Floridian French Toast from First Watch features thick slices of brioche bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard, topped with fresh strawberries, banana slices, and a drizzle of powdered sugar, creating a sweet and fruity breakfast delight with a golden, crispy exterior.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Griddle or large nonstick skillet
- Spatula
- Plate (for serving)
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for powdered sugar)
Ingredients
- 4 slices brioche bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 2 ripe bananas
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Thick slices of brioche bread are essential for Floridian French Toast, as their rich texture absorbs the cinnamon-vanilla custard perfectly without falling apart. Using whole milk and large eggs ensures a creamy, custardy soak that contributes to the toast's golden, crispy exterior. Fresh strawberries and ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a fruity contrast to the rich custard-coated bread. Keep unsalted butter on hand for cooking, so you can control the saltiness and achieve a golden crust. You can recreate the sweet and fruity breakfast delight at home with this Floridian French Toast from First Watch copycat recipe.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Crack eggs into a mixing bowl.
- Add whole milk, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Whisk until well combined.
- Pour custard mixture into a shallow dish.
- Slice brioche bread into thick slices if not pre-sliced.
- Preheat griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to griddle/skillet and melt.
- Dip each slice of brioche bread into the custard, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Place soaked bread onto hot griddle/skillet.
- Cook until golden brown on one side (about 2-3 minutes).
- Flip with spatula and cook the other side until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes more).
- Remove French toast and place on serving plate.
- Slice strawberries and bananas on cutting board using the knife.
- Arrange sliced strawberries and bananas over French toast.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar using a sifter or fine mesh strainer.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Floridian French Toast from First Watch copycat recipe uses thick brioche slices soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard for a rich and flavorful base. If brioche is hard to find, you can substitute with challah or Texas toast for a similar texture and sweetness. Whole milk can be replaced with any preferred milk, such as almond or oat milk, to accommodate dietary preferences. Fresh strawberries and bananas add natural sweetness, but you can swap them with other fruits like blueberries or peaches depending on availability. Your choice of butter for cooking ensures a golden crust, but non-dairy margarine works well for a dairy-free option.
Tips
Ensure the custard mixture is thoroughly whisked for a smooth, even soak that prevents soggy centers in your Floridian French Toast. Use thick slices of brioche bread, as thinner slices may fall apart when dipped and cooked, reducing the overall texture quality. Preheat your griddle or skillet properly and melt the butter evenly to achieve a consistent golden-brown crust on both sides of the toast. When dusting powdered sugar, use a fine mesh strainer for an even, delicate layer that enhances the presentation and sweetness without clumping.
Nutritions
Floridian French Toast provides a balanced mix of macronutrients with protein from eggs and calcium-rich whole milk. The brioche bread offers carbohydrates and some fat, while fresh strawberries and bananas contribute fiber, vitamins C and B6, and potassium. Cinnamon adds antioxidants, and the powdered sugar adds sweetness with additional carbohydrates. Your breakfast delivers a combination of energy, nutrients, and natural sweetness ideal for a fulfilling start to your day.
Storage
Store leftover Floridian French Toast in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or nonstick skillet to preserve its crispy exterior and warm custard-infused interior. To keep your strawberries and bananas fresh, store them separately in the fridge and add just before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute brioche with challah or Texas toast for a slightly different texture and flavor profile that still soaks up the custard well. Use almond milk or oat milk as a dairy-free alternative to whole milk to accommodate dietary preferences while maintaining creaminess. Swap granulated sugar for maple syrup or honey in the custard mixture to enhance natural sweetness and add depth. For an extra indulgent variation, after cooking, briefly place the French toast under the broiler with a sprinkle of grated cinnamon sugar for a caramelized, crispy top layer.
Allergies
Floridian French Toast may pose allergy risks due to its primary ingredients such as eggs, whole milk, and brioche bread, which contains wheat gluten. If you have a known sensitivity to dairy, eggs, or gluten, consuming this dish could trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild discomfort to severe symptoms. Always inform the restaurant of your allergies to ensure your meal is prepared safely and to avoid cross-contamination.
Why this recipe?
The Floridian French Toast from First Watch restaurant captivates diners with its perfectly grilled artisan bread topped with sweet caramelized bananas and macerated strawberries, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This dish combines fresh, high-quality ingredients like cage-free eggs, vanilla bean batter, and powdered sugar to deliver an indulgent yet balanced breakfast experience. Making a copycat version at home allows you to enjoy the unique tropical flair and rich taste anytime, tailored to your preferences with fresh, healthy components. Your kitchen can replicate this beloved, crave-worthy menu item that has quickly become a fan favorite for its delicious, Instagram-worthy presentation.