutral flavor, great for customization
• Cinnamon Raisin Bagels – Natural sweetness, ideal for classic French toast flavors
• Brioche or Egg Bagels – Softer texture, absorbs custard better
• Whole Wheat Bagels – Healthier option with a nutty taste

2. Bagels to Avoid

• Very Dense or Hard Bagels – These won’t absorb enough custard
• Savory Bagels (Onion, Garlic, Everything Bagels) – The strong flavors clash with the sweet elements of French toast

3. Fresh vs. Stale Bagels

Stale bagels work better for French toast because they absorb more custard without falling apart. If using fresh bagels, you might want to lightly toast them first to create a firmer texture.

How to Prepare Bagels for French Toast

Since bagels are denser than regular bread, they need extra steps to ensure the best texture and flavor.

1. Slice the Bagels Properly

• Cut horizontally to create thinner rounds (best for even cooking).
• Alternatively, slice bagels in half if you prefer a thicker, chewier texture.

2. Soaking the Bagels in Custard

• Whisk together eggs, milk (or cream), vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
• Let the bagel slices soak for at least 1-2 minutes per side (longer than regular bread).
• Ensure they are fully coated without becoming soggy.

3. Cooking Methods

• Pan-Frying: Cook on medium heat with butter until golden brown.
• Baking: Place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Air-Frying: Crisp up bagel slices at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

Best Recipes for Bagel French Toast

If you love the idea of using bagels for French toast, you’ll definitely want to try this French Toast Bagel recipe! It takes everything great about classic French toast and combines it with the dense, chewy texture of a bagel for a satisfying and flavorful breakfast option. Whether you prefer it with sweet toppings like maple syrup and berries or a more savory twist, this recipe will become a new favorite in your morning routine!

Classic Bagel French Toast Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 plain bagels, sliced into rounds
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Butter for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
2. Dip bagel slices into the custard, allowing them to soak for 1-2 minutes.
3. Heat butter in a skillet and cook each slice for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Serve with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

Toppings & Syrups That Pair Well with Bagel French Toast

Bagel French toast is already a unique twist on the classic dish, but the right toppings can take it to the next level. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, here are some of the best pairings:

Sweet Toppings

• Maple Syrup – The classic, rich, and slightly smoky flavor enhances the crispiness of the bagel.
• Powdered Sugar – Adds a light, sweet touch without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries provide natural sweetness and a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped Cream – A creamy, airy addition that pairs well with cinnamon-flavored bagels.
• Caramelized Bananas – Sautéed in butter and brown sugar, these add an indulgent twist.
• Nutella or Peanut Butter – For a nutty, chocolatey richness.

Savory Toppings

• Cream Cheese & Honey – A perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
• Smoked Salmon & Chive Cream Cheese – A fancy, brunch-style option.
• Avocado & Poached Egg – Adds protein and healthy fats, making it a filling meal.
• Bacon & Maple Glaze – A mix of salty, sweet, and crispy textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While bagel French toast is delicious, there are a few pitfalls that can affect the final result. Avoid these mistakes to ensure the best outcome:

1. Not Soaking the Bagels Long Enough

Since bagels are dense, they need extra time to absorb the custard. Rushing this step can lead to dry, under-flavored French toast.

2. Using the Wrong Bagels

As mentioned earlier, avoid very hard or savory bagels. Stick to plain, cinnamon, or egg bagels for the best results.

3. Cooking on Too High Heat

High heat can cause the outside to burn while the inside remains cold and unabsorbed. Medium heat is best to ensure even cooking.

4. Overcrowding the Pan

Cooking too many slices at once can lead to uneven heat distribution, making some pieces soggy and others too crispy.

5. Skipping the Resting Time

Letting the bagels sit for a minute after cooking helps them firm up and fully absorb the flavors.

Health and Nutrition Comparison: Bagels vs. Regular Bread for French Toast

French toast can be a hearty breakfast, but is using a bagel healthier than regular bread?

Key Takeaways

• Bagels are higher in calories and carbs, making them more filling.
• They contain more protein than white bread, which can help with satiety.
• Whole wheat or whole grain bagels offer more fiber and nutrients than standard white bread.

For a healthier option, choose a whole wheat or thin bagel and use lighter toppings like fruit and Greek yogurt.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Alternatives

Gluten-Free Bagel French Toast

For those avoiding gluten, there are great alternatives:

• Use gluten-free bagels made from rice flour, almond flour, or chickpea flour.
• Ensure your custard mixture is gluten-free, avoiding processed thickeners.

Vegan Bagel French Toast

To make this dish without dairy or eggs:

• Substitute eggs with mashed bananas, flaxseed “eggs” (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), or cornstarch.
• Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
• Coconut oil or vegan butter works great for frying.

Creative Twists: Stuffed and Baked Bagel French Toast

If you want to get extra creative, try these fun variations:

1. Stuffed Bagel French Toast

Instead of slicing bagels into rounds, cut them like a sandwich and fill them with:

• Cream cheese & berries
• Peanut butter & banana
• Nutella & crushed hazelnuts

Dip in custard, cook as usual, and enjoy a gooey center!

2. Baked Bagel French Toast Casserole

For a make-ahead breakfast:

1. Cube bagels and place them in a baking dish.
2. Pour the custard mixture over the top.
3. Let it soak overnight.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
5. Top with cinnamon sugar or streusel for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

A balanced meal pairs well with drinks and side dishes.

Best Drinks to Serve with Bagel French Toast

• Coffee or Espresso – Complements the sweetness with a bitter contrast.
• Fresh Orange Juice – Adds a refreshing citrus balance.
• Chai or Herbal Tea – Warms up the spices in the French toast.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Scrambled or Poached Eggs – A protein boost.
• Greek Yogurt with Honey – Light and creamy.
• Crispy Bacon or Turkey Sausage – A savory contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make bagel French toast ahead of time?

Yes! You can soak the bagels overnight and cook them the next morning, or prepare a baked version for meal prep.

2. What’s the best bagel flavor for French toast?

Plain, cinnamon raisin, and brioche-style bagels work best. Avoid savory bagels like everything or onion flavors.

3. Can I freeze bagel French toast?

Absolutely! After cooking, let the slices cool, then freeze them in a single layer. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F until warm.

4. Why is my bagel French toast too chewy?

Bagels are naturally denser than bread. To avoid excessive chewiness:

• Soak them longer in the custard.
• Use slightly stale bagels.
• Cook on medium heat for an even texture.

5. What’s a healthy way to make bagel French toast?

• Use whole wheat bagels.
• Swap regular milk for almond milk or oat milk.
• Fry in coconut oil or bake instead of frying.
• Use fresh fruit instead of syrup.

6. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store cooked bagel French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

So, do bagels work for French toast? Absolutely! While they require a bit more soaking and cooking time than regular bread, bagels offer a chewier, heartier, and more flavorful alternative to classic French toast. By selecting the right bagel, adjusting the soaking process, and experimenting with toppings, you can create a unique and delicious breakfast dish.

If you’re looking to shake up your morning routine, give bagel French toast a try—you might never go back to regular bread again!