What Are Good Toppings for French Toast?

French toast is one of the most beloved breakfast dishes worldwide, known for its versatility and the endless possibilities for toppings. Whether you’re a fan of the classic sweet varieties or prefer savory twists, there are countless ways to elevate your morning toast into something extraordinary. In this article, we’ll explore the best toppings for French toast, ranging from the traditional to the more innovative and modern, so you can create your perfect breakfast.

Classic Sweet Toppings for French Toast

When you think of French toast toppings, your mind probably goes to the sweet classics. These time-honored toppings have stood the test of time, and for good reason.

Maple Syrup and Butter: The most iconic combination for French toast. Maple syrup, with its rich and natural sweetness, drizzled over a slice of warm toast with a pat of melted butter, creates an unbeatable balance of flavors.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are popular choices. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness add freshness to the buttery richness of French toast. Berries also boost the nutritional value by adding antioxidants and vitamins.
Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of whipped cream is a great way to balance out the acidity of berries or citrus fruits. You can make it even better by whipping your own cream at home with just a bit of sugar and vanilla extract.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a beautiful and simple finish to any French toast. The delicate sweetness is an easy way to elevate your breakfast without overpowering the dish.

Unique and Modern Sweet Toppings

Looking to take your French toast to the next level? There are plenty of unique and modern toppings that will make your breakfast feel indulgent and innovative.

Nut Butters (Peanut Butter, Almond Butter): Nut butters are a fantastic way to add protein and richness to your toast. Spread a layer of peanut or almond butter over your French toast and top it with slices of banana or berries for a flavor-packed, healthy breakfast. For more on the nutritional benefits of nut butters, check out this Healthline article.
Honey and Agave Syrup: If you’re looking for natural sweeteners as an alternative to maple syrup, honey and agave syrup are perfect choices. They offer a milder sweetness and pair beautifully with fresh fruits or even savory toppings like bacon.
Caramelized Bananas: For a decadent twist, try topping your French toast with caramelized bananas. These add a deep sweetness with a rich, caramel flavor that can transform your meal into a dessert-like indulgence. Want to make caramelized bananas? Follow this recipe from Bon Appétit.
Nutella: If you love chocolate, spreading Nutella on your French toast is a game-changer. Pair it with strawberries or bananas for a heavenly combination.
Ice Cream and Custard: If you’re serving French toast as a dessert or an indulgent brunch, ice cream and custard make for an incredibly rich topping. French vanilla ice cream or a silky custard can turn your meal into a celebration.

Savory Toppings for French Toast

While French toast is most commonly thought of as a sweet dish, savory toppings offer a whole new experience. If you’re not a fan of sweet breakfasts, these options are for you.

Bacon and Sausage: One of the most popular savory additions, bacon or sausage paired with French toast combines salty and sweet in a way that’s undeniably delicious. The crispy texture of bacon complements the soft and rich toast.
Avocado: Avocado toast is all the rage these days, and it works beautifully on French toast too. Mash up some avocado, add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for a creamy, savory breakfast option.
Cheese (Cream Cheese, Brie, Cheddar): Adding cheese to French toast is an unexpected but delightful option. Cream cheese or brie brings a creamy texture, while a sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor. Try pairing cheese with fruits like apples or pears for a balanced meal.
Sautéed Vegetables (Mushrooms, Spinach): Another way to go savory is by adding sautéed vegetables. Mushrooms and spinach add an earthy flavor and are a perfect match for eggy French toast. They also make the dish feel more substantial.

Seasonal and Holiday Toppings

French toast is the perfect dish to adapt with seasonal ingredients and holiday flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a summer brunch or a cozy winter morning, there’s a topping for every time of year.

Pumpkin Spice and Cinnamon: During the fall, nothing beats the combination of pumpkin spice and cinnamon. Sprinkle these warming spices on your French toast for a flavor that screams autumn.
Cranberry Sauce and Pomegranate Seeds: For the winter holidays, try topping your toast with cranberry sauce or fresh pomegranate seeds. The tartness of these fruits contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the toast.
Fresh Peaches and Berries (Summer): In the summer, when fruits like peaches and berries are at their peak, use them to top your French toast for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.

Toppings for Health-Conscious Eaters

French toast doesn’t have to be indulgent to taste good. There are plenty of healthy topping options that add flavor without piling on the calories.

Greek Yogurt: Swap out whipped cream for Greek yogurt to add a creamy texture and boost the protein content. Add a drizzle of honey and a handful of berries for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Chia Seeds): Adding nuts and seeds to your French toast brings a satisfying crunch along with healthy fats and fiber. Almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are all great options.
Low-Sugar Jams and Preserves: If you want the sweetness of jam without the extra sugar, go for low-sugar or sugar-free jams. These offer the same fruity flavor but without the added calories or blood sugar spikes.

For those seeking more natural alternatives to processed sugar syrups, explore options in this Medical News Today guide.

DIY Topping Combinations for French Toast

Now that we’ve covered individual toppings, let’s talk about topping combinations that work well together to create a balanced flavor profile.

Banana, Peanut Butter, and Honey: This is a powerhouse breakfast combination. The sweetness of the banana, the richness of the peanut butter, and the light sweetness of the honey create a well-rounded, delicious topping.
Apple, Cinnamon, and Whipped Cream: A great choice for fall, this combination offers warm, comforting flavors that pair beautifully with the creamy texture of whipped cream.
Bacon, Egg, and Cheese: For a savory twist, turn your French toast into a full breakfast by adding bacon, eggs, and cheese. It’s like a breakfast sandwich but with the delicious twist of French toast as the base.
Mixed Berries and Vanilla Yogurt: If you want something light and refreshing, top your French toast with mixed berries and a dollop of vanilla yogurt. It’s a nutritious, tasty option that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Toppings

Even with all these great options, there are some common mistakes to avoid when topping your French toast.

Overloading with Too Many Sweet Ingredients: It’s easy to go overboard with sweet toppings, but too much sweetness can overwhelm the dish. Stick to one or two sweet elements and balance them with savory or neutral toppings.
Using Low-Quality Syrups or Processed Ingredients: The quality of your toppings matters. Low-quality syrups or highly processed toppings can detract from the flavor of your French toast. Opt for real maple syrup, fresh fruits, and homemade whipped cream whenever possible.
Choosing the Wrong Bread for Toppings: Different toppings work best with different types of bread. For example, thick, sturdy breads like brioche or challah can handle heavier toppings like peanut butter or ice cream, while lighter toppings like fruit and yogurt are better suited for lighter breads.

FAQs

Q1: What are healthy toppings for French toast?
Healthy toppings include Greek yogurt, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits like berries or bananas. These toppings add nutrients like protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Q2: Can French toast be served with savory toppings?
Yes! French toast can be served with savory toppings like bacon, cheese, avocado, and sautéed vegetables.

Q3: How do I make my French toast more flavorful?
To make your French toast more flavorful, experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, use high-quality toppings, and try different breads like brioche or sourdough.

Q4: Can I use non-dairy toppings for French toast?
Absolutely! Non-dairy toppings like coconut cream, almond butter, and plant-based yogurts work great on French toast.

Conclusion

French toast is a blank canvas that you can dress up however you like. Whether you prefer the classic sweetness of maple syrup and butter or are looking for something more creative like caramelized bananas or avocado, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment with savory toppings, seasonal flavors, or even health-conscious alternatives. With the right combination of flavors, you can turn a simple slice of French toast into a gourmet experience.

Now, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy your perfectly topped French toast!

Best Toppings for French Toast