Introduction
Hey there! Today I want to share with you my all-time favorite breakfast treat: Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites. These little bites of heaven are the perfect combination of sweet, cinnamon goodness and soft, fluffy bread. Whether you’re looking for a delicious Sunday brunch option or a quick weekday breakfast, these bites are sure to satisfy your cravings. So, let’s dive in and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
I make these Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites whenever I want to treat myself to something extra special. They are incredibly easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family. My kids go crazy for these bites, and I love seeing their faces light up when I serve them. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites:
- 8 slices of bread (any type works, but I prefer brioche)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Optional: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the egg mixture for extra flavor. I sometimes use whole wheat bread instead of white bread for a healthier twist. Feel free to experiment and make these bites your own!
Directions
1. Start by cutting each slice of bread into bite-sized cubes. I find that 1-inch cubes work best, but you can make them slightly bigger or smaller depending on your preference.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This is where I usually sneak a taste of the mixture to make sure it’s perfectly sweet and cinnamon-y!
3. Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter.
4. Dip each bread cube into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it well on all sides. Place the coated cube onto the hot skillet. Repeat this process with the remaining bread cubes, arranging them in a single layer in the skillet.
5. Cook the bread cubes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. This is the stage where I always find myself impatiently waiting for them to cook because they smell so incredible!
6. Once the bites are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess butter.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining bread cubes, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
8. Serve the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Notes
– If you don’t have a non-stick skillet, you can use a regular skillet or griddle. Just make sure to grease it well with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bites from sticking.
– You can prepare the bread cubes and egg mixture the night before and refrigerate them separately. In the morning, simply dip the bread cubes in the egg mixture and cook as directed.
– These Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites are best enjoyed immediately after cooking, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Though honestly, in my house, they never last more than a day!
Variations
I love experimenting with different flavors and toppings for these Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites. Here are a few variations I’ve tried:
– Instead of sugar and cinnamon, try using a mixture of brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice for a cozy fall twist.
– Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the egg mixture for an indulgent treat.
– For a fruity twist, serve the bites with a side of fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.
Feel free to get creative and come up with your own delicious variations!
Pro Tips
1. Make sure your skillet or griddle is evenly heated before adding the bread cubes. You want them to cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust.
2. If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to cut the bread into cubes, you can simply use slices of bread and make regular French toast. It won’t have the same bite-sized appeal, but it will still taste amazing!
3. Don’t worry if the bread cubes look a bit weird and unevenly shaped after cutting them. Once they are cooked, they will become beautifully crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
FAQs
Q: Can I use stale bread for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! In fact, using slightly stale bread can give these bites an extra crunch. Just make sure the bread isn’t moldy or excessively dry.
Q: Can I freeze these Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites?
A: While it’s possible to freeze them, I find that they are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you do have leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Simply reheat them in the oven or toaster oven before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Of course! While I love using brioche for its rich flavor and buttery texture, you can use any type of bread you prefer. Sourdough, challah, or even whole wheat bread will work just fine.
So there you have it! A simple yet decadent recipe for Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites. I hope you give them a try and fall in love with these little bites of cinnamon goodness, just like I did. Happy cooking!
Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites
Delicious bite-sized cinnamon swirl French toast bites that are perfect for a special breakfast treat. These bites are easy to make and require simple ingredients that can be found in your pantry.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread (brioche preferred)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Directions
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Cut each slice of bread into 1-inch bite-sized cubes.
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Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
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Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter.
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Dip each bread cube into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated, and place on the skillet.
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Cook the bread cubes for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove cooked bites from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
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Repeat the process with the remaining bread cubes.
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Serve warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream.
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Enjoy!