If you are a lover of French toast, then this is the recipe for you! “French toast waffles” basically refers to a method: using your waffle iron to make French toast.
French toast in all forms is a delightful way to start the day. When you cook it in a waffle iron, you create all those extra dimples and crevices in which the pools of maple syrup and melted butter will form.
The best part? More crispy edges! I personally feel that the magic of French toast comes from the pillowy bread inside surrounded by crispy coated crust. The waffle iron makes it even more crispy, and all over.
It’s something everyone should try! You may never go back to regular French toast again!
Jump to:
Why I love these French Toast Waffles
Have I not mentioned the dimples and crevices and crispy edges? Pools of maple syrup and melted butter? Is that not enough?
Ok, one more thing: easy. No worrying about how hot your skillet is, or how soon you should flip the French toast. Since a waffle maker cooks both sides, there’s no flipping. You can easily take a peek to decide whether the French toast is done and ready to remove.
Ingredients
How to make French toast in a Waffle Maker
There are 2 important pieces to making French toast in a waffle iron. First, choose your bread carefully. I’ve tried several types of bread, and the best for me was a loaf of rustic white bread that I sliced myself. (More on the bread later)
The other important factor is the technique to use the waffle iron, which we will go through here.
To start, whisk your eggs and milk in a shallow bowl with a little vanilla and/or sweetener (see variations). Dip each piece of bread in the egg mixture, turning to coat all around. Then, place the bread on a plate or shallow dish to let the egg mixture soak in a little, at least 2 minutes.
This gives you time to preheat the waffle iron. Give the surface a little spray or brush with cooking oil or butter, to help prevent sticking. 😃
You could start preheating the waffle iron after dipping one slice of bread, as it'll probably take close to 2 minutes to preheat.
Place one piece of soaked bread on the hot waffle iron and close the lid. Don’t worry if it doesn’t close all the way, you’ll find that the lid will slowly sink down as the bread begins to cook.
Most waffle irons have an indicator light that goes on to indicate your waffle is “ready”. I ignore that light, as I like my French toast nice and crispy.
I cook my French toast waffles for about 3 minutes, until the waffle maker is no longer steaming. This makes a delightfully crispy piece of French toast. Your waffle maker might be slightly different, so test the timing on the first few pieces to find what’s best for you.
Would you like to save this recipe?
I'll email this post to you, so you can easily come back to it later!
Remove the cooked waffle and repeat with the remaining pieces of soaked bread.
Sula’s Tips/Variations
Let’s discuss the bread
As I said before, I’ve tried many different breads for waffle iron French toast. To name a few: sourdough, Italian white, brioche, brioche braided with cream cheese. A lot of research, but what a labor of love. ❤️
The favorite bread, for me, has been one I find at Panera: Classic White Miche bread. Some call it country bread. Panera's is an unusual shape, but entirely delicious.
Miche bread is a rustic style of bread which is usually a little denser than other types of bread. This is probably the quality that causes it to make such fantastic French toast in the waffle iron.
I have yet to find a grocery store bread that compares; however the research will continue. 😁
I also prefer a thicker slice of bread, and buying a whole loaf means I can cut my own slices. Anywhere from ½ inch to ¾ inch seems to work best in the waffle maker.
Also, slightly stale/dry bread is great for French toast. Probably because it will really soak up the egg mixture. You can facilitate this by pre-slicing the bread and laying it out on a rimmed sheet to dry for a few hours or even overnight.
Other variations
Many French toast recipes include cinnamon in the egg mixture. If that’s your preference, add about a teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste.
You can also get great cinnamon taste by using cinnamon raisin bread – yum!
Most people also sweeten the egg mixture. I did this for years, using just a little granulated sugar. Eventually I decided that this was pointless since I pour pure sugar in the form of maple syrup on the French toast anyway. However, if you do want to sweeten, a little maple syrup in the mix works great. No waiting for the crystals to dissolve, you know?
And if you'd like to try a whole different type of French toast, check out these rabanadas. They are a Brazilian version of French toast which would make a delightful holiday breakfast!
Frequently Asked Questions
As I discussed above, you can use any bread you have on hand. If it tastes good to you, you'll probably like it in French toast waffle form. Slightly stale bread typically works best. The slightly drier texture of stale bread helps it absorb the eggy batter without becoming too soggy.
Yes, you can freeze French Toast Waffles for later. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the waffles to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through. If your air fryer basket is big enough, try using that. I find mine to be a fantastic tool for re-heating frozen waffles. Yum!
More Breakfast Recipes To Love
📖 Recipe
Would you like to save this recipe?
I'll email this post to you, so you can easily come back to it later!
Easy French Toast Waffles (Waffle Iron French Toast)
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 slices bread ½ to ¾ inch thick
- Cooking spray oil, or melted butter to grease waffle iron
Instructions
- Whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla in a shallow bowl until well combined.2 large eggs, ⅓ cup whole milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dip bread slices, one at a time, in the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides. Place bread on a plate to soak for at least 2 minutes.4 slices bread ½ to ¾ inch thick
- Preheat the waffle iron and prep the surface with a little cooking spray or butter as needed to prevent sticking.Cooking spray
- Place one slice of bread in the hot waffle iron and gently close the lid. Do not force the lid down.
- Cook for about 3 minutes, until the waffle maker stops steaming and the bread is golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining bread.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Les
I saw that you suggested Cinnamon raisin bread that's how I have been doing it. I use almond milk in my mixture b/c it's healthier. After doing 4 slices of bread, I have egg mixture leftover, so I make a omelet with spinach & other healthy choices & a little natural cheese and place it between the 4 slices.
Strawberries sauteed in organic maple syrup poured over the stack with crispy organically cure pork bacon or Turkey bacon. That's my Saturday breakfast treat & I make enough to reheat on Sunday before going to Church. Try it, it's much better than fast food.
Sula
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing your variations!
Emily Flint
OMG, these were so good and so easy to make!
Sula
So glad you loved them - they are a new favorite for us!
Ksenia
Ok this was seriously brilliant and I think I will now forever make my French toast in the waffle maker. The end. Thank you!!!!
Sula
I feel the same - it's become my go-to for french toast!
Jennifer
These are delish! I love that they combine French toast flavors but in fun-to-eat waffle form! Great recipe!
Sula
I think waffles and French toast are each special, and when you combine them - WOW!
Anne
This was tasty and so easy to make! I'm glad to have another use for my waffle iron!
Sula
It's really fun to get inventive with the waffle iron!
Gen
What a fantastic idea! I have to admit, I enjoyed this way more than regular French toast. Truly delicious. Thank you!
Sula
I agree, French toast is so much better this way!
Jen
My kids went bananas over these French toast waffles! What a great idea! Loved them!
Sula
Wonderful- it's always a win when the kids love breakfast!
Shaun Danielson
My parents used to make these for a really yummy breakfast long ago. They called them awful waffles! My brothers and I loved them. Thanks.
Sula
LOL how fun!
Tammy
Our french toast waffle breakfast turned out great! My waffle iron doesn't get a lot of use, but it will get a lot more now. Great recipe.
Sula
Its a great reason to dust off the waffle iron!
Healing Tomato
I don't know why I didn't think of making French toast in my waffle maker, lol. This turned out delicious and they were super easy to make.
Sula
Its the best kind of breakfast!
Rachna
This really is genius. Perfect for my kids who always want waffles. Such a great breakfast and quick too.
Sula
Yes kids of all ages love these waffles!
Kris
This was an absolute treat and so fun too! Will make again!
Sula
I never get tired of them!
Sarita
French toast waffles - why didn't I think of that?!? My nine-year old LOVES these - so good!
Sula
I love it when I can find something the kids AND adults will love!
Shilpa
Using a waffle iron to make French toast is simply genius! Loved it.
Sula
Awesome, thanks for the kind review!
Sharon
What a brilliant idea! We made this recipe on the weekend and it was devoured by the whole fam. Yum yum. Thanks!
Sula
Always a win when the whole family will eat it!