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Elevate Your Brunch: French Toast Board 

  • Author: jessy mattix
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Brunch—it’s more than just a meal; it’s a social event, a culinary delight, an opportunity for creativity, and a weekend leisure activity all rolled into one. For those aiming to host an unforgettable brunch that caters to all tastes while remaining a simple and fun experience, look no further. Creating a brunch board with a centerpiece of French toast is the secret to a delightful and visually captivating spread that is sure to make a lasting impression. 

We will take a deep dive into the art of creating a French toast brunch board that perfectly balances rustic charm with epicurean indulgence. A beautifully arranged assortment of golden-brown French toast adorned with an array of delectable toppings, from fresh berries and whipped cream to drizzles of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie seeking a nutritious brunch or a self-proclaimed brunch enthusiast ready to indulge, these curated brunch board ideas ensure that there’s something to satisfy every palate.  

With the French toast as your canvas, and the toppings as your medium, each guest can create their own masterpiece, ensuring a personalized touch to their brunch experience. This interactive element not only adds to the enjoyment but also sparks conversation and shared moments that are the essence of a brunch served family style. Gather your friends and family around the table for a communal mid-morning feast that promises full stomachs and inspired minds. 

Oven-Baked Candied Bacon Recipe

First, let’s prepare the bacon so it can cook to perfection while we’re whipping up the French toast. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and lay out strips of thick-cut bacon. Sprinkle the brown sugar generously over each bacon strip, then place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until the bacon is crisp and the sugar has caramelized, creating a candied glaze. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool, allowing the candied bacon to crisp up further. This savory-sweet addition will offer a delightful contrast to the soft, pillowy French toast on your brunch board.

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Photo by Blaine Young | New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
brunch-board-recipe-blog

Oven-Baked Candied Bacon

This oven-baked candied bacon is the perfect breakfast and brunch finger food! They are crispy and packed with tons of flavor.
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Course Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Pound Bacon Thick cut, smoked
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
  • Lay bacon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Generously sprinkle with brown sugar.
  • Bake until crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep in mind that baking times can vary based on the amount of fat in the bacon and the thickness of the slices. Fattier cuts may take longer to render and crisp up, while leaner cuts may cook more quickly. Similarly, thicker slices will require more time in the oven than thinner ones. To achieve the perfect candied bacon for your brunch board, it is essential to keep a watchful eye on the oven and check the bacon frequently.
  • Once your bacon reaches the desired level of crispness, it's crucial to transfer it to a wire rack to cool. This step is essential as it allows air to circulate around the bacon strips, preventing them from stewing in their own fat and becoming soggy. By cooling the bacon on a wire rack, you ensure that it retains its delightful crunch, perfectly contrasting the chewy texture. The rack also helps to strip away excess grease, resulting in a crispier and healthier piece of candied bacon for your brunch board—which means the bacon will be irresistibly crisp, yet not chewy.
Keyword Breakfast, Brunch, Holidays, Party Food, Picnic

Curating the French Toast Base

French toast constitutes the cornerstone of our brunch board, as its warm, cinnamon-scented aroma is universally inviting. The secret to the perfect French toast boils down to a richly flavored custard imbued with a mélange of sugar, cinnamon, brandy, and vanilla. Using thick slices of day-old bread such as brioche or challah adds a touch of decadence and texture that holds up to the custard without falling apart.

brunch-board-recipe-blog

The Best French Toast

French toast constitutes the cornerstone of our brunch board, as its warm, cinnamon-scented aroma is universally inviting. The secret to the perfect French toast boils down to a richly flavored custard imbued with a mélange of sugar, cinnamon, brandy, and vanilla. Using thick slices of day-old bread such as brioche or challah adds a touch of decadence and texture that holds up to the custard without falling apart.
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 Eggs Large
  • 2 Cups Heavy Cream or Milk
  • 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1/4 Cup Brandy or Rum (Optional)
  • 2 Tsp Vanilla Paste or Extract
  • 12 Slices Day-Old Brioche or Challah Bread Thick Slices
  • 2 Tbsp Butter or Cooking Spray

Instructions
 

Prepare the custard mixture:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream (or milk), sugar, salt, cinnamon, brandy (if using), and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will form the custard base for soaking the bread slices.

Select a suitable pan:

  • To ensure each slice of bread is evenly soaked and flavored, use a large rectangular pan that allows all slices to be laid out flat in a single layer. Avoid stacking the bread, as this can lead to inconsistent soaking and potentially soggy or under-flavored pieces. Working in batches may be necessary.

Soak the bread:

  • Dip your choice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring each side is thoroughly coated. Let the bread soak for 10 minutes on each side. This step is crucial for achieving the quintessential French toast texture—crispy on the outside while remaining soft and custardy inside.

Heat the skillet:

  • Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of butter to coat the surface. Wait for the butter to melt and lightly bubble, indicating that the pan is at the perfect temperature for cooking the soaked bread.

Cook the french toast:

  • Place the custard-soaked bread slices into the pan without overcrowding. Cook each piece for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until the edges begin to brown to a beautiful golden hue.
  • Carefully flip the slices over and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes on the opposite side. The medium-low heat allows the custard inside the bread to cook through and set without burning the exterior.

Check for doneness:

  • Once both sides have reached a consistent color and the French toast feels firm but springy to the touch, indicating the custard is fully cooked, remove the slices from the pan.

Keep warm and serve:

  • As you continue cooking the remaining slices, avoid stacking the cooked French toast on top of each other, as this can lead to a soggy texture. Instead, arrange each piece side by side on a wire rack or keep them warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven until ready to serve.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade French toast with its perfect balance of crispy exterior and custard-soft interior, infused with the delightful flavors of cinnamon and vanilla!
 
 
 
 
 

Blueberry Compote Recipe

A luscious and vibrant blueberry compote, bursting with fresh juicy blueberries and delicately simmered to achieve the perfect syrupy consistency, effortlessly takes the French toast to new heights. This delectable topping adds a delightful fruity and tangy kick that beautifully enhances the richness of the dish, making every bite a tantalizing symphony of flavors.

brunch-blueberry-compote-recipe

Blueberry Compote

A luscious and vibrant blueberry compote, bursting with fresh juicy blueberries and delicately simmered to achieve the perfect syrupy consistency, effortlessly takes you breakfast and dessert dishes to the new heights.
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Fresh Blueberries
  • 1/2 Cup Water
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  • Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the berries burst and the sauce thickens
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Allow to cool before serving.

Presentation is key for a Brunch Board

To craft this delightful brunch board, begin by laying out your largest ingredients  and containers first. Surround your French toast centerpiece with an assortment of toppings and sides—fresh berries, maple syrup, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and nuts—allowing each guest to tailor their dish to their unique preferences.  

When constructing your brunch board, consider the color palette of your ingredients. Strive for a harmonious distribution of hues by ensuring no two items of the same color touch. For example, separate clusters of blueberries with golden French toast slices or bright strawberry halves to create a visually appealing spread. It’s these subtle contrasts that can make your brunch board not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes.

Additionally, to achieve a full and abundant look, use smaller pieces like pecans, almonds, and small berries, to fill in any gaps, ensuring that the board itself remains unseen. This technique not only adds variety and intricacy to the board but also gives an impression of plentifulness and thoughtfulness in your presentation.

For larger parties, some other breakfast charcuterie items can include delicate croissants, bagels, savory smoked salmon, and hard-boiled eggs to diversify your board and appeal to the flavors of each guest. Check out this charcuterie board, perfect for any spread!

3 Tips to Remember

Focus on a variety of textures and flavors when choosing ingredients.

Visual appeal is just as important—arrange your board with care and creativity.

Always tailor your brunch board to the preferences and dietary needs of your guests.

Bonus: Brunch Mimosa Recipes

No brunch board is complete without the delightful clinking of glasses in a joyful toast to good food and great company.  And what’s brunch without a refreshing beverage? You can complement your French toast board with classic and simple mimosas, made with freshly squeezed orange juice for a burst of citrusy goodness. Or, for a tantalizing twist, consider opting for a tart alternative by using cranberry juice. The vibrant red hue and tangy flavor will add an exciting dimension to your brunch experience. 

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Classic Mimosa

This refreshing cocktail combines sparkling wine with vibrant fresh orange juice, creating the perfect balance of effervescence and citrus sweetness.
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Ingredients
  

  • Champagne or Sparkling Wine
  • Orange Juice
  • Orange Peel For garnish

Instructions
 

  • Pour 2 parts champagne or sparkling wine into a flute glass.
  • Add 1 part fresh orange juice to the glass.
  • Gently stir the mixture to combine.
  • Optional: Garnish with a slice of orange or a twist of orange peel for an extra touch of elegance.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!
cranberry-mimosa-recipe

Cranberry Mimosa

This delightful concoction combines the effervescence of champagne or sparkling wine with the tart sweetness of cranberry juice, creating a refreshing and vibrant cocktail perfect for any celebratory occasion.
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Ingredients
  

  • Champagne or Sparkling Wine
  • Cranberry Juice
  • Fresh Cranberries (Optional)

Instructions
 

  • Pour 2 parts champagne or sparkling wine into a flute glass.
  • Add 1 part cranberry juice to the glass.
  • Gently stir the mixture to combine.
  • Optional: Garnish with fresh cranberries or a lime wedge for a festive touch.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic cocktail!

Leftover French Toast Ideas 

If by chance there are leftovers, stale French toast can make for an excellent bread pudding or even a layered French toast bake. For the more pragmatic, simply freeze your leftovers for a quick pop in the toaster for an on-the-go breakfast during the workweek.

With this elegant array of sweet and savory, your French toast brunch board is sure to appeal to the palates of all your attendees, from the sweet-toothed indulger to the savory brunch connoisseur. Remember, the beauty lies in the blend of colors, textures, and flavors, allowing each guest to create their own perfect bite. Bon appétit!

So, gather your loved ones, create a beautiful and inviting brunch setting with fresh flowers, elegant tableware, and soft ambient music. Raise your glasses and toast to the perfect brunch experience, filled with laughter, good conversations, and unforgettable moments shared with loved ones. Cheers to creating lasting memories together!

Jessy-Mattix-Supper-Social

Hi there! I’m Jessy Mattix, your go-to food lover and writer with a a collection of unique experiences in boutique catering. My culinary adventure began with preparing healthy meals, and it flourished in the cozy corners of intimate gatherings where my skills in organizing dinner parties truly sparkled.

Come along with me as I share tales of culinary exploits, inviting you into a world where every dish has a tale, every meal sets the scene, and every dinner party celebrates our collective happiness.

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