Turn Stale Bread Into Brunch With These Muffin Tin French Toast Bites

Oui, oui — you just need a few breakfast stapes to create French toast bites your friends will devour. 

Photo by: Savour Imagery LLC

Savour Imagery LLC

Follow Sam on:

French toast is a crowd favorite, and it's also practical for hosts, since it transforms stale bread, milk, eggs and other kitchen staples into something delicious. Bonus: This version is bite-sized and finished with cinnamon crumb topping. Yum! 

Prep Time: 20 minutes plus 1 hour resting time

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 12 servings

The Ingredients

  • 1 baguette, day old if possible
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • For the topping:
  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, very cold and cut into small cubes

The Instructions

Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and then into 1 inch strips. Cut the strips into 1-inch cubes. Add the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a large mixing bowl and whisk until well combined. Toss the bread cubes in the milk mixture. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Grease muffin tin. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

Add all of the ingredients for the topping to a medium bowl. Mix with a fork until you get a coarse sand mixture. Distribute the mixture evenly over the muffins.

Toss the bread cubes again and divide them evenly over the 12 cavities of the muffin tin. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes in the pan before removing.

Next Up

Lowcountry Boil Recipe

Also known as Frogmore Stew, this simple shrimp boil is traditionally served family-style. 

Lowcountry Crab Cakes Recipe

These bite-size crab cakes make the perfect first course for a Southern-style celebration.

Biltmore Estate's Nut Crusted Brie with Cherry Chutney

Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. shares a favorite appetizer for your holiday season parties. Their winemaker suggests pairing this recipe with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine.

Braised Pork Belly With Sweet Potato Puree Recipe

Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tenn., shares their recipe for braised pork belly with sweet potato puree, kimchi and candied pecans.

Savory Cheddar Cheese Bacon and Onion Scones

Wow your brunch guests with this gotta-try grill recipe.

Curried Chicken Salad Recipe

This simple recipe is ideal for a casual lunch gathering all year long.

Caprese Bites Recipe

Round out an appetizer buffet with these no-cook caprese tomato bites. They're a simple, party-ready alternative to a caprese salad with the same delicious taste.

Irish Coffee Recipe

Irish whisky and a dollop of whipped cream are all you need to turn a cup of coffee into this cold-weather classic. This drink isn't overly rich so it pairs well with dessert yet is tasty enough to serve on its own.

Pumpkin Pancakes With Vanilla Bourbon Maple Syrup

Fall for autumn's favorite flavor - pumpkin - with this recipe for fluffy, flavorful pumpkin pancakes topped with homemade maple syrup. Perfect for a Thanksgiving brunch or as an anytime breakfast treat.

Parmesan Cheddar Chive Biscuits Recipe

Fresh chives and both Cheddar and Parmesan cheese give these soft, flaky biscuits a savory bite your guests will love.

On TV

What's New in Shows

Luxury Home Giveaways

HGTV Smart Home

A sophisticated, sporty home in San Antonio, Texas

HGTV Dream Home

A lakeside retreat on Lake Wylie in Charlotte, North Carolina

Follow HGTV on Social

Keep up with HGTV designers and hosts.

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.