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Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast

Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast
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Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast is a delicious breakfast dish that perfectly blends sweet, smoky, and boozy flavors. Featuring thick-cut brioche or challah soaked in a custard infused with bourbon, maple syrup, and warm spices, then fried in bacon fat for a golden crust and topped with crispy bacon and a bourbon maple syrup drizzle. This recipe is easy to make, impressive to serve, and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 6–8 thick-cut slices of brioche or challah bread

Custard Mixture

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Bacon

  • 8–10 strips of thick-cut bacon

For Cooking

  • Reserved bacon fat or 2 tablespoons butter

For Serving

  • Additional warm maple syrup with a splash of bourbon (optional)

Optional Garnishes and Variations

  • Powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Fresh berries or sliced bananas
  • Smoked tempeh strips or mushroom bacon (vegetarian alternatives)
  • Plant-based milk, vegan bacon, and egg substitute (vegan version)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger for a spicy kick

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet or oven until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and reserve the bacon fat for frying the French toast to add incredible flavor and crispness.
  2. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, bourbon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
  3. Soak the Bread: Dip each thick slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20 seconds on each side. This ensures the bread absorbs the flavors without becoming soggy.
  4. Cook the French Toast: Heat the reserved bacon fat or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each soaked slice until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Assemble and Drizzle: Stack the cooked French toast slices on a plate, layer with crispy bacon strips, and generously drizzle warm maple syrup infused with a splash of bourbon over the top for an indulgent finish.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Bread: Thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah soaks custard without falling apart.
  • Don’t Over-soak: Soak bread just enough to absorb flavors but not too long to avoid mushy toast.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance aroma and flavor.
  • Reserve Bacon Fat: Use bacon fat for frying to impart smoky richness and crisp crust.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy French toast warm, fresh off the stove for best texture and flavor.
  • Warm Maple Syrup: Heating maple syrup before drizzling enhances its deep caramel notes.
  • Variation Options: Swap bacon for vegetarian alternatives, add nuts, fruits, or spices to customize.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in single layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat in toaster or conventional oven to preserve texture; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast, bourbon, maple syrup, bacon, breakfast, brunch, sweet and savory, custard, brioche, challah

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/bourbon-maple-bacon-french-toast/