16 Unique French Toast Recipes To Try For Brunch

It is a truth universally acknowledged that brunch, if not the most important meal of the day, is the most coveted. So, if you try your hand at some unique French toast recipes and post the results on Instagram, you’re pretty much guaranteed to make at least a few people jealous. Seriously, who doesn’t love a bread-based brunch?

Dipping some slightly stale bread into a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla extract can be pretty magical once you fry that piece of bread to a golden perfection. The ideal piece of French toast is the right balance of soft, crispy, and flavorful — but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little creative. Leave the maple syrup to the side and try making a savory version with cheese and more eggs, or ditch the bread entirely to make French toast out of English muffins or even polenta. There is no limit to the number of unique brunch recipes that can result, so you may just be inspired to spend a little more time in the kitchen.

These 16 French toast recipes prove that there’s a whole lot more to this brunch staple than milk, eggs, and bread. Try something different this weekend, and while you’re at it, you might as well try making poached eggs on the side, too. Happy brunching!

1. French Toast Bites

Sure, French toast sticks are delicious. But grab some skewers and you're in for an even fancier way to enjoy bite-sized French toast, with A Beautiful Mess' recipe.

2. Baked French Toast Muffins

With a muffin made of French toast, you don't have to choose. Averie Cooks helps take the guesswork out of individual portions.

3. Creme Anglaise French Toast

It's time to start thinking about what your French toast is dipped into. It turns out that a sauce made from heavy cream, vanilla bean, sugar, and more does the trick a whole lot better than your usual go-to. A Cozy Kitchen knows how to make brunch super decadent.

4. Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Roll-Ups

There is a fine line between dessert and sweet brunch, and these roll-ups by Inside BrewCrew Life manage to stand right on it. Cream cheese and lemon curd make a filling with a smooth consistency.

5. Crispy Salt And Pepper French Toast

Put away the maple syrup. I Am A Food Blog proves that French toast doesn't need any extravagant toppings — but some Sriracha and green onion won't hurt.

6. Easiest Overnight French Toast Bake

Pro-tip: Soaking your French toast overnight results in a fuller flavor — and a quicker meal in the morning. Damn Delicious shows that a fancy brunch can be pretty simple to make.

7. English Muffin French Toast

You don't need a day-old brioche or baguette to make crave-worthy French toast. The Kitchn shows that it's easy (and tasty) to mix things up, with the help of English muffins.

8. Polenta French Toast

Bread isn't even a requirement to make a show-stopping French toast dish. Brown Eyed Baker fries sweet polenta to result in a totally unique gluten-free brunch.

9. Stuffed French Toast With Berries And Cream

Stuffed French toast may sound and look impressive, but it's no more difficult to make this satisfying brunch than it is to make a sandwich. Savory Sweet Life uses a mix of Greek yogurt and cream cheese for the ultimate creamy filling.

10. Savory French Toast Casserole

Though French toast may be thought of most often as a sweet treat, A Beautiful Mess proves that some rosemary, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes make it a savory wonder.

11. Hawaiian Bread And Maple-Baked Banana French Toast

Ditch your typical load of white bread in favor of something slightly sweeter. Averie Cooks uses golden, fluffy Hawaiian bread to make super soft, maple-glazed French toast.

12. Fluffernutter Corn Flake-Stuffed French Toast

Crispy on the outside with soft French toast and marshmallow fluff on the inside, what's not to love about A Cozy Kitchen's dish? Serve it up with some fresh fruit.

13. Cherry Chocolate French Toast Bake

These individual French toast bakes make a sweet easy-to-serve breakfast, but they're also a pretty good snack (or dessert). Inside BruCrew Life whisks together cherry juice and powdered sugar for a pretty pink drizzle.

14. Spicy Savory French Toast

Tabasco, pepper, and basil give some French toast a major kick. I Am A Food Blog shows that eggs aren't the only savory brunch dish out there.

15. Corn Flakes French Toast Sticks

Those French toast sticks from your youth just got a major upgrade. Damn Delicious shows that it's easier than you'd think to improve this classic.

16. Skillet French Toast And Preserves Casserole

If you need one stand-out dish, here it is: The Kitchn uses croissants and fruit preserves to make a casserole that everyone will love. Fresh fruit and chopped pecans make it feel fancy.

For more ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: A Beautiful Mess (3); Averie Cooks (2); A Cozy Kitchen (2); Inside BruCrew Life (2); I Am A Food Blog (2); Damn Delicious (2); The Kitchn (2): Brown Eyed Baker; Savory Sweet Life