French toast has long been a beloved breakfast staple. From humble slices of bread dipped in eggs and milk to gourmet creations filled with decadent ingredients, this dish continues to evolve into something extraordinary. Among the many variations, Bourbon Maple Bacon Stuffed French Toast stands out as a luxurious and indulgent option that beautifully combines sweet, smoky, salty, and slightly boozy flavors.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about making this show-stopping breakfast dish. From ingredients and preparation steps to helpful cooking tips, storage, serving suggestions, and even calorie estimates, this guide will equip you to make French toast that feels like a five-star brunch item.

Why Choose Bourbon Maple Bacon Stuffed French Toast?

This dish isn’t just ordinary French toast—it’s elevated with several bold and flavorful elements:

1. Sweet and Savory Balance – The natural sweetness of maple syrup and bourbon caramel blends seamlessly with the salty crunch of smoky bacon.

2. Creamy Filling – A luscious cream cheese mixture stuffed between bread slices makes every bite rich and indulgent.

3. Crispy Exterior, Soft Interior – Pan-fried in butter until golden brown, the bread develops a crisp outside while remaining soft and custard-like inside.

4. Crowd-Pleasing Brunch Dish – Perfect for holidays, special weekends, or when you want to impress guests with something unique.

5. Customizable – You can tweak the level of sweetness, add fruit, swap cheeses, or even try flavored syrups.

Now let’s break down the recipe in detail.

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings (about 8 stuffed slices). You can adjust quantities depending on the number of people you’re serving.

For the French Toast:

• 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread (day-old works best)

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional but highly recommended)

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)

For the Stuffing:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon bourbon (optional)

• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

For Topping:

• Additional maple syrup

• Powdered sugar for dusting

• Extra crumbled bacon

• Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)

• Whipped cream (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Lay bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake for 15–18 minutes until crispy.

4. Remove, drain on paper towels, and let cool before crumbling.

This method ensures evenly cooked, crunchy bacon without greasy stovetop splatters.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon (if using). Mix until creamy.

3. Fold in crumbled bacon, reserving a little for garnish.

This filling should be spreadable but thick, almost like cheesecake batter.

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Bread

1. Lay out the brioche slices in pairs.

2. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture on one slice of each pair.

3. Top with the second slice, creating a sandwich.

4. Press gently so the filling stays in place.

Step 4: Prepare the Custard Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, bourbon, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

2. Pour into a shallow dish wide enough to dip bread sandwiches.

Step 5: Dip and Cook the French Toast

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and let it melt.

2. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard mixture, letting it soak for 20–30 seconds per side.

3. Place on the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp.

4. Repeat with remaining sandwiches, adding more butter as needed.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

1. Cut stuffed French toast diagonally into halves.

2. Drizzle generously with maple syrup.

3. Dust with powdered sugar.

4. Top with extra bacon, whipped cream, or berries.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

This makes it a surprisingly quick recipe despite its indulgent flair.

Estimated Calories

Here’s a breakdown per serving (1 stuffed slice with toppings):

• Brioche bread: ~200 calories

• Cream cheese filling: ~150 calories

• Bacon: ~80 calories

• Custard mixture: ~100 calories

• Butter (for cooking): ~50 calories

• Maple syrup topping: ~100 calories

Total per serving: ~680 calories

This is a decadent breakfast meant to be enjoyed occasionally as a treat.

Tips for Success

1. Use Sturdy Bread – Brioche or challah works best because they are thick, slightly sweet, and soak up custard without falling apart. Avoid thin sandwich bread.

2. Day-Old Bread – Slightly stale bread holds up better when soaked in custard.

3. Don’t Overstuff – Too much filling will ooze out during cooking. A thin, even layer is perfect.

4. Cook on Medium Heat – Too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low and it won’t crisp properly.

5. Serve Immediately – French toast is best enjoyed hot, fresh off the skillet.

Variations

• Nutty Twist – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.

• Fruit-Forward – Layer sliced bananas or strawberries inside the sandwich.

• Boozy Version – Increase bourbon in both filling and custard for adults-only brunch.

• Kid-Friendly – Omit bourbon and replace with a splash of extra vanilla.

• Savory Spin – Replace cream cheese filling with cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère for a less sweet version.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 1 month.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or reheat in a skillet with butter.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this decadent French toast with:

• A hot cup of coffee or cappuccino

• Fresh fruit salad for balance

• Scrambled eggs for extra protein

• A brunch cocktail like a mimosa or Bloody Mary

Final Thoughts

Bourbon Maple Bacon Stuffed French Toast is everything a brunch dish should be: indulgent, flavorful, and satisfying. The creamy, smoky filling contrasts beautifully with the sweet maple-bourbon custard, while the crispy exterior gives way to a soft, rich center.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning, this recipe guarantees to wow anyone at the table.

It’s not just French toast—it’s an experience.