If you’ve ever wanted to treat yourself to a breakfast that feels both indulgent and comforting, then Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast is your new go-to. This recipe masterfully combines the sweetness of rich maple syrup, the smoky crunch of bacon, and just a hint of bourbon warmth, all layered over perfectly toasted bread. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes every morning feel like a special occasion, packed with flavors that excite your palate and satisfy your cravings at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbeatable Flavor Fusion: The blend of bourbon, maple syrup, and smoky bacon creates a deliciously unique taste that stands out.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: Every bite is a harmonious mix, neither overpowering nor bland.
Simple Yet Impressive: It’s easy to prepare but feels like a fancy brunch dish.
Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily tweak ingredients to suit different preferences or dietary needs.
Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for weekday indulgence or weekend celebrations with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a few straightforward yet flavorful ingredients is the key to unlocking the magic of Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast. Each component plays a crucial role, from the richness of the eggs to the sweet syrup and smoky bacon, creating the wonderful layers of taste and texture.

Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick slices provide the perfect base with a soft interior and golden crust.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients and add a creamy richness to the batter.
Milk or Cream: Adds moisture and helps achieve that custardy texture.
Bourbon: Adds a depth of warm, slightly caramelized flavor without overpowering.
Maple Syrup: For that iconic sweet finish and a natural caramel touch.
Bacon: Crispy, smoky slices bring savory contrast and texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that elevate the flavor complexity.
Butter: For cooking and adding a rich golden crust.
Salt and Pepper: A pinch balances the sweetness and highlights flavors.

Variations for Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast

The beauty of Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast is that it’s incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or just want to mix things up, these variations will inspire you to make the recipe your own.

Vegetarian Version: Swap bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for that smoky depth without meat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread varieties or bake your own to keep it celiac-friendly.
Dairy-Free Twist: Replace milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Fruit-Infused: Add fresh berries or sliced bananas on top for natural sweetness and color.
Spiced Up: Increase cinnamon and nutmeg amounts or add pumpkin spice to bring a seasonal vibe.

Why Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast Wins Every Time

How to Make Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

Start by cooking your bacon until crisp, either in a skillet or oven. Set it aside on paper towels to drain excess fat while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a wide bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, bourbon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined and fragrant.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of your brioche or challah into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak up the liquid for at least 20 seconds on each side for a perfectly tender inside.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the soaked bread and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the French toast on plates, layer with crispy bacon slices, and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Add a final splash of bourbon if desired for extra flavor punch.

Pro Tips for Making Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast

Choose the Right Bread: Thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah soaks up custard without falling apart.
Don’t Rush Soaking: Let the bread absorb enough liquid to be tender but not soggy.
Cook Low and Slow: Use medium heat to ensure it cooks through and browns evenly.
Pre-cook Bacon: This avoids greasy French toast and lets you control the bacon crispiness.
Use Real Maple Syrup: It adds authentic sweetness and richness unmatched by artificial syrups.

How to Serve Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast

Garnishes

Top your Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast with fresh berries, chopped toasted pecans, or a dollop of whipped cream to add layers of texture and brightness to each bite.

Side Dishes

Complement the savory-sweet main by serving fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or a light green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the French toast slices with bacon strips between layers for a fun twist or use a ring mold for perfectly round servings that look restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bacon is best stored separately to maintain crispness.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked French toast in single layers separated by parchment paper inside a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Bacon can freeze well, too.

Reheating

Rewarm your French toast in a toaster oven or skillet over medium-low heat to bring back the crispy crust and warm middle without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast without alcohol?

Yes! Simply omit the bourbon or replace it with vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile without the alcohol content.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Thick, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast absorb the custard well and deliver a tender yet firm French toast.

How crispy should the bacon be?

Cook bacon until it is crispy but not burnt to add a perfect crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft French toast.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

You can use plant-based substitutes for the eggs and milk, such as flax eggs and almond milk, and replace bacon with vegan smoked alternatives.

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast is a celebration of flavors that transforms a simple breakfast into something truly memorable. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and indulgent, making every bite a winner. Give it a try and watch it become your favorite morning tradition!

Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast

Print Recipe

Bourbon Maple Bacon French Toast is an indulgent breakfast recipe combining thick, custardy brioche or challah soaked in a bourbon-infused custard, cooked to golden perfection, then layered with crispy smoky bacon and drizzled with rich maple syrup. This sweet and savory dish balances warm spices and bourbon notes, perfect for a comforting brunch or special occasion.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Contains gluten; see variations for gluten-free or dairy-free options

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

6 thick slices brioche or challah bread

Custard Mixture

3 large eggs
1 cup milk or cream
2 tablespoons bourbon
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper

Bacon and Cooking

6 slices crispy cooked bacon
2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)

Instructions

Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon slices until crisp, either in a skillet or oven. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat and set aside.
Make the Custard Mixture: In a wide bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, bourbon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until fully combined and fragrant.
Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for at least 20 seconds on each side to absorb the flavors and become tender inside.
Cook the French Toast: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add soaked bread slices and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until each side is golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
Assemble and Serve: Place the cooked French toast slices on plates. Layer with crispy bacon slices and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Optionally, add a final splash of bourbon for an extra flavor punch.

Notes

Choose thick, sturdy bread such as brioche or challah to soak custard without falling apart.
Allow bread to soak enough to be tender but avoid sogginess for best texture.
Cook the French toast on medium heat to ensure thorough cooking and even browning.
Pre-cook bacon to control crispiness and prevent greasy French toast.
Use real pure maple syrup for authentic sweetness and richness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 slices French toast with 2 bacon slices
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 220 mg

Keywords: French toast, bourbon, maple syrup, bacon, breakfast, brunch, sweet and savory, custard dipped bread