What’s the perfect twist on a weekend brunch classic? These cinnamon roll french toast bites, made with sweet cinnamon and soft bread, are a quick and easy homemade treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Save this idea for a delicious morning meal to try soon

cinnamon roll french toast bites are stacked on top of each other and topped with chives

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the warmth of cinnamon rolls with the decadence of French toast, all in bite-sized pieces stacked high and finished with a sprinkle of chives. This creative breakfast or brunch option is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. The best part? It’s made from everyday ingredients and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weekend morning. The combination of soft, fluffy cinnamon roll French toast, the slight crunch from the chives, and the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar topping creates a flavor and texture experience that’s hard to resist.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The dish balances sweet and savory flavors, using ingredients that are easily found in most kitchens, such as eggs, milk, bread, and cinnamon.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, the recipe is straightforward and requires basic cooking skills, making it accessible to cooks of all levels.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The stacking of the French toast bites and the topping with chives create a visually appealing dish that looks like it took hours to prepare, but in reality, can be ready in under an hour.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include cinnamon roll bread (or regular bread with cinnamon added), eggs, milk, butter, cinnamon, sugar, and chives. For the cinnamon roll bread, you can either use store-bought cinnamon rolls or make your own. If using regular bread, simply add cinnamon to the egg mixture for a similar flavor. Chives can be substituted with scallions or green onions for a slightly different flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing for practical substitutions based on what you have available.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the cinnamon roll bread into 1-inch thick slices. If using regular bread, mix 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon into the egg mixture for each 2 slices of bread. Crack eggs into a bowl, add milk, and whisk until well combined. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
Step 2: Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly, and then place on the pan or griddle. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining bread slices.
Step 3: Once the French toast bites are cooked, stack them on top of each other on a serving plate. You can drizzle with syrup, honey, or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar between the layers for extra flavor.
Step 4: Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped chives over the top. You can also add other toppings such as fresh fruits, whipped cream, or maple syrup to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!

Handy Tips

For an extra crispy exterior and fluffy interior, make sure the pan or griddle is hot before adding the French toast. You can test the heat by flicking a few drops of water onto the pan; if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, it’s ready.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the French toast bites in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
Let the cooked French toast bites cool for a minute or two before stacking to prevent them from becoming too soggy.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when cooking the French toast bites. The ideal temperature is medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked. If it’s too low, the cooking process will be slow and might result in soggy French toast. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. Signs of doneness include a golden brown color and a slight springiness to the touch.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted bread and the chives on top. To achieve a nice crunch, ensure that the French toast bites are cooked until they’re golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. The chives add a fresh, oniony flavor and a bit of texture. For an extra crunch, you could also sprinkle some chopped nuts or cinnamon sugar on top of the French toast bites before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture and a denser French toast.
Let the egg mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid fully before cooking.
Keep the cooked French toast bites warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) while cooking the rest to serve everything warm at once.

Storage Tips

Leftover French toast bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked French toast bites on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen French toast bites in the toaster oven or microwave until warmed through.
Best containers for storage are airtight containers to keep the French toast fresh and prevent drying out.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, a beautiful and practical way to package it is in a wooden crate or a large, decorative tin filled with the stacked French toast bites. You can wrap the crate or tin in a ribbon and add a gift tag with the ingredients and reheating instructions. Another option is to package individual servings in smaller containers or bags, perfect for a breakfast-on-the-go gift.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for a unique twist on the traditional cinnamon flavor.
Creative toppings: Instead of chives, top your French toast bites with fresh fruits, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts for varying flavors and textures.
Ingredient swaps: Use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version. You can also substitute the bread with gluten-free options for dietary restrictions.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your French toast bites turn out too soggy, it might be because the bread was too fresh or the egg mixture was too wet. Try using day-old bread and adjusting the amount of milk in the egg mixture.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have chives, you can replace them with scallions or green onions. For the cinnamon, you could use a mixture of nutmeg and ginger for a different spice profile.
Over/undercooking signs: If the French toast bites are too dark, they’re overcooked. If they’re pale and soft, they’re undercooked. Adjust the cooking time and heat as needed to achieve the perfect golden brown color.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked French toast bites for up to 2 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Is it gluten-free? The recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. However, traditional cinnamon roll bread contains gluten.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just ensure you have enough pans or griddles to cook the French toast bites in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll French toast bites stacked on top of each other and topped with chives are a creative and delicious breakfast or brunch option that’s sure to impress. With its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and impressive presentation, this dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy morning with family and friends. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and ingredients to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further substitutions or variations. Happy cooking, and enjoy the delightful combination of cinnamon, sugar, and freshness in every bite!

Cinnamon Roll French Toast