Churro French Toast

There’s nothing quite like the moment you sink your teeth into crispy, caramelized churro French toast—a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. This indulgent twist on a breakfast classic takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and it works beautifully because soaking the bread in a rich egg mixture ensures a luscious texture that perfectly complements the churro sugar coating.

This recipe is perfect for those cozy weekend brunches or a special breakfast treat. It can be made ahead by soaking the bread the night before and cooking it fresh in the morning for a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The thick-cut bread creates a satisfyingly custardy interior.
• A crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coating brings a delightful texture contrast.
• It’s quick to prepare—ready in about 30 minutes.
• Optional toppings elevate the dish into a decadent dessert.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make churro French toast.

For the French Toast

• 4 slices thick-cut bread, brioche or challah recommended
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For Cooking

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Use butter for richer flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Brioche can be swapped with challah or white bread.
• Whole milk can be replaced with almond or oat milk.
• Granulated sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar.

How to Make It

Start your delicious journey by preparing the egg mixture.

Whisk

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until well combined. This mixture will coat the bread, infusing it with flavor.

Mix

In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the churro coating. This will give your French toast its signature sweet and spicy crust.

Heat

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and sizzle, ensuring a non-stick surface for the bread.

Dip

Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 seconds on each side. This helps the bread absorb the rich flavors.

Cook

Place the soaked bread slices into the hot skillet, cooking until golden brown on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Add more butter to the skillet as needed for each batch to ensure even cooking.

Coat

Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and immediately coat each side in the cinnamon sugar mixture prepared earlier. This step is key for achieving that churro-like finish.

Repeat

Repeat the process with the remaining slices of bread, making sure to manage the skillet temperature to achieve an even golden color.

Serve

Serve warm, optionally drizzled with caramel or chocolate sauce, or topped with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer: No, it affects texture
Reheat: Microwave for 30-60 seconds

Tips for Best Results

• Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
• Adjust the soaking time based on the bread thickness for optimal moisture.
• Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning while achieving that perfect golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
• Serve with maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
• Enjoy as a dessert with whipped cream on top.