First Watch Floridian French Toast Recipe

This First Watch Floridian French Toast recipe brings that sweet, citrusy, brunch-favorite flavor right to your kitchen. Thick slices of bread are soaked, cooked until golden, and topped with fresh fruit and powdered sugar for a breakfast that feels like a treat without leaving home.

If you’ve ever ordered the Floridian French Toast at First Watch, you already know it’s not your average breakfast.

Thick slices of bread are soaked in a rich, lightly sweet custard, cooked until perfectly golden, and topped with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, and a hint of citrus that makes every bite pop. The best part?

You can skip the wait and make this brunch favorite right at home with simple ingredients and a few easy steps.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Café-style brunch at home: Get that First Watch vibe without waiting in line or paying brunch prices.
• Bright, fresh flavor combo: Sweet citrus notes paired with soft, custardy French toast make every bite pop.
• Simple pantry ingredients: No fancy grocery run needed; you probably already have most of it on hand.
• Perfect for weekend mornings: Feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a lazy Sunday.
• Fully customizable topping game: Go classic with powdered sugar or load it up with berries, bananas, syrup, or whipped cream.

First Watch Floridian French Toast Ingredients

• Thick brioche or challah bread: Slightly stale slices hold custard perfectly
• Large eggs: Create rich, creamy custard base for dipping
• Whole milk: Adds smooth, creamy texture to custard mixture
• Fresh orange juice: Brings bright, sweet citrus Florida-inspired flavor
• Orange zest: Boosts fresh citrus aroma and bold flavor
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, sweet bakery-style depth and richness
• Ground cinnamon: Gives cozy spice with balanced warm flavor
• Butter: Creates golden, crispy edges with rich buttery taste
• Maple syrup: Classic sweet drizzle for perfect finishing touch

How To Make First Watch Floridian French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Start by whisking together eggs, milk, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a little butter, letting it coat the surface evenly so nothing sticks and every slice gets that golden crust.

Step 3: Dip thick slices of brioche or challah bread into the custard mixture, letting each piece soak just long enough to absorb flavor without falling apart.

Step 4: Place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping carefully once the bottom is set and crisp. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed to keep that rich, caramelized finish.

Step 5: Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar for a bright, brunch-style finish that tastes straight from a café menu.

First Watch Floridian French Toast Recipe Tips

• Use slightly stale bread so it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. Fresh bread falls apart fast and ruins the texture.
• Brioche or challah works best because both are rich, soft, and hold flavor like a sponge.
• Don’t oversoak the bread. A quick dip is enough—too long and you’ll get soggy centers.
• Keep the heat at medium. Too hot burns the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
• Add butter between batches so every slice gets that golden, crisp edge instead of sticking.
• Fresh orange juice matters. Bottled juice tastes flat and kills the bright citrus flavor.
• Let the custard sit for 2–3 minutes after whisking so flavors blend better.
• Serve immediately for best texture. French toast waits for nobody.
• Top it like a brunch pro with berries, bananas, powdered sugar, Bourbon Maple Syrup, or Homemade Blueberry Pancake Syrup.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions

• Storing Instructions Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
• Freezing Instructions: Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a toaster, skillet, or air fryer until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid the microwave if possible since it makes the bread soft and soggy.

First Watch Floridian French Toast Recipe Faqs

What makes Floridian French toast different? It uses orange juice and zest in the custard, giving it a bright citrus flavor that sets it apart from classic French toast.

Can I use regular sandwich bread? Yes, but the texture won’t be as rich. Brioche or challah gives the best soft, custardy bite.

Do I need fresh orange juice? Fresh juice is best. Bottled juice tastes flat and won’t give the same fresh citrus flavor.

How do I keep French toast from getting soggy? Don’t oversoak the bread and cook it on medium heat so it crisps properly.

Can I make it ahead of time? Yes. Cook it fully, then store in the fridge and reheat in a toaster, oven, or air fryer.

Can I freeze Floridian French toast? Yes. Freeze cooked slices in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

What toppings go best with this recipe? Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, bananas, and whipped cream all work great.

Why is my French toast eggy? Too much custard or undercooking can cause an eggy taste. Use balanced soaking and proper heat.

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• First Watch Multigrain Bread
• Easy Homemade Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (First Watch Copycat)

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