Maple French Toast Bagel

This Maple French Toast Bagel is hands down my favorite way to transform a basic bagel into something special! Instead of the usual cream cheese routine, I dip it in a sweet maple cinnamon egg mixture and cook it until golden and crispy. It takes just minutes to make and honestly tastes like weekend brunch on a busy weekday morning.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this recipe on a random Tuesday. My kitchen smelled like a pancake house, and I realized I’d been missing out on french toast bagels my whole life. The best part? You get all that fluffy, custardy french toast flavor with the chewy texture of a bagel. It’s become my go-to breakfast when I want something quick but totally crave-worthy. This maple french toast bagel recipe works with any bagel you have on hand, and the maple extract really takes it over the top. Trust me, once you try cooking your bagel like french toast, you’ll never look at breakfast the same way.

What You’ll Need for Your Maple French Toast Bagel

I always use real maple extract in this recipe because it gives you that authentic maple flavor without making the mixture too runny. A wide nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet works best for even browning. Pro tip: if you don’t have maple extract, a tiny splash of real maple syrup works too, just reduce the milk slightly.

• 1 bagel (any variety, but plain or cinnamon raisin work best)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk (any kind you prefer)
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter for cooking

I recommend using day-old bagels for this recipe. Fresh bagels are great, but slightly stale ones soak up the egg mixture better without getting soggy. If your bagel is super fresh, just toast it lightly first.

How I Make the Perfect Maple French Toast Bagel

I prefer using a wide shallow dish for the egg mixture because it makes coating the bagel halves so much easier. A pie dish works perfectly for this step.

Step 1: Crack your egg into a shallow dish and add the milk, maple extract, and cinnamon. Whisk everything together with a fork until completely combined and no streaks of egg white remain. The mixture should be light golden and smell amazing.

Step 2: Slice your bagel in half horizontally like you normally would for toasting. Dip one half into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about 5-10 seconds per side (5 seconds for fresh bagels, 10 seconds for day-old). You want it coated but not completely waterlogged. Repeat with the second half.

Step 3: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add your butter and let it melt completely, swirling to coat the pan. Watch for the butter to stop foaming but not brown, that’s your perfect cooking temperature.

Step 4: Place both bagel halves cut side down onto the hot buttered skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them. You’re looking for a deep golden brown color with slightly crispy edges. The egg should be setting nicely.

Step 5: Flip the bagel halves carefully with a spatula and cook the rounded side for another 2-3 minutes. The egg coating should be firm to the touch, not jiggly, with no wet spots, and both sides should be beautifully golden. If your bagel is browning too fast, reduce the heat slightly.

Step 6: Transfer your maple french toast bagel to a plate immediately. Serve hot with a generous drizzle of real maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy. The key is eating it right away while it’s still warm and crispy.

Best Ways to Serve This Maple French Toast Bagel

This recipe pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory sides depending on your mood.

Fresh Berries: A handful of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the maple french toast bagel perfectly. The natural tartness balances the sweet maple flavor.

Crispy Bacon: The salty, smoky crunch of bacon is an absolute game changer with this sweet bagel. It’s that classic sweet and savory breakfast combo that never disappoints.

Greek Yogurt: A dollop of vanilla or plain Greek yogurt adds protein and a tangy creaminess that complements the cinnamon maple flavors beautifully. Plus it makes this feel like a more complete meal.

Scrambled Eggs: For a heartier breakfast, serve your french toast bagel alongside fluffy scrambled eggs. The combination gives you different textures and makes this breakfast more filling.

More Delicious Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day Right

This Maple French Toast Bagel pairs wonderfully with other creative breakfast recipes that bring excitement to your morning routine. For another sweet bagel variation, try the indulgent Easy Chocolate Chip Bagels that combine homemade bagel texture with chocolate sweetness. If you’re craving a savory bagel option, the bold flavors in the Cheddar Bacon Everything Bagel or spicy Jalapeno Bagel create the perfect contrast to this sweet maple recipe.

When planning a complete breakfast spread, serve this french toast bagel alongside protein-packed options like Southern Breakfast Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy for guests who prefer heartier fare. For a lighter accompaniment, the Crispy Feta Fried Eggs add Mediterranean flair and extra protein to balance the sweet bagel perfectly.

Storing Your Maple French Toast Bagel

This recipe is honestly best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, but I get that life gets busy. If you have leftovers, let the french toast bagel cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, I recommend using a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back some of that crispy exterior that makes this recipe so good. The microwave works in a pinch but the texture won’t be quite as nice.

Pro tip: you can actually prep the egg mixture the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Then in the morning, just dip and cook your bagel. It’s a tiny time saver that makes busy mornings easier.

Common Questions About Maple French Toast Bagels

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