Maple-Cinnamon Waffle French Toast

A waffle iron is a game-changer for soft, fluffy, fuss-free French toast. (Colin Price)

Nine out of ten days I’ve got milk, bread, and eggs in my kitchen, and lucky for me, this recipe, which combines two breakfast favorites, is one of my kids’ most requested.

Their idea of the perfect breakfast is two pieces of this waffle French toast, a handful of fresh strawberries, and maple syrup or fresh whipped cream on top.

Just place the soaked bread inside the waffle iron to make the puffiest maple-soaked bread you’ve ever tasted and plenty of grooves to catch whatever you pour or place on top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes

Serves 4

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch kosher salt
• 8 slices bread of choice (challah, sandwich, cinnamon raisin, Texas toast, and brioche are my go-tos)
• Butter, for brushing the waffle iron
• Toppings: fresh raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries; whipped cream; maple syrup; chocolate chips

Preheat the waffle iron.

Whisk the eggs in a large shallow bowl. Whisk in the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to combine.

Submerge the slices of bread, one at a time, into the egg mixture for 30 seconds, or until they absorb the mixture.

Place a slice of the bread into the waffle iron and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the bread turns golden and puffs. (Alternatively, the French toast can be sautéed in a large skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes on each side or until golden.)

As you finish cooking each waffle, you can place them on baking sheets and keep them warm in a preheated 250-degree-F oven until you are ready to serve them.

Top the French toast with maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or fried chicken if you’re feeling extra jazzy.

To Enjoy Later

The cooked French toast can be cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze, place cooled pieces of the toast in labeled zip-top bags in the freezer for up to 4 months. To rewarm, microwave for 30 seconds, or place in a preheated 250-degree-F oven for 5 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350-degree-F for 2 minutes, or in a toaster oven for 1 minute. Add an additional minute or so if warming frozen French toast.

Prep in Advance

Prepare the milk mixture the night before, storing it covered in the fridge, and then submerge the bread when ready to cook.

Recipe reprinted with permission from “Meal Prep Magic: Time-Saving Tricks for Stress-Free Cooking, A Weelicious Cookbook” by Catherine McCord. Published by Harry N. Abrams.