Who doesn’t love a warm, comforting breakfast that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make? This French Toast Bagel combines the sweetness of cinnamon raisin bagels with the richness of French toast, topped with warm, juicy blueberries and a dollop of peanut butter. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for a weekend treat or a quick breakfast upgrade.
Method
Prepare the Egg Mixture
Start by preparing the egg mixture in a mixing bowl. Whisk together one egg, a pinch of cinnamon, your preferred sweetener (such as stevia or honey), and a splash of milk (like almond milk for a dairy-free option). Make sure the mixture is well combined, and the ingredients are fully incorporated to ensure an even coating on the bagel slices later on. The cinnamon will add a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the bagel, while the sweetener and milk bring out the richness needed for a French toast effect.
Soak the Bagel
Once the egg mixture is ready, slice your cinnamon raisin bagel in half, ensuring both halves are evenly sized. Place them into the egg mixture and let them soak for about two minutes. You want both sides to be fully coated in the egg mixture, but make sure not to let the bagel sit too long, as it can become overly soggy. The goal is to get a nice, thick layer of the egg mixture on each slice without losing the structure of the bagel.
Cook the Bagel
Now, it’s time to cook your soaked bagel. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with either cooking spray or a small amount of butter, ensuring the bagel doesn’t stick during cooking. Carefully add the soaked bagel halves to the pan, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want the bagel to become golden brown and crispy, so be sure to monitor the pan’s heat. If the heat is too high, it might burn before the bagel becomes crispy. The perfect cook should yield a crisp exterior while the inside remains soft and fluffy, similar to the texture of French toast.
Prepare the Toppings
While your bagel is cooking, you can prepare the toppings. In a microwave-safe bowl, place a handful of fresh blueberries. Drizzle with honey and heat the mixture in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The honey will warm and soften the blueberries just enough to release their juices, creating a sweet, syrupy topping that contrasts perfectly with the crispy bagel. You don’t want to overheat the berries, as they should remain whole and not become mushy.
Assemble the French Toast Bagel
Once your bagel is done cooking and the blueberries are ready, it’s time to assemble the French Toast Bagel. Start by spreading a generous tablespoon of peanut butter over the warm bagel halves. The richness of the peanut butter complements the sweetness of the bagel and blueberries. Next, spoon the honeyed blueberries over the bagel halves, letting the juices from the fruit drip down. For added texture and flavor, you can sprinkle chopped nuts of your choice (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans) on top for a satisfying crunch.
French Toast Bagel
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or whisk
- Large frying pan
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- For the French Toast Bagel:
- 1 cinnamon raisin bagel
- 1 egg whisked
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tsp sweetener
- Splash of milk e.g., Alpro almond milk
- Toppings:
- Handful of blueberries
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- Chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg MixtureIn a bowl, whisk together the egg, cinnamon, sweetener, and milk until well combined.
- Soak the BagelSlice your bagel in half and place both halves in the egg mixture.Let them soak for about 2 minutes, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
- Cook the BagelHeat a frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.Add the bagel halves to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the ToppingsIn a microwave-safe bowl, mix blueberries with honey and heat for 10 seconds until warm and slightly softened.
- Assemble the French Toast BagelSpread peanut butter over the bagel halves.Top with the warm honeyed blueberries and sprinkle with chopped nuts for added crunch.
Notes
- Even Soaking: Ensure the bagel is fully soaked in the egg mixture for an even coating, but don’t let it sit too long to avoid it becoming soggy.
- Pan Temperature: Keep the frying pan at medium heat to prevent the bagel from burning before it crisps up.
- Topping Balance: Warm the blueberries just enough to release their juices but not so much that they become mushy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for extra creaminess.
- Serve with a small side of scrambled eggs for a protein boost.
Fun Fact
Did you know cinnamon raisin bagels were first popularized in New York in the 1950s? They’re still a breakfast staple loved for their sweet, chewy flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy or fruity toppings!
Conclusion
This French Toast Bagel is a delicious twist on two breakfast classics. With its crispy edges, soft interior, and perfectly balanced sweet and nutty toppings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your breakfast-loving friends! 🥯🍯🍇