This French Toast Breakfast Board is simply the best for chilly Fall morning get-togethers! Thick and sweet slices of french toast loaded onto a charcuterie board with all of your favorite toppings – grab a pot of fresh coffee and you’re all set!
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You guys! I’m so excited about this recipe. After over a year of not being able to really get together as much as we would like and weird transitions, I’m so ready to be able to gather with my favorite people around a big breakfast board loaded with FRENCH TOAST.
I mean, could you think of anything better to gather around? I certainly can’t!
Why You’ll Love This Board:
Brunch foods are my jam and french toast has to be one of my all time favorite dishes.
There is just something about the thick slices of brioche bread, fried to golden brown perfection with the sweetest touch of my favorite Karo corn syrup and a cozy hint of cinnamon goodness.
Karo Syrup is a staple for my house during the Fall season, especially during the holidays! Y’all probably know by now how Karo Syrup is incredibly adaptable to any recipe! From pies (especially pecan!), marshmallows, glazes and of course, this French Toast!
It has such a smooth and subtle sweetness to it that really helps balance out all of the ingredients in the recipe itself – it’s never overwhelming but just delicious!
For this recipe, I actually used the Karo Syrup in the french toast custard batter. I talked to my step-dad and he said that he remembers using Karo to pour over his french toast as a young boy – whichever floats your boat!
The custard is made with a classic combination of creamy whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, some cinnamon (a little extra if you’d like since it’s Fall) and then for that perfect hint of sweetness, swap out the sugar for the Karo Syrup!
When you soak those thick slices of brioche bread in the mixed custard….oh my word, the outcome is phenomenal!
For extra decadence, I always cook my french toast in butter. It adds a richness to the dish that is unmatched.
And then when it comes to the board, you can choose whatever you’d like to add as toppings! It’s an incredibly versatile board where you can add anything from sweet to salty!
Ingredients You Need:
- Karo Syrup
- Brioche Bread
- Eggs
- Whole Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Butter
- Board Toppings: fresh fruit, jam, chocolate chips, sausage, etc.
Best Tips for Making Your Own Board:
The first tip I feel like I always try to get across when making a fun board like this is that it’s all about the FUN of making it. It doesn’t have to be Instagram worthy or fit an “aesthetic” by any means.
To me, what matters most is who is gathered around the board and sharing the moments together – those are the memories that will last!
I would first begin by mixing up the french toast custard in a large bowl. If you have a large griddle for this recipe, that would be great! But a large pan will work as well. Just make sure you have butter around!
Heat up the pan (or griddle) on medium heat and melt the butter. Generously dip the bread – both sides into the french toast mixture and then start cooking! Fry for 2-3 minutes or so on each side or until it’s golden brown. And then repeat until the bread and mixture is used up!
You can always keep your oven *really low* to keep the slices that have been made warm while you’re finishing up. Just make sure the plate is oven safe!
And then, time to build the board!
Slice up the fresh fruit, add some jams into nice bowls – little bowls are key here! Then you can have many options for people for toppings! Speaking of toppings…
Ideas for French Toast Board Toppings:
- Fruit jams (apricot, blackberry, apple, cherry etc.)
- Chocolate chips
- Fresh fruit (use anything and everything seasonal! I used figs, apples, grapes etc. but adjust based on what time of the year it is)
- Softened butter
- Maple syrup, honey or of course, Karo Syrup!
- Cinnamon, turbinado sugar
Places to Serve a Breakfast Board:
Like I mentioned above, this board is incredibly versatile.
Here are a few ideas on where to serve this board:
Bridal Shower – the perfect brunch idea for celebrating the upcoming nuptials! I would suggest serving this with a fun make your own mimosa bar!
Baby Shower – What better way to show your pregnant friend you love her than serving her buttery french toast?!
Fall date at home – Want to have a slow Saturday morning at home with your significant other? Whip this up and of course, have a french press of hot coffee on the side along with warm blankets and snuggles.
Thanksgiving Morning – Want to enjoy the calm before the storm on Thanksgiving? Why not whip up this board for the family to snack on early in the morning hours before the craziness of the holiday commences
Wherever you serve this board, I hope you enjoy it and truly savor every delicious bite!
French Toast Breakfast Board
This French Toast Breakfast Board is simply the best for chilly Fall morning get-togethers! Thick and sweet slices of french toast loaded onto a charcuterie board with all of your favorite toppings - grab a pot of fresh coffee and you’re all set!
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices thick, high quality bread (I used brioche)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp Karo corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 5-6 tbsp salted butter (for frying the french toast in)
- Maple syrup (optional)
- Board toppings such as fresh seasonal fruit, breakfast meat, chocolate chips, butter, etc.
Instructions
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If you’re making any breakfast meat, be sure to cook it prior to the french toast and keep it warm - or cook it at the same time 🙂
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In a large bowl that you can dip your bread in, whisk the whole milk, 2 eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract and Karo syrup together until fully combined. Set aside.
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In a large non-stick pan, add 1/2 tbsp of butter. Place on medium heat and let it melt. Once melted, dip one slice of bread into the french toast mixture on BOTH sides. Place gently into the pan. Fry on the first side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side.
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Carefully wipe the pan out with a paper towel in between each new piece of french toast to avoid burnt butter.
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Repeat until your bread and mixture is gone. My mixture made about 8-10 slices of french toast, depending on how thick your bread is.
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Keep the cooked pieces of french toast warm either in the oven or the microwave on an oven safe plate.
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In the meantime, grab a beautiful large board and start slicing up fresh seasonal fruit and getting your toppings together.
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Start assembling your board. I put my french toast in the middle of the board and surrounded it with fruit, butter, breakfast meat etc.
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Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea and savor every bite!