French toast bagels combine the crispiness of French toast with the chewy goodness of a bagel, creating a mouthwatering breakfast treat. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday breakfast or an indulgent brunch option, this recipe is a must-try.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ The best bagels for French toast
✔️ How to prevent soggy French toast bagels
✔️ Perfect toppings and serving ideas
✔️ Common mistakes to avoid
Let’s dive in!
What is a French Toast Bagel?
A Delicious Twist on Classic French Toast
French toast bagels are a creative take on traditional French toast. Instead of using sliced bread, you dip bagel halves into a sweet, egg-based custard and cook them until golden brown.
This dish offers a perfect balance of textures—crispy and caramelized on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. The dense nature of bagels allows them to hold up well to the egg mixture without falling apart, unlike regular bread.
Why Use a Bagel for French Toast?
While classic French toast uses soft, fluffy bread, bagels provide:
- Better structure – No soggy, falling-apart bread!
- Chewier texture – Adds a satisfying bite.
- More flavor options – Choose from plain, cinnamon raisin, or even everything bagels.
Best Occasions to Enjoy a French Toast Bagel
- Weekend brunch – Impress your guests with a unique breakfast dish.
- Quick morning treat – Prep ahead and reheat for busy mornings.
- Holiday breakfasts – Serve as part of a festive breakfast spread.
Looking for inspiration? Try pairing your French toast bagel with cream cheese! Check out this cream cheese bagel recipe.
Ingredients Needed for a Perfect French Toast Bagel
A great French toast bagel starts with the right ingredients. The combination of a rich custard, the perfect bagel, and flavorful add-ins ensures a crispy, golden-brown result with a soft and chewy center.
Best Bagels to Use
Not all bagels work equally well for French toast. Here’s what to consider:
✔ Plain Bagels – A neutral base that soaks up the custard beautifully.
✔ Cinnamon Raisin Bagels – Add a natural sweetness that complements the dish.
✔ Everything Bagels – A bold, savory twist for those who like sweet-and-salty combos.
✔ Challah or Brioche Bagels – If available, these create an extra soft and fluffy texture.
Tip: Day-old bagels work better than fresh ones because they soak up the custard without becoming too soft.
Essential Ingredients for the Custard Mix
A well-balanced custard is the key to a rich and flavorful French toast bagel. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large eggs – Provide structure and help achieve a golden-brown crust.
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream – Adds richness; whole milk is ideal.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Gives warm, comforting spice.
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or maple syrup) – Sweetens the custard.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter – For extra flavor and a crisp finish.
Optional Add-ins for More Flavor
Want to take your French toast bagel to the next level? Try these additions:
✔ Nutmeg or pumpkin spice – Adds a deeper, spiced flavor.
✔ Orange or lemon zest – Provides a fresh citrusy note.
✔ Almond extract – A small drop enhances the vanilla flavor.
With the perfect ingredients in hand, you’re ready to start cooking!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making French Toast Bagels
Now that we have the perfect ingredients, it’s time to make crispy, golden-brown French toast bagels. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result every time!
Step 1: Prepare the Bagels
✔ Slice the bagels in half – This ensures even cooking and better custard absorption.
✔ Use day-old bagels – Slightly stale bagels hold up better when soaked.
✔ Lightly toast the bagels (optional) – If your bagels are very soft, toasting them before dipping helps prevent sogginess.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or maple syrup)
- A pinch of salt
Pro Tip: For an extra creamy texture, blend the mixture with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Soak the Bagels
✔ Dip each bagel half into the custard mixture for about 20–30 seconds per side.
✔ Make sure the bagel absorbs the liquid but doesn’t become too soggy.
Avoid Over-Soaking!
Over-soaked bagels won’t cook properly and may turn out mushy inside.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Bagels
You can cook French toast bagels using a skillet or oven:
Skillet Method (Best for a Crispy Finish)
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Place the soaked bagels cut side down and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Flip and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes.
🔥 Oven-Baked Method (Best for a Soft Inside)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange soaked bagels on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once golden and crispy, remove from heat and serve immediately with your favorite toppings!
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Even experienced cooks can run into problems when making French toast bagels. Here are some common mistakes and pro tips to ensure you get a crispy, golden result every time.
Mistake #1: Over-Soaking the Bagels
Problem: Soaking the bagel too long makes it soggy inside and difficult to cook evenly.
Solution: Dip the bagel halves for only 20–30 seconds per side—just enough to absorb the custard without becoming mushy.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Bagel Type
Problem: Fresh, soft bagels absorb too much liquid and fall apart.
Solution: Use day-old bagels or toast fresh ones lightly before dipping. This helps them soak up the custard without turning soggy.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Right Heat Level
Problem: Cooking on high heat burns the outside while leaving the inside raw.
Solution: Always cook on medium heat. This ensures the outside gets crispy while the inside cooks through.
Mistake #4: Not Whisking the Custard Well
Problem: Unevenly mixed eggs and milk cause lumpy textures in the coating.
Solution: Whisk the custard thoroughly until smooth, or blend for an extra creamy consistency.
Mistake #5: Not Cooking Long Enough
Problem: Undercooking results in a raw, eggy texture inside.
Solution: Cook for at least 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and set in the middle. For extra crispiness, finish in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Mistake #6: Using a Dry Pan
Problem: A pan without enough butter leads to uneven browning.
Solution: Always melt butter or oil before adding the bagels to the pan. This ensures even cooking and a rich, caramelized crust.
Avoiding these mistakes guarantees perfect French toast bagels every time!
Best Toppings & Side Dishes for a French Toast Bagel
A French toast bagel is delicious on its own, but the right toppings and side dishes can take it to the next level. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, here are some of the best ways to serve it.
What Goes Well with a French Toast Bagel?
Pairing your French toast bagel with complimentary flavors makes it even more enjoyable. Here are some popular choices:
✔ Fresh Fruit – Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas add a fresh, natural sweetness.
✔ Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it balances the richness of the bagel.
✔ Maple Syrup or Honey – Classic toppings that enhance the warm flavors.
✔ Greek Yogurt – Adds a creamy texture and a hint of tanginess.
✔ Crispy Bacon or Sausage – A great sweet-and-savory contrast.
Creative Topping Ideas
Looking for something more unique? Try these gourmet topping combinations:
1️⃣ Classic Cinnamon Sugar – Sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar over a buttered French toast bagel for a simple yet irresistible flavor.
2️⃣ Nut Butter & Honey – Drizzle almond or peanut butter over your bagel and top with honey for a protein-packed option.
3️⃣ Cream Cheese & Berries – Spread a layer of cream cheese and add fresh raspberries or blackberries.
4️⃣ Chocolate Lover’s Dream – Top with Nutella and sliced bananas for a decadent treat.
5️⃣ Caramel & Sea Salt – Drizzle caramel sauce over your bagel and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty balance.
Savory Variations
If you love savory flavors, try these combinations:
✔ Avocado & Fried Egg – A protein-rich breakfast with a creamy, hearty twist.
✔ Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese – A bagel classic with a crispy French toast texture.
✔ Cheddar & Hot Sauce – For those who like a little spice.
These toppings and pairings will elevate your French toast bagel experience—no matter your taste preference!
Variations & Flavor Twists for French Toast Bagels
French toast bagels are already a delicious treat, but with a few tweaks, you can customize them to your taste. Whether you prefer savory, sweet, or a creative sandwich twist, here are some fun variations to try!
How to Make a Savory French Toast Bagel
If you’re more into savory breakfasts, this twist will hit the spot.
✔ Cheesy Garlic Bagel – Add grated Parmesan or cheddar to the custard mix and sprinkle with garlic powder. Serve with butter and fresh herbs.
✔ Herb & Cream Cheese Bagel – Stir chopped chives and parsley into the custard before cooking. Top with cream cheese and smoked salmon.
✔ Spicy Breakfast Bagel – Add hot sauce and a pinch of paprika to the egg mixture for a spicy kick. Pair with bacon or avocado.
Pro Tip: Use an everything bagel for extra flavor!
Sweet Variations for a Decadent Treat
If you have a sweet tooth, these ideas will make your French toast bagel even more indulgent.
✔ Chocolate Lover’s Bagel – Stir cocoa powder into the custard and drizzle the cooked bagel with Nutella or melted dark chocolate.
✔ Caramelized Apple Bagel – Sauté sliced apples in butter and brown sugar, then serve on top of a cinnamon-raisin French toast bagel.
✔ Pumpkin Spice Bagel – Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the custard for a fall-inspired twist.
French Toast Bagel Sandwich Ideas
Take your French toast bagel to the next level by making a sandwich!
✔ Breakfast Sandwich – Layer scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon between two French toast bagels.
✔ PB&J French Toast Bagel – Spread peanut butter and jam between two slices for a nostalgic twist.
✔ Strawberry Shortcake Bagel – Fill with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a dessert-style breakfast.
With so many ways to customize your French toast bagel, you’ll never get bored of this easy, delicious breakfast!
Do New Yorkers Toast Their Bagels?
Bagels are a New York institution, and if you’ve ever visited a classic NYC bagel shop, you may have noticed something surprising: Many New Yorkers don’t toast their bagels!
But why? Let’s explore the bagel culture and traditions in New York.
Why Some New Yorkers Say “No” to Toasting
In NYC, the belief is:
✔ A fresh bagel doesn’t need toasting. When bagels are made fresh daily, they have a crispy crust and a soft, chewy inside, which toasting could ruin.
✔ Traditional bagel shops boil and bake bagels to perfection. Toasting is often unnecessary for bagels that are hot out of the oven.
✔ Toasting can dry out the bagel. Many purists believe that a perfect bagel should be naturally soft inside without the need for extra crisping.
When Toasting a Bagel is Acceptable
Of course, not all bagels are created equal! New Yorkers will toast bagels if:
✔ The bagel is a day old – Once bagels lose their freshness, toasting revives their texture.
✔ They’re eating it at home – Many people toast store-bought bagels because they aren’t as fresh as those from a local bakery.
✔ They prefer a crunch – Toasting adds a golden, crispy texture, which some people love.
Should You Toast Your French Toast Bagel?
Since a French toast bagel soaks up custard before cooking, it doesn’t need pre-toasting. However, if your bagel is very fresh and soft, lightly toasting it beforehand helps prevent sogginess.
Whether you toast or not, bagels are always delicious!
FAQs About French Toast Bagels
Do bagels work for French toast?
Yes! Bagels work great for French toast because they are thicker and denser than regular bread. This means they hold up better when soaked in the custard mixture, preventing them from falling apart.
Pro Tip: Day-old bagels work best because they absorb the custard without getting soggy.
What goes with French toast bagel?
French toast bagels pair well with:
✔ Sweet toppings – Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or Nutella.
✔ Savory sides – Crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or smoked salmon.
✔ Creamy spreads – Cream cheese, peanut butter, or Greek yogurt.
Check out this cream cheese bagel recipe for inspiration: Bagel with Cream Cheese
What is the most common mistake in making French toast?
The biggest mistake is over-soaking the bagel. If a bagel sits too long in the custard, it absorbs too much liquid and turns mushy inside.
Fix: Dip each bagel half for only 20–30 seconds per side to avoid sogginess.
How to make french bagel?
1️⃣ Slice a bagel in half.
2️⃣ Mix eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl.
3️⃣ Dip the bagel halves in the custard for 20–30 seconds per side.
4️⃣ Cook in a buttered skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.
5️⃣ Serve with your favorite toppings!
What is the trick to not soggy French toast?
✔ Use day-old bagels – Fresh ones soak up too much liquid.
✔ Don’t over-soak – A quick dip is enough.
✔ Cook on medium heat – High heat burns the outside before the inside is cooked.
Do New Yorkers not toast their bagels?
Most New Yorkers don’t toast fresh bagels because they are already crispy on the outside and soft inside. However, toasting is fine for:
✔ Day-old bagels – Toasting revives the texture.
✔ Preference – Some people just love the extra crunch!
Conclusion & Final Tips
French toast bagels are a delicious twist on a classic breakfast, combining the chewy texture of a bagel with the crispy, caramelized goodness of French toast. Whether you prefer sweet, savory, or creative sandwich variations, this recipe offers endless possibilities.
Key Takeaways for the Perfect French Toast Bagel
✔ Use day-old bagels – They soak up custard without getting soggy.
✔ Don’t over-soak – 20–30 seconds per side is enough.
✔ Cook on medium heat – This ensures a golden-brown crust and soft interior.
✔ Experiment with toppings – Try maple syrup, cream cheese, fruit, or even savory options like eggs and bacon.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
✔ Easy & quick – Takes just 15 minutes to make.
✔ Customizable – Works with any type of bagel or flavor.
✔ Perfect for any occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Final Tip: For extra crispiness, cook the bagels in a pan first, then finish them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Now that you know how to make the perfect French toast bagel, it’s time to get cooking!
Looking for more delicious bagel ideas? Check out this bagel with cream cheese recipe: Bagel with Cream Cheese
Enjoy your homemade French toast bagels, and don’t forget to share your creations!